Caring For Your Sleep Appliance
Your oral appliance gently holds your jaw forward while you sleep, keeping your airway open so you breathe better and stop snoring. It takes a short adjustment period, and consistent nightly use is what gives you better sleep and better health. Here is how to use and care for it.
Getting Used To It
- Wear it every night. Consistent use is what delivers the benefit to your sleep and health.
- Extra saliva or mild jaw soreness the first mornings is normal and settles within a week or two.
- Morning jaw exercises we showed you help your bite feel normal after removing it.
Cleaning It
- Brush it gently with a toothbrush and cool water each morning. No toothpaste, which scratches.
- Let it air dry before storing in its case.
- Deep clean with a denture or appliance cleaner as directed.
What To Expect
- Your bite may feel off for a few minutes each morning. The exercises help it settle quickly.
- Better sleep and less snoring are the goal, tell us how you and your partner are sleeping.
- No hot water and never leave it in a hot car. Heat warps it.
- Keep it away from pets. Dogs love to chew them!
Call Us If
- Your bite stays off well into the day or feels permanently changed.
- Jaw pain, tooth pain, or clicking that is not settling.
- The appliance no longer fits, cracks, or feels loose.
- You are still snoring or not sleeping better after the adjustment period.
Why Consistent Use Matters So Much
Untreated sleep apnea is linked to heart disease, high blood pressure, and daytime fatigue. Wearing your appliance every night is not just about snoring, it is protecting your long-term health.
- Wear it every single night, even when traveling. The benefit comes from consistent use.
- Keep it clean and away from heat so it lasts and keeps fitting well.
- Keep your follow-up visits so we can check the fit, your results, and your sleep over time.
Use it every night and you protect both your sleep and your long-term health!
Questions about your sleep appliance? Call the office anytime. We are here for you!
