Snoring Prevention
James Island & Charleston
Don’t let snoring drive a wedge between you and your partner. A non-invasive oral device can help you rest easy.
Why Do People Snore?
As you sleep, you breathe in through your nose or mouth. This air passes along the roof of the mouth (the soft palate) to the back of the mouth (the pharynx), where the tongue and upper throat meet. This area can collapse during sleep, narrowing the passageway or even blocking it completely – a serious condition known as obstructive sleep apnea. When the passage narrows, the soft palate and the small bit of flesh in the back of your throat known as the uvula vibrate. This vibration presents as snoring. Other structures in the back of the throat, such as the tonsils and the adenoids, can also vibrate. The smaller the airway becomes, the louder the snoring.
Snoring Risk Factors
A number of factors can contribute to snoring or make you more susceptible, including:
Your throat’s muscle tone – If muscle tone is lax, it’s easier for the tissues to collapse. Low muscle tone can be attributed to a lack of fitness or the aging process.
Your nasal passages – If your nasal passages are blocked, as may occur when you have a cold, it becomes more difficult to inhale. The extra effort can cause the airway to narrow. Chronic causes of narrow nasal passages include allergies and nasal polyps.
Tissues in the mouth, nose, and throat – When tissues become enlarged, snoring occurs. Snoring in children is often attributed to enlarged tonsils.
Your nasal anatomy – If you have a deviated septum, this can disturb the airflow through the nose
Your weight – Being overweight or obese can cause fat in the throat to narrow the airway.
Alcohol – Alcohol is a depressant, and it affects the part of your brain that regulates your breathing. If your tongue and throat muscles become overly relaxed, they may partially block air movement.
Medications – Many medications, particularly those that treat allergies, depression, and anxiety, can relax you or make you drowsy.
Treating Snoring
At James Island Dental Associates, we offer a couple of devices to help open one’s airway to decrease the vibration of the tissues in the back of the mouth. These devices work by gently pulling the lower jaw forward, which moves the tongue away from the back of the throat.
The devices consist of an upper tray and lower tray that are attached by elastics to gently pull the lower jaw forward. We do not manufacture these devices here in our office; instead, they are fabricated in a dental lab. Impressions are taken of your mouth so that the trays are custom-made to fit snugly and comfortably for each patient. The plastic straps are adjusted accordingly until the snoring decreases.
Call for an Assessment 843-762-1234
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Convenience
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Advanced Technology
Advanced Technology
We have the latest dental technology to care for all of your dental needs in-house.
Comfort
Welcoming Atmosphere
We strive to create a stress-free experience curated by our friendly and welcoming staff.
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New Patients
Are you a new patient to James Island Dental Associates? Get started now by following the link and completing the requested forms to make your visit easy and stress-free.
Current Patients
Get Started
New Patients
Are you a new patient to James Island Dental? Get started now by following the link and completing the requested forms to make your visit easy and stress-free.
Current Patients
We make is easy for existing patients of James Island Dental to easily access medical information, schedule appointments, and make online payments. Log in now.
ExcellentBased on 235 reviews
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Paul MeeksJune 15, 2023.She's super diligent & a cool person. Great combination!Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Carol PelligraJune 15, 2023.Excellent friendly and knowledgable staff and they did a terrific job on my dental cleaning.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Joy SimmonsFebruary 14, 2023.I met Dr. Weir as a professor at MUSC dental school. I went to his office for a general visit after bone grafts. He preformed the most through dental/ mouth exam I have ever had in my life. He is kind and empathetic to me and always allows my emotions to flow. He is always up on state of the art in dentistry. He is professional, has integrity, and kind. He preforms dental implants and laser gum surgery. Check him out!Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
K HubatchJanuary 13, 2023.Their dental hygienist, Kit, went above and beyond to help make my toddler feel more comfortable. My daughter had a previously negative experience, and Kit really took the time to help her feel comfortable and involved in the process. 5 stars for Kit!Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Deb BoissonneaultAugust 29, 2022.Really like this dental practice. Everyone is friendly, helpful, & concerned for patient comfort. They get you in without months of waiting for an appointment. The service is prompt. I never feel as if the work is hurried or rushed. Finally, the dentists don't try to sell you procedures you don't need. I came to this practice because of a dentist who tried to sell me crowns I didn't need. Love this group.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Zach SolomonAugust 29, 2022.This office is so great that I actually like goingTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Elizabeth ChristopherAugust 19, 2022.My husband, children, and I have been coming to this dentistry practice for over 20 years. We've never been tempted to go elsewhere.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
nancy farnumAugust 15, 2022.I had a root canal done with Dr.Thomas. It was almost painless,honestly!! This dental practice is TOP NOTCH!Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Lisa MyersAugust 10, 2022.What a great experience.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Susan HolumAugust 10, 2022.Going to the dentist isn’t one of my favorite activities but this office always makes it pleasant. Kit does a great job and puts me at ease.
MORE QUESTIONS?
Finding a Charleston, SC dentist who takes your insurance is important for yourself and your family. When it comes to twice-yearly teeth cleanings, routine exams, dental emergencies, and common dental repairs—fillings and root canals—our office accepts most insurance plans. However, most plans have a yearly maximum. It’s important to contact your provider to learn more about your dental plan, including the procedures that are covered and the amount of your yearly dental benefits. Our office can also contact your provider if you need assistance.
What’s Not Covered by Dental Insurance
Many insurance companies do not cover sedation dentistry, but we have inexpensive options to help you feel comfortable during lengthy dental procedures. Insurance companies also rarely cover cosmetic dentistry—although some offer a full or partial benefit for braces, dentures, or partials.Cosmetic dentistry treatments not covered by most insurance plans include the following:
- Caps
- Veneers
- Implants
- Teeth Whitening
- Other
At James Island Dental Associates, we take the following credit cards:
- Visa
- Mastercard
- American Express
- Discover
- Care Credit
Do not hesitate to call our Charleston, SC dental office if you have questions about payment options or insurance. We always work hard to make sure you can maximize your benefits.
