NightLase® - Laser Treatment to Stop Snoring

Snoring is a common occurrence, and about half of all people in the United States experience it to some degree. For patients who snore loudly, or who exhibit snoring’s related disorder, obstructive sleep apnea, the occurrences can be more than just a nuisance. Yet, not everyone realizes that they could find solutions to stop snoring by simply visiting their dentist. While many patients can benefit from a custom-designed snoring appliance, Dr. Lathrop can now utilize advanced laser dentistry to help patients stop snoring. NightLase® treatment is performed with the LightWalker® Dental Laser (by Fotona). With NightLase®, you can stop snoring and enjoy peaceful, restful nights without having to wear an oral appliance.

The Causes of Snoring

Snoring (and in extreme cases, sleep apnea) is caused by a blockage in your airway, which results from over-relaxed or oversized mouth and throat tissues. In minor cases, shifting positions while you sleep may alleviate snoring, and some patients may benefit from a comfortable, custom-made appliance. The appliance works by keeping the lower jaw slightly forward and the airway open to prevent tissues from blocking it.

Advanced NightLase® Snoring Treatment

For patients who qualify for NightLase® snoring treatment, we can utilize the advanced soft-tissue laser to promote the contraction of collagen in soft oral tissues. The tightening effect reduces the chances of oral tissues collapsing into your airway as you sleep, eliminating the main cause of snoring. One of the biggest advantages of NightLase® is that you will not need to wear an appliance while you sleep, or work with a cumbersome continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine if you suffer from sleep apnea.