Not everyone realizes they're waking up tired because they aren’t breathing well during the night. The signs can be easy to miss at first, such as waking up in the middle of the night, snoring, or always feeling drained in the morning. Interrupted sleep often feels like a mystery, especially when there’s no clear explanation. That’s where an oral appliance for sleep apnea may come into the picture. It's a small change that may help create a noticeable shift in how someone sleeps and feels.

Dr. Benjamin Polan works with people every day who are dealing with symptoms like these. We take time to look at how the mouth, jaw, and airway work together, because the solution often begins with something as simple as how the jaw rests at night. That’s the idea behind using an oral appliance, something worn while sleeping, to help keep the airway open without extra equipment.

How Breathing Changes During Sleep

Once we’re asleep, our muscles relax, including those around the throat. In some people, the tongue or jaw moves in a way that narrows the open space in the back of the mouth. That narrowing makes it harder for air to pass through easily. Sometimes, airflow pauses for a moment. Other times, it becomes shallow and uneven.

If the jaw shifts backwards while lying down, there’s a greater chance of blockage. This can result in soft snoring at first, then louder gasping or choking noises as the body tries to pull in more oxygen. The brain picks up on lower oxygen levels, causing little wake-ups through the night, even if the sleeper doesn’t remember them. On the outside, it may look like someone is sleeping enough, but the quality of sleep can be poor.

Dr. Benjamin Polan often sees how specific jaw positions or habits can trigger these shifts. Understanding how breathing patterns change during rest helps explain why simple solutions sometimes work best.

What an Oral Appliance Actually Does

An oral appliance is a custom-fit device made to gently push the lower jaw forward during sleep. That small movement opens up the airway behind the tongue, making it easier to breathe without much effort. It’s designed to help the body keep breathing evenly without waking up often.

The appliance itself usually fits over the top and bottom teeth, a bit like a retainer or mouthguard. There are no cords, wires, or machines involved. It’s worn only at night and removed in the morning. The materials are smooth but firm enough to hold the jaw in the right spot without being uncomfortable.

• It supports airway space without a power supply

• It’s shaped for each person’s bite to allow natural breathing patterns

• It’s easy to travel with or use at home without any setup

At North Shores Sleep and TMJ, the fitting process for oral appliances relies on digital scans and impressions. We ensure your device fits your unique anatomy and provide regular follow-ups to make sure the appliance works comfortably and effectively.

We’ve had many discussions with patients at our Beverly, MA office who are surprised at how quickly they adjust to using one.

Signs That May Point Toward a Need

Someone might need extra support during sleep and not even realize it. Here are some signs worth noticing:

• Waking up often with a dry mouth or sore throat

• Headaches shortly after waking

• Loud snoring that disrupts partners or other people in the home

• Feeling unrefreshed, even after being in bed for eight or more hours

Some people also notice they feel more tired during the day or have trouble staying focused. It’s easy to dismiss these changes, but they can add up. One overlooked reason is jaw structure. If the lower jaw naturally sits back farther, the tongue may crowd the throat during sleep. That extra pressure could block airflow, even in someone with a healthy lifestyle.

Dr. Benjamin Polan pays close attention to mouth shape, tongue posture, and bite patterns. These small details help show whether airway support might help.

Getting Fitted and Adjusted with Dr. Benjamin Polan

Creating a comfortable and useful oral appliance starts with a custom fit. No two mouths are the same, so we begin with a careful impression or scan of the teeth and jaw. From there, we create a soft but secure appliance that holds the jaw in position during rest.

Dr. Benjamin Polan works closely with each person to check that the fit allows normal breathing without strain. The goal is to find the right balance, support where it’s needed, comfort where it matters. At follow-ups, we may adjust the position slightly so the appliance works better over time. These visits are simple and usually quick, but they help us make sure progress is steady.

• Initial fitting involves shaping the device to your bite

• Comfort checks help avoid pressure or shifting during the night

• Small changes may improve long-term rest and fit

It’s part of a gradual process; we focus on comfort, not a fast fix, because better sleep often comes from small, steady changes.

Sleeping Better Without Wires or Hassle

Many people are drawn to oral appliances because they don’t involve machines or hookups. No power cords, water tanks, or face gear. Just a lightweight mouthpiece that fits naturally with your bite. That makes it easier to stick with the routine, even when traveling or staying somewhere new.

We often hear from people that they feel more awake during the day after using the appliance regularly. That can take time, but feeling more rested tends to make daily life easier.

• No setup or noise during the night

• Comfortable enough to forget it's even there

• Easy to take care of and clean

When people feel heard and supported, these small shifts in sleep health can lead to better mornings and more steady routines. Dr. Benjamin Polan helps guide this process without rushing it, so each person can adjust on their own time.

Small Shifts That Make a Big Difference

Better sleep doesn’t always require major changes. Sometimes, the answer starts with the jaw and how it moves at night. A simple appliance, worn consistently, may help rebuild restful sleep and reduce those exhausting wake-up patterns.

What works well for one person may not help another, which is why we always take the time to listen and learn. At our Beverly, MA location, Dr. Benjamin Polan creates every plan based on each person’s mouth, habits, and comfort. We believe in noticing what feels off and finding quiet, steady ways to improve it.

If you’re dealing with dry mornings, loud snoring, or never feeling fully rested, a custom oral appliance could be the piece that’s been missing. These changes may look simple from the outside, but they often make a real difference.

Wondering if a new approach could help you finally get restful sleep? At North Shores Sleep and TMJ, we listen to your concerns and focus on practical solutions that fit your daily routine. Let’s talk about your symptoms and explore whether an oral appliance for sleep apnea could make a difference. Reach out to our team to start the conversation today.