Adjusting To Your Oral Appliance

Learn how to comfortably adjust to your new oral appliance from Great Sleep Dental in Weymouth, MA. Get tips for success and a better night's sleep

Embarking on a journey to better sleep with an oral appliance is a significant step, and we're here to support you every step of the way. At Great Sleep Dental in Weymouth, MA, we understand that wearing a new device while you sleep can take a little getting used to. Our goal is not just to provide you with an effective treatment,  but to ensure you're comfortable and confident using it so you can finally achieve the restful sleep you deserve.

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Adjusting to Your Oral Appliance

 Tips for Comfort and Success

What to Expect When You First Start Wearing Your Oral Appliance

Person sleeping on a white bed, with curly hair resting on a pillow

Think of your custom oral appliance like a custom-tailored suit or dress. It's made specifically for you, based on precise measurements, but just like clothing, sometimes minor adjustments are needed for the perfect fit. Your first few nights with the appliance are all about getting acquainted.


It's common for your mouth and jaw to feel a little different as they adapt. You might notice increased saliva production at first. This is your brain's natural response, thinking you're about to eat something. Over time, your brain will realize it's not food, and this sensation will subside.


We often tell patients that it can take a few weeks to fully adjust to wearing the appliance comfortably through the night. While many people sleep with it successfully on the very first night, setting this expectation helps ensure you don't get discouraged if it takes a little longer. Patience is key!

You didn't come to us for a piece of plastic; you came for an outcome: to stop snoring, feel more energized, and improve your overall health. That's why we focus on making your experience with your custom oral appliance as smooth and successful as possible.

Tips for a Smooth Adjustment Period

To help you get used to your new appliance, we recommend a few simple practices:



  • Practice Wearing It Before Bed: Try wearing your appliance for about 30 minutes to an hour before you actually go to sleep. You can read a book, watch TV, or simply relax. This allows your mouth to become accustomed to the feeling of the appliance without the pressure of trying to fall asleep right away.
  • Focus on Nasal Breathing: While wearing the appliance, try to breathe through your nose. This helps your body adapt to its presence in your mouth.
  • Don't Force It: If you're struggling to fall asleep with the appliance in, or if it feels genuinely uncomfortable, it's okay to take it out and try again the next night. Each night, aim to wear it a little longer until you can comfortably keep it in for the entire night.
  • Keep It Clean: Maintaining proper hygiene for your appliance is crucial. We'll provide you with specific cleaning instructions to keep it fresh and effective.


Ensuring Your Oral Appliance is Comfortable


Your comfort is paramount. An oral appliance only works if you wear it consistently. During your fitting appointment, we'll ask you to point out any areas that feel rough, pokey, sharp, or too tight. Even minor discomfort can become a big problem in the middle of the night. Please be nitpicky! We'd much rather make small adjustments upfront than have you struggle later.



Our custom-fitted oral appliances are designed to gently hold your lower jaw in a position that keeps your airway open while you sleep. This prevents your tongue and soft tissues from collapsing and blocking your breathing, which is the root cause of conditions like Obstructive Sleep Apnea and snoring. The appliance anchors to your upper jaw, which is stable, and either prevents your lower jaw from falling backward or moves it slightly forward. There are several ways these appliances achieve this, and we select the best type for your specific needs. You can learn more about how oral appliances work on our website.

What if My Appliance Still Feels Uncomfortable?


Even after the initial adjustment period, if you experience persistent discomfort, jaw soreness, or if you feel your sleep isn't improving as expected, please reach out to us. We're here to help.


Sometimes, if an appliance is set too far forward initially, it can cause jaw pain. Conversely, if your appliance isn't effectively keeping your airway open, you might unconsciously "fight" it by clenching or grinding your teeth, which can also lead to discomfort. This is why regular follow-up appointments are so important. We'll ask you questions like:

  • Is your snoring still present?
  • Are you still feeling sleepy during the day?
  • How does your jaw feel in the morning?


Your feedback guides us in making any necessary adjustments to the appliance's position. Our goal is to find the "sweet spot" that effectively treats your sleep issues while keeping you completely comfortable.

The Importance of Follow-Up and Adjustments


Even after the initial adjustment period, if you experience persistent discomfort or jaw soreness  if you feel your sleep isn't improving as expected, please reach out to us. We're here to help.


Sometimes, if an appliance is set too far forward initially, it can cause jaw pain. Conversely, if your appliance isn't effectively keeping your airway open, you might unconsciously "fight" it by clenching or grinding your teeth, which can also lead to discomfort. This is why regular follow-up appointments are so important. We'll ask you questions like:

  • Is your snoring still present?
  • Are you still feeling sleepy during the day?
  • How does your jaw feel in the morning?


Your feedback guides us in making any necessary adjustments to the appliance's position. Our goal is to find the "sweet spot" that effectively treats your sleep issues while keeping you completely comfortable.

Creating a custom oral appliance is a  precise process, much like tailoring a fine garment. Even with the most accurate initial measurements, some fine-tuning is often needed. We will schedule follow-up appointments to check the fit, assess your progress, and make any required adjustments. These adjustments are a normal part of the process and are crucial for optimizing your treatment.


We are committed to helping you achieve lasting relief from common sleep apnea symptoms like snoring and daytime fatigue. Our board-certified expert in dental sleep medicine has extensive experience in selecting and fitting the most effective FDA-approved oral appliances for sleep apnea.


Don't let discomfort deter you from the path to better health and more refreshing sleep. If you have any concerns about adjusting to your oral appliance, or if you're curious about how this treatment could change your life, please don't hesitate to reach out. We're dedicated to your success and well-being.

Ready to experience the difference a great night's sleep can make? Schedule a no-obligation consultation with Great Sleep Dental in Weymouth, MA today. We even offer telemedicine consultations for your convenience.

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