As an adult in Metairie dealing with chronic snoring, you’ve probably tried it all. Nasal strips, mouth guards, sleeping on your side, even CPAP. Most of those manage symptoms. They don’t fix what’s actually causing the problem.
Millions of adults deal with chronic snoring that disrupts their sleep, strains their relationships, and leaves them exhausted. At Hamada Orthodontics, we help adults throughout Metairie, Luling, Destrehan, and the Greater New Orleans area address the structural causes of snoring through airway-centric orthodontics.
That’s where orthodontic intervention comes in—and why adults who thought they were out of options are finally finding relief.
Quick Glance: Adult Snoring Treatment in Metairie
| Who it’s for | Adults with chronic snoring, CPAP intolerance, or mild to moderate sleep apnea |
| Common causes | Narrow palate, recessed jaw, poor tongue posture, soft tissue collapse |
| Warning signs | Partner complaints, waking up exhausted, brain fog, morning headaches, high blood pressure |
| Treatment options | MARPE (adult palatal expansion), jaw repositioning, orthodontic alignment, myofunctional therapy |
| CPAP required? | No—these treatments address structural causes, not just symptoms |
| Treatment timeline | 6–18 months depending on approach |
| Locations | Metairie, Luling, and Destrehan (serving Greater New Orleans) |
Why Do Adults Snore? The Structural Problem Nobody Talks About
Snoring happens when your airway partially collapses during sleep, forcing air through a narrowed space and vibrating the soft tissues in your throat. Most treatments—like CPAP, nasal strips, or oral appliances—work around this problem without actually fixing it.
But here’s what most people don’t realize: the size and position of your jaw directly affects how much room your airway has. A narrow upper palate, a recessed lower jaw, or poor tongue posture can all restrict airflow and set the stage for snoring.
These structural issues often develop in childhood but go unaddressed for decades. By the time you’re an adult dealing with chronic snoring, the underlying cause has been there your whole life.
Common structural causes of adult snoring include:
- A narrow upper palate that restricts nasal breathing
- A recessed or underdeveloped lower jaw that positions the tongue too far back
- Poor tongue posture that allows the tongue to fall into the airway during sleep
- Soft tissue laxity that worsens with age
- Teeth grinding (bruxism), which often accompanies airway issues
The good news? These issues can still be addressed in adulthood—without surgery.
CPAP Not Working? You’re Not Alone
CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) is the gold standard treatment for obstructive sleep apnea. It works—when you use it. The problem is that many adults can’t tolerate it long-term.
Research published in the Proceedings of the American Thoracic Society found that 46 to 83% of patients with obstructive sleep apnea are nonadherent to CPAP when adherence is defined as more than four hours of nightly use. Another long-term study found that 31% of patients never even started therapy after diagnosis, and 15% abandoned CPAP within the first year.
Common complaints include:
- Mask discomfort and air leaks
- Dry mouth and nasal congestion
- Feeling claustrophobic
- Difficulty traveling with the equipment
- Partner disturbance from the noise
- Simply forgetting to use it
If you’ve tried CPAP and struggled, you’re not failing—the treatment just isn’t addressing your specific situation. For adults whose snoring connects to bite issues and misalignment, Invisalign or traditional braces may be part of the treatment plan—addressing both function and aesthetics.
How Adult Snoring Treatment Works at Hamada Orthodontics
Dr. Allison Hamada takes an airway-focused approach that goes beyond straightening teeth. During your evaluation, we assess your jaw structure, bite alignment, tongue posture, and airway anatomy to understand exactly what’s restricting your breathing at night. Our sleep and breathing treatments address the root cause—not just the symptoms.
Treatment may include one or more of the following:
MARPE: Palatal Expansion for Adults
MARPE (Miniscrew-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion) is one of the most effective treatments for adults with narrow palates. Unlike traditional expanders used in children, MARPE uses temporary anchorage devices to expand the upper jaw even after the bones have fused.
This creates more room in the nasal passages, improves airflow, and gives the tongue more space to rest properly—reducing or eliminating the soft tissue collapse that causes snoring.
Jaw Repositioning and Bite Correction
When the lower jaw is recessed or the bite is misaligned, the tongue sits further back in the throat. Orthodontic treatment can reposition the jaw and improve the relationship between your upper and lower teeth, opening the airway and reducing obstruction.
Myofunctional Therapy
Poor tongue posture and breathing habits can contribute to snoring even after structural issues are addressed. We coordinate with myofunctional therapists who help retrain your tongue position, swallowing patterns, and breathing habits for long-term airway health. Learn more about our TMJ and myofunctional care approach.
Clear Aligners or Braces
For adults whose snoring connects to bite issues and misalignment, Invisalign or traditional braces may be part of the treatment plan—addressing both function and aesthetics.
Adult Snoring Treatment Options Compared
| Treatment | How It Works | Best For | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| MARPE | Expands the upper jaw to widen nasal passages and create tongue space | Adults with narrow palates who want to avoid surgery | 6–12 months |
| Orthodontic Alignment | Repositions jaw and teeth to open the airway | Adults with bite issues contributing to snoring | 12–24 months |
| Myofunctional Therapy | Retrains tongue posture and breathing habits | All adults; supports long-term results | 6–12 months |
| Combination Approach | MARPE + orthodontics + myofunctional therapy | Complex cases needing comprehensive correction | 12–24 months |
The Hidden Health Risks of Ignoring Snoring
Snoring isn’t just a nuisance—it’s a warning sign. Chronic snoring, especially when accompanied by pauses in breathing, can lead to serious health consequences over time.
Cardiovascular risks: Untreated sleep apnea is linked to high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and irregular heartbeat. The repeated drops in oxygen that occur when your airway collapses put stress on your cardiovascular system night after night.
Cognitive effects: Poor sleep quality affects memory, concentration, and decision-making. Many adults with untreated snoring or sleep apnea report brain fog, difficulty focusing at work, and increased irritability.
Metabolic impact: Sleep-disordered breathing is associated with weight gain, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes. Your body needs deep, restorative sleep to regulate hormones and metabolism.
Relationship strain: Let’s be honest—snoring affects your partner too. Sleeping in separate rooms, resentment over lost sleep, and the frustration of feeling like you can’t fix it all take a toll.
Addressing the structural cause of your snoring isn’t just about quieter nights. It’s about protecting your long-term health.
Why See an Orthodontist for Snoring? (And How We Work with ENTs)
If you’ve been dealing with snoring, you’ve probably considered an ENT or sleep clinic. Those are valid options—and we often work alongside them. But here’s what many people don’t realize: if your snoring stems from jaw structure or a narrow palate, an ENT can’t fix that. And CPAP manages airflow without changing the anatomy that’s causing the obstruction in the first place.
An orthodontist trained in airway-focused care looks at the skeletal and structural factors that contribute to snoring and sleep-disordered breathing. A narrow upper jaw, a recessed lower jaw, or poor bite alignment can all restrict your airway. These are issues that orthodontic treatment can address directly.
We don’t replace your ENT or sleep doctor—we partner with them. If enlarged soft tissue is part of the problem, an ENT addresses that. If you need a sleep study, we’ll coordinate with a sleep medicine specialist. But if the underlying issue is how your jaw developed, that’s where we come in.
Dr. Hamada regularly collaborates with ENTs, sleep physicians, and myofunctional therapists throughout the New Orleans area to ensure patients get comprehensive care. The goal isn’t to choose one provider over another—it’s to identify the root cause and build a team that addresses every piece of the puzzle.
What to Expect During Your Snoring Evaluation
Your first visit to our Metairie office focuses on understanding the full picture. We’ll review your medical history, sleep patterns, and any concerns you’ve noticed. A thorough examination looks at airway anatomy, jaw alignment, bite relationship, and tongue posture.
We use advanced imaging to assess your airway and identify structural factors contributing to your snoring. If we determine that orthodontic treatment can help, we’ll explain your options in clear, straightforward terms—including timeline, expected results, and cost.
Families and professionals throughout Jefferson Parish and St. Charles Parish trust us because we take time to listen and explain. We also coordinate with sleep medicine specialists when a team approach serves you best.
Why Adults in the New Orleans Area Choose Hamada Orthodontics
Most orthodontists focus on straightening teeth. Dr. Hamada looks at the bigger picture—how your jaw structure, bite, and airway affect your ability to breathe and sleep.
She founded The Airway Exchange Group, a peer-to-peer study club where dental and medical providers collaborate on airway-focused care. This commitment to staying at the forefront of airway orthodontics means you’re getting expertise that most practices simply don’t offer.
Our three convenient locations—in Metairie, Luling, and Destrehan—make it easy for adults across the New Orleans area to get care close to home or work.
We also understand that cost matters. Flexible payment plans help make treatment accessible, and our team will help you understand what your insurance may cover.
Real Results from Real Patients
I chose Dr. Hamada because that’s where we took our oldest son for braces and his came out great. I decided to get back in braces as an adult and I couldn’t have chose a better orthodontist. Dr. Hamada was and is awesome. I have highly sensitive teeth and she was so patient and accommodating to me. I had the best experience and my treatment exceeded my expectations. I love my smile! Would 1000% recommend Dr. Hamada again and again.
Frequently Asked Questions About Adult Snoring Treatment
Can orthodontics really help with snoring in adults?
Yes. When snoring stems from structural issues like a narrow palate, recessed jaw, or poor bite alignment, orthodontic treatment can address the root cause. By expanding the palate or repositioning the jaw, we create more room for the airway and reduce the soft tissue collapse that causes snoring.
Is palatal expansion possible for adults?
Yes. MARPE (Miniscrew-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion) allows us to expand the upper jaw in adults even after the bones have fused. This technique uses temporary anchorage devices to achieve expansion that was previously only possible in children or through surgery.
How is this different from CPAP?
CPAP manages snoring and sleep apnea by forcing air into your airway to keep it open. It works while you’re using it but doesn’t change the underlying anatomy. Orthodontic treatment addresses the structural cause—expanding the airway itself—so you can breathe better without a machine.
Will I need surgery?
Most adults respond well to non-surgical orthodontic treatment. MARPE, for example, expands the palate without the need for surgical intervention. We evaluate each patient individually to determine the least invasive approach that will achieve results.
How long does treatment take?
Treatment duration depends on your specific situation. MARPE typically takes 6–12 months of active treatment. Comprehensive orthodontic treatment may take 12–24 months. Many patients notice improvements in sleep quality within weeks of starting treatment.
Does insurance cover adult snoring treatment?
Coverage varies by plan. Orthodontic treatment for bite correction and jaw alignment is often covered under dental insurance. Our team helps you understand your benefits and maximize your coverage. We also offer flexible payment plans.
What if I also have sleep apnea?
We coordinate with sleep medicine specialists to ensure you receive comprehensive care. For mild to moderate sleep apnea, orthodontic treatment may reduce or eliminate symptoms. For more severe cases, treatment may be part of a broader plan that includes other interventions.
I’ve tried other treatments that didn’t work. Why would this be different?
Most snoring treatments—nasal strips, oral appliances, even CPAP—work around the problem without fixing the underlying cause. If your snoring stems from a narrow palate or jaw position, those approaches can only do so much. Orthodontic treatment changes your anatomy, creating lasting improvement.
Visit Our Offices in Metairie, Luling & Destrehan
Hamada Orthodontics | Metairie, LA
123 Metairie Rd, Metairie, LA 70005
Monday–Thursday: 8:00 AM – 4:45 PM
Hamada Orthodontics | Luling, LA
118 Lakewood Dr, Luling, LA 70070
Monday–Thursday: 8:00 AM – 4:45 PM
Hamada Orthodontics | Destrehan, LA
131 Ormond Center Ct, Destrehan, LA 70047
Monday–Thursday: 8:00 AM – 4:45 PM
Take the First Step Toward Better Sleep
If snoring is affecting your health, your energy, or your relationship—and if you’ve tried other solutions that haven’t worked—it may be time to look at the structural cause. At our Metairie orthodontic office, adult snoring treatment starts with understanding exactly what’s happening in your airway, so we can fix it at the source.
At Hamada Orthodontics, we’re committed to helping adults throughout the New Orleans area breathe easier and sleep better. We welcome new patients at all three locations Monday through Thursday.
Looking for help with your child’s snoring? Visit our dedicated guide: Why Does My Child Snore?
