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Smiles Family DentalFort Worth · Hulen St.
Laser snoring care

NightLase Snoring Treatment in Fort Worth

NightLase is a quick, no-incision laser treatment that tightens soft tissue in the throat to quiet snoring. Many people try it when mouthpieces have not worked for them.

NightLase Snoring Treatment at Smiles Family Dental in Fort Worth
Session length
About 20–30 minutes
Typical series
Often 3 sessions
Downtime
Usually none
Laser used
Fotona Er:YAG

Why people snore

Snoring is the sound of relaxed tissue vibrating as air passes through a narrowed airway. The soft palate, the uvula, and the back of the tongue are common sources. Age, weight changes, alcohol, allergies, and sleeping on your back can all make it worse.

Snoring may seem like a nuisance, but it affects more than one person. Partners lose sleep, and some couples end up in separate rooms. Snoring can also be a sign of sleep apnea, which is why screening comes before any treatment.

Your weight, nasal congestion, and the shape of your jaw can all affect how much you snore. A good screening looks at each of these so we can tell whether NightLase is likely to help.

How NightLase snoring treatment in Fort Worth, TX works

The Fotona laser delivers short pulses of gentle heat to the tissue at the back of the mouth. The heat causes collagen in the tissue to contract and, over the following weeks, encourages new collagen to form. The result is firmer tissue that tends to stay more open during sleep.

No tissue is removed and nothing is cut. Patients usually describe a warm feeling during the session. You can drive yourself home and return to normal activities the same day.

Sessions are usually spaced a few weeks apart. That gap gives the tissue time to respond and build new collagen before the next round of treatment.

  • No needles, stitches, or general anesthesia
  • No device to wear at night
  • Most people resume eating normally right away
  • Quick sessions that fit a lunch break
The Fotona laser system used for NightLase.
The Fotona laser system used for NightLase.

Screening first: snoring versus sleep apnea

Before NightLase, we ask about your sleep, daytime energy, and any breathing pauses a partner has noticed. If your answers point toward sleep apnea, a physician will need to test you with a sleep study. Sleep apnea must be diagnosed by a physician, and it often needs a different treatment plan.

NightLase is mainly intended for snoring. Some physicians use it alongside other therapy for people with mild sleep apnea, but it should not replace treatment your doctor has prescribed.

We may also ask a partner to describe your snoring, since they often notice patterns you cannot, such as pauses, gasping, or snoring that gets louder late at night.

What results can you expect?

Some people notice quieter nights after the first session. For others, change builds over the full series as new collagen forms. Results vary, and not everyone responds the same way. Habits like drinking alcohol near bedtime can still make snoring louder.

The tightening effect is not permanent. Many patients return for a single touch-up session about once a year to maintain results. We track your progress and will be honest if NightLase is not helping enough.

Keeping a simple snoring log can help. Some patients use a free phone app that records sound overnight, so they can compare nights before and after treatment.

A good option for people who dislike mouthpieces

Snoring appliances work well for many people, but some find them bulky or uncomfortable. Others have dental work or jaw problems that make wearing one hard. NightLase gives these patients another path.

It also appeals to frequent travelers and busy parents in places like Aledo and Crowley who want a simple fix with no extra gear on the nightstand. We can talk through both options so you can choose what fits your life.

Some people even combine the two approaches. A laser series may make a snoring appliance more effective, or allow a softer jaw setting that feels better at night.

Getting ready for your session

There is very little to prepare. Eat a normal meal beforehand, and plan to avoid very hot drinks and spicy food for the rest of the day in case your throat feels slightly warm. You do not need a driver, since no sedation is used.

Tell us about any medicines you take, recent sore throats, or past surgery on your nose or throat. If you have a cold or a sore throat on the day of your visit, call us to reschedule. Treating healthy tissue gives the best chance of a good response. Most people find the visit relaxed, and some are surprised how quickly it is over.

NightLase may suit you if

  • Your snoring keeps a partner awake
  • You have been screened or cleared for sleep apnea
  • Snoring mouthpieces feel uncomfortable to you
  • You want a treatment with no downtime
  • You prefer to avoid surgery
  • You travel often and dislike packing sleep gear
Fotona results

Before and after Fotona laser treatment

Results from patients treated with Fotona SmoothLase and LipLase at Smiles Family Dental. Individual results vary.

Fotona laser before and after result
Fotona laser before and after result
Fotona laser before and after result
Fotona laser before and after result
Fotona laser before and after result
Fotona laser before and after result
At our Hulen St. office

What to expect, step by step

  1. Sleep screening

    We review your snoring history and refer you for a sleep study if sleep apnea is suspected.

  2. Laser session

    You relax in the chair while the laser warms the tissue at the back of your mouth.

  3. Repeat sessions

    Most people complete a short series spaced a few weeks apart.

  4. Yearly touch-up

    A maintenance session about once a year can help keep results going.

Patient questions

NightLase Snoring Treatment: common questions

Straight answers from our Fort Worth team. If your question is not here, call and ask. We are happy to talk it through.

Does NightLase hurt?

NightLase is generally comfortable and does not require numbing injections. Most patients feel a warm sensation at the back of the mouth during the session. A few notice a mild scratchy throat for a day, similar to the start of a cold. People usually return to work, meals, and normal routines right after treatment.

How much does NightLase cost?

The cost of NightLase depends on how many sessions you need and whether yearly touch-ups are planned. Because it treats snoring, dental and medical insurance usually do not cover it. Payment help includes monthly financing, eligible FSA or HSA dollars, and a membership savings plan. Ask about current offers when you schedule your screening.

Is NightLase the same as SnoreLase?

NightLase and SnoreLase describe the same type of Fotona laser treatment for snoring. Both use gentle laser heat to tighten tissue at the back of the mouth without cutting. Different offices may use either name. At Smiles Family Dental, you may hear both terms, and they refer to the same in-office procedure.

Can NightLase treat sleep apnea?

NightLase is mainly designed to reduce snoring. Sleep apnea is a medical condition that must be diagnosed by a physician, usually through a sleep study, and often requires CPAP or an oral appliance. Some physicians may consider laser therapy as an add-on for mild cases. It should not replace the sleep apnea treatment your doctor prescribes.

How long do NightLase results last?

NightLase results often last around a year, though this varies with age, weight, and lifestyle habits. The laser stimulates collagen, which gradually softens again over time. Many patients schedule one maintenance session each year to keep their snoring under control. Your dentist will track your results and suggest a schedule.

Who should not get NightLase?

NightLase may not be right for people with untreated sleep apnea, recent throat surgery, certain bleeding disorders, or pregnancy. People who snore mainly because of nasal blockage may get less benefit. A screening visit with your dentist reviews your health history and sleep symptoms to decide whether NightLase is a safe and sensible option.

Paying for nightlase snoring treatment

We file insurance for you, accept FSA and HSA cards, offer monthly financing and have an in-house savings plan for patients without dental insurance.

See payment options
Fort Worth · Hulen St.

Ready when you are.

Call our Hulen Street office or request a time online. We will review your insurance, explain every option in plain language and give you a written plan before anything starts.