Nightlase

NightLase® Snoring Treatment at Camarillo Smiles

If you or your bed partner are exhausted from snoring, NightLase® at Camarillo Smiles offers a simple, non-surgical solution performed right in the dental chair.

Why People Choose NightLase®

• No mouth guards to wear every night
• No CPAP mask or machine
• No surgery, no cutting, no needles
• Virtually painless, walk-in / walk-out procedure

A Fotona Lightwalker laser is used to gently tighten the tissues in the back of your mouth and throat, helping open your airway so you can breathe and sleep better.

How NightLase® Works

When you enter deep (dream) sleep, the muscles at the back of your throat relax and can partially collapse into your airway. As air moves past this obstruction, it causes vibration — the sound of snoring.

NightLase® uses laser light therapy to:

• Target the soft palate, uvula, tonsil area, oropharynx, and often the back of the tongue
• Gently heat the tissues to contract existing collagen fibers
• Stimulate new, firmer, more elastic collagen (neocollagenesis)

This process:

• Tightens and tones the “flabby” tissues
• Widens the airway at the back of the mouth
• Makes the airway less likely to collapse
• Reduces the tissue vibration that causes snoring

The result is a stronger, more open airway and improved breathing during sleep.

Treatment Process & What to Expect

Standard protocol:

• 3 sessions
• About 20 minutes each
• Spaced 3 weeks apart to optimize new collagen growth

Some people may need extra sessions, especially if they:

• Are older
• Smoke
• Have used CPAP previously

During treatment:

• No anesthetic or numbing required
• No needles, no cutting, no bleeding
• Sensation is usually just a gentle warming of the tissues (less than drinking hot coffee)

After treatment:

• Walk-in / walk-out, no downtime
• Resume normal activities immediately
• Worst expected symptom: a dry throat for a couple of days
• You can eat, drink, and talk normally
• Hydration is recommended because the laser can dry the tissues slightly

This is not the same as surgical laser procedures that cut the soft palate. NightLase® is non-invasive and tissue-sparing.

Effectiveness of NightLase®

NightLase® is a non-invasive option to reduce snoring and help lessen symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea.

Clinical findings and experience show:

• About 80% of patients have reduced snoring
• Most people see a 40–90% reduction in snoring
• Some improvement may be noticeable immediately after treatment
• New collagen continues to form and remodel for up to 6 months after your sessions, further improving results

While many people notice changes after the first session, completing the full series provides the most stable, long-lasting relief.

How Long Results Last & Touch-Ups

• Typical duration of benefit: 6–14 months (about 12 months on average)
• You can maintain results with single-session touch-ups as needed
• Touch-ups can be repeated safely; there are no known side effects from continued use

Most patients find they’re ready for a touch-up about once a year. You (or your bed partner) will know when snoring starts to return.

How NightLase® Compares to Other Options

CPAP Machines

• CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) keeps your airway open by pushing air into your throat while you sleep.
• Requires wearing a mask all night, every night.
• Common issues: mask discomfort, nasal congestion, dry mouth, skin irritation, and the hassle of traveling with the machine.
• High dropout and non-compliance rates due to discomfort and inconvenience.

Surgical Options

Surgery is usually a last resort and can involve significant risk, pain, and recovery time. Examples include:

• Pillar procedure (palatal implants): Polyester rods in the soft palate to stiffen tissue and reduce vibration.
• Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP): Removes parts of the uvula, soft palate, and throat walls to open the airway. Possible long-term side effects: voice changes, swallowing problems, or a constant “lump in throat” sensation.
• Maxillomandibular advancement (MMA): Moves upper and lower jaws forward to enlarge the airway; a major surgery.
• Hypoglossal nerve stimulation (Inspire): An implanted device that stimulates the nerve controlling tongue muscles during sleep.
• Septoplasty & turbinate reduction: Straightens nasal structures and reduces nasal tissue to improve airflow.
• Genioglossus advancement: Pulls the tongue muscle attachment forward to keep the tongue from collapsing backward.
• Hyoid suspension: Moves the back of the tongue and epiglottis forward to open the lower airway.
• Midline glossectomy & lingualplasty: Surgically reduces tongue size to enlarge the airway.

Surgical downsides:

• Requires anesthesia
• Sometimes a hospital stay
• Often severe pain for up to two weeks after surgery
• Around 50% of patients relapse within a year

Oral Appliances

• Look similar to sports mouth guards
• Hold the lower jaw forward to keep it from falling back into the airway
• Must be worn every night
• Can cause discomfort or pain, especially if poorly fitted or misused

Why NightLase® Is a Strong Choice

• Safe – Non-surgical, no cutting, no needles, no anesthesia
• Easy – Short in-office sessions, no downtime
• Quick – About 20 minutes per session
• Effective – 40–90% snoring reduction for most patients; ~80% success rate
• Affordable – Transparent package and single-session pricing

NightLase® doesn’t just work around a compromised airway; it helps improve the airway itself by tightening and rejuvenating the tissues that cause snoring.

Pricing

Complete Package

• Snoring / sleep apnea evaluation
• 4 treatment sessions (21 days apart)
• Additional sessions if needed: $300 each
• Home sleep test: $75

Single Session

• Snoring / sleep apnea evaluation
• 1 treatment session
• Additional sessions if needed: $300 each
• Home sleep test: $75

Common Questions

I want it. How do I get it?

Call (805) 388-5700 and tell us you want NightLase®. We’ll take it from there.

Will insurance cover it?

• Dental insurance generally does not cover NightLase®.
• Medical insurance reimbursement is typically very difficult.
• HSA (Health Savings Account) funds can usually be used.

We are experienced in helping patients maximize any available coverage.

I have bad sleep apnea. Will this help me?

NightLase® can help with moderate and severe sleep apnea by improving airway patency.

In addition, we offer Vivos, a non-surgical, non-invasive, natural approach designed to permanently enlarge airway space and resolve obstructions that limit airflow to your lungs. Ask us about whether Vivos is appropriate for your situation.

To explore whether NightLase® is right for you, call (805) 388-5700 and schedule your snoring and sleep apnea evaluation.