Is Snoring Keeping You Awake?
Your Dental Practitioner can
help
Ask about
Oral Appliance Therapy
The Dental Treatment
For a Medical Condition
Why Is Snoring a Problem?
Virtually all of us snore from
time to time. In fact, it is estimated that as many as 25 percent of us
snore regularly. For some, snoring is no more than an occasional,
inconvenient habit; but chronic, heavy, loud snoring can be more
serious.
Snoring usually occurs when a
person's airway at the back of the throat constricts, causing air to be
inhaled at an increased speed and pressure. This results in the soft
tissue in the back of the mouth vibrating, creating the snoring noise.
Simple snoring can disturb
others and cause a dry mouth or sore throat. Heavy snoring is often a
symptom of sleep apnea which is frequently associated with hypertension,
stroke and other cardiopulmonary problems.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea afflicts several
million people in North America. The most common form is obstructive
sleep apnea, or OSA as it is often called.
Sleep apnea is a cessation, or
interruption, of breathing during sleep. The cause of OSA is similar to
that of snoring. When the airway becomes constricted enough, breathing
will stop and oxygen will be blocked from the lungs. Each time breathing
is blocked, oxygen in the bloodstream falls, and the heart must work
harder to circulate blood. Blood pressure rises and the heart may beat
irregularly or even stop.
Signs of Sleep Apnea
include
It is a small comfortable, oral
mouthpiece which is worn only during sleep. It looks similar to an
orthodontic retainer, or an athletic mouth guard. The appliance
positions the lower jaw into a forward position by means of special
connectors that are attached to transparent flexible upper and lower
forms. The forms are custom made to models of the mouth. The fit is
excellent and comfortable. Because the tongue is connected to the lower
jaw by muscles, if you move the lower jaw forward into a comfortable
position, the tongue is automatically moved out of the airway, thus
stopping snoring and controlling mild to moderate OSA.
Clinical trials have shown that
dental appliances are up to 90 percent effective in treating simple
snoring and mild to moderate Sleep apnea. In fact many users say they
wake up feeling more rested and energetic in the mornings!
left: "snoring"
position (allows air to vibrate tissue)
right: airway opened with jaw
forward
Dental appliances work by
bringing the lower jaw forward, thereby holding the tongue forward
How Do I Get An Appliance?
Anti-snoring appliances are
available from a specially trained Dental practitioner such as Cristian
and the custom fitting is simple and painless. First, the Dental
practitioner will discuss your sleeping habits and if necessary, refer
you to a specialist for further evaluation. When you are ready for an
appliance, impressions will be taken of your upper and lower teeth along
with a bite registration which will help to determine how far forward to
move your jaw. On the second appointment, your custom made appliance
will be fitted and adjusted if necessary.
After being fitted with the
appliance, you will be asked to return in a few days to check your
results and make any necessary adjustments. That's it! In three short,
easy visits, you will be on your way to a more restful nights sleep!
The following is a
sleep quiz to help you rate the quality of your sleep patterns.
