Anti
Snoring Advice
Q What is snoring?
A The
noise of snoring is caused by the vibration
of the soft tissues in the upper airway. During sleep the muscles of the
upper airway relax resulting in the formation
of bottlenecks or even complete obstruction of
the airways. The body reacts by increasing
the velocity of the air which in turn causes
vibration of the soft tissues which generates
the noise of snoring.
Q Who is likely to snore?
A Research
has shown that approximately 40% of the adult
population snore. As a
person gets older the chances of snoring increases. (i.e.
in men aged 60 this increases to 60%.) The
chances of snoring are also increased if a person
is overweight or drinks alcohol.
Q What is Obstructive Sleep Apnoea?
A This
is a medical condition. People
suffering from it are heard to gasp for breath
while they are asleep. Additional symptoms
are daytime drowsiness or the feeling of not
having a full nights sleep. Where Sleep
Apnoea is suspected an anti-snoring device may
still be prescribed but it is essential that
you consult your medical practitioner and if
he confirms that Sleep Apnoea is suspected, that
you are referred to the sleep clinic of a hospital
for further investigation.
Not everyone that snores
suffers from Sleep Apnoea – but nearly
everyone who suffers from Sleep Apnoea will
snore.
Q What help is available?
A Your dentist could make you
an oral appliance which is worn at night to prevent
snoring.
This will consists of
two thin plastic formings which fit over the
upper and lower teeth. They
are joined together by two connectors that gently
hold the lower jaw in a forward position. Any
opening of the mouth pulls the lower jaw further
forward.
Q Can anyone use this appliance?
A The
appliance can not be made if you have no natural
teeth or only a few natural teeth. Your
dentist will be able to advise you as to your
own situation.
Q What happens next?
A Your
dentist will ask you to complete a questionnaire
(if possible with your partner) and then take
moulds of your upper and lower tooth arches. Your appliance
will be custom made to the moulds of your mouth
and your dentist will fit it. (Allow about
two weeks for your appliance to be manufactured.) You
will be asked to wear it initially each night
for a week to ensure that the noise of snoring
has been eliminated. If after wearing it
for a week the noise of snoring has not been
completely eliminated your appliance should be
returned to your dentist for adjustment.
Unfortunately it is not
possible to guarantee that the appliance will
work on everyone. Statistics
demonstrate that in 62% of people that snore
it will totally eliminate the noise of snoring. In
the remaining cases the noise of snoring may
be reduced or it will not work at all.
Q Does the appliance require maintenance?
A The
appliance does require regular maintenance
but the intervals between maintenance periods
are difficult to predict because they depend
on the individuals case. If
you grind your teeth at night the life of your
appliance will be reduced.
Q Does the appliance come with a warranty?
A Some
appliances have an initial 6 months repair and
servicing warranty from the date of manufacture
of the appliance. You
will need to discuss this with your dentist.
To download these details in pdf form please click
here.
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