Treatment for snoring

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.

Research has shown that approximately 40% of the adult population snore. As a person gets older the incidence of snoring increases - in men aged 60 this increases to 60%. The chances of snoring are also increased if a person is overweight or drinks alcohol.

Your dentist can make you an appliance which is worn at night to prevent snoring.

An anti-snoring mouthpiece repositions the jaw during sleep, clearing your airway to eliminate snoring and to improve breathing.

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.

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.

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.

The appliance does require regular maintenance but if you grind your teeth at night the life of your appliance will be reduced.

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.