Dental treatments to reduce snoring and improve sleep.
Below is an overview of the causes and treatments for snoring, including information on snoring appliances that are offered by dentists in the UK. This guide also includes links to reputable websites where you can find further details.
Causes of Snoring
Snoring occurs when the flow of air through the mouth and nose is partially obstructed during sleep. Several factors can contribute to snoring, including:
⦁ Anatomical Factors:
A narrow airway, enlarged tonsils, or a long soft palate can cause vibrations as air moves through the throat.
⦁ Weight:
Excess weight, particularly around the neck, can put pressure on the airway, narrowing it and increasing the likelihood of snoring.
⦁ Age:
As people age, the throat muscles tend to weaken, making it easier for the tissues to collapse during sleep.
⦁ Sleep Position:
Sleeping on your back may cause the tongue to fall back into the throat, partially blocking airflow.
⦁ Lifestyle Factors:
Alcohol consumption and smoking can contribute to the relaxation or inflammation of throat tissues, increasing snoring.
For more detailed information on the causes of snoring, check out the NHS page on Snoring and resources from the British Sleep Society.
Treatments for Snoring
Lifestyle Modifications
⦁ Weight Loss:
Reducing excess weight can help open up the airway.
⦁ Change of Sleep Position:
Sleeping on your side instead of your back may help prevent the tongue and soft tissues from blocking the airway.
⦁ Avoiding Alcohol and Smoking:
Cutting down on alcohol consumption and quitting smoking can reduce the likelihood of snoring.
Medical Treatments
⦁ Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP):
Often used for sleep apnea, CPAP machines provide a steady flow of air to keep the airway open.
⦁ Surgical Options:
In some cases, surgical intervention may be recommended to remove or tighten tissues in the airway.
Dental Treatments – Snoring Appliances
Dentists in the UK often offer snoring appliances, also known as mandibular advancement devices (MADs), which are designed to help keep the airway open by gently moving the lower jaw (mandible) forward during sleep. These devices can:
⦁ Reduce Snoring:
By repositioning the jaw, they increase the space behind the tongue and reduce airway obstruction.
⦁ Improve Breathing:
They can be particularly effective for individuals whose snoring is due to mild sleep apnea or airway collapsibility.
Dentists usually custom-fit these appliances to ensure comfort and effectiveness. It’s a non-invasive treatment option and is often recommended after lifestyle modifications have been tried.
For further details on dental snoring appliances and related treatments, you can visit:
⦁ British Dental Association (BDA) on Sleep Apnea and Snoring
⦁ NHS – Sleep Apnea
Additional Resources
For more information, consider exploring these reputable websites:
⦁ NHS UK – Snoring:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/snoring/
⦁ British Sleep Society:
https://britishsleepsociety.org/
⦁ The Sleep Council:
https://sleepcouncil.org.uk/
⦁ British Dental Association (BDA):
https://www.bda.org/
Final Thoughts
Snoring can be more than just a minor nuisance—it may also affect the quality of sleep for both the snorer and their partner. By understanding the causes and exploring treatment options, including dental appliances, many people can significantly reduce snoring and improve their overall sleep quality. If you’re concerned about snoring or suspect sleep apnea, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional or dentist for an assessment and personalized treatment plan.
This guide is intended for informational purposes only and should not replace professional advice.
Introducing Sleepwell
The Sleepwell is our key product for the treatment of Snoring and mild to moderate OSA and is an adjustable, two-piece device. Design benefits include:
⦁ Splint design allows lips to close around the device
⦁ Full lateral movement, reducing likelihood of dislocation
⦁ Patient can adjust up to 9mm to ensure the mandible is in the optimum position
⦁ May help to mitigate potential TMJ stress
⦁ Soft inner lining for patient comfort
To manufacture a Sleepwell appliance, all we need are upper and lower impressions. In most cases, a bite is not required.
Sleepwell Results
Until the introduction of Mandibular Advancement Splints as a viable treatment option, the only solution for sufferers of OSA was Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP). CPAP remains the ‘gold standard’ for sufferers of severe OSA, however lack of compliance is a major limitation – 20-50% discontinue use within a year.
A recent study into the efficacy of MAS appliances as a treatment alternative to CPAP showed a 96% compliance rate with MAS therapy – a stark contrast to CPAP compliance.