Do Dental Appliances Work for Snoring?
Snoring is the sound made when the passage of air through the throat is partially obstructed during sleep‚ causing the surrounding parts of the throat to vibrate․ If it is mild and not on a nightly basis‚ snoring may not be of much concern․ However‚ if snoring is loud and occurs on a regular basis‚ it can rob the sufferers of sleep and their partners as well․ Snoring is more than an annoyance or a nuisance. Because of this‚ dental appliances are often considered a treatment option․
Dental appliances (also known as oral appliances or snoring appliances) are custom-made devices that are worn in the mouth while sleeping․ They fall into the same category as athletic mouthguards or orthodontic retainers‚ and are designed to increase the space within the airway by repositioning the jaw and tongue․ By reducing airway obstruction‚ these appliances usually reduce or eliminate snoring․
Many people benefit from dental appliances‚ most commonly a lower jaw appliance or a mandibular advancement device․ This is a removable mouthguard-like appliance that repositions the lower jaw forward while sleeping to keep the soft tissue at the back of the throat from blocking the airway․ The device keeps the passage open and prevents the blockage or disruption of airflow that causes them to vibrate to produce the snoring sound during obstructive sleep apnea․
The effectiveness of a dental device depends on the cause or type of snoring․ Those whose snoring is caused by anatomical problems‚ such as blockage of the airway, tongue position, or constriction‚ are more likely to benefit․ Not all snoring responds to this treatment‚ and factors such as weight‚ sleep position‚ nasal congestion, and the configuration of the airway can all play a role․
Another possible cause of the problem is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)‚ a breathing disorder that can have serious effects on the body if untreated․ There are some cases of sleep apnea that can be relieved with an oral appliance․ A diagnosis of OSA can only be made by a professional‚ with the determination that snoring is or is not a problem․
An important feature of dental appliances is their convenience․ Many of them are portable and simple to use‚ and they do not require electricity or devices unlike CPAP machines․ They are usually comfortable for most patients after an adjustment period and are generally more comfortable than over-the-counter versions due to their personalized fit․ A custom appliance is a more precise solution‚ since your dentist can directly assess the shape of your mouth‚ your bite profile and your airway before designing the device‚ versus the blanket approach that other devices take․
If snoring has become a regular part of your nights, a dental appliance may be worth considering. While no treatment is guaranteed to work for everyone, many people experience quieter sleep, fewer disruptions, and improved quality of sleep with a properly fitted device. A consultation with a qualified dental professional can help determine whether a snoring appliance is an appropriate solution and guide you toward the most effective treatment for your individual situation.
If you have more questions about snoring appliances or how they could affect your dental health, make an appointment with the dentist to see if a snoring appliance is the best treatment plan for you.
Related Article: How Long Does a Mandibular Advancement Device Take to Work?