Snoring and anti-snoring mouthguards.
Snoring is a common problem and can have a major impact on sleep and quality of life, both for the person who snores and for other members of the household. Your dentist can help by making a custom-made anti-snoring mouthguard that opens the airway and reduces snoring.
What is snoring?
Up to 40% of people in industrialised countries snore. When muscles relax during sleep, the airway narrows and the airflow in the upper respiratory tract becomes restricted. This creates vibrations in the soft tissues, and it is these vibrations that cause the snoring sound. This can be counteracted by opening up the airway. Mild snoring does not threaten health, while sleep apnoea can have very serious consequences.
You are at greater risk of snoring if you:
- Are overweight. The airway is often narrower in heavier individuals.
- Are elderly; muscles relax with increasing age.
- Have large tonsils, a large uvula, or a deviated septum that narrows the airway.
- Consume alcohol or sleeping pills before bedtime, or if you smoke.
- Sleep on your back.
- Have sleep apnoea.
Sleep apnoea
Sleep apnoea is when repeated breathing pauses occur during sleep over the course of the night. This condition can lead to daytime sleepiness, reduced concentration, and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Usually, anti-snoring mouthguards are not suitable for individuals with severe sleep apnoea. If sleep apnoea is suspected, a sleep study needs to be conducted. People with severe sleep apnoea often need a CPAP machine that helps keep the airway open throughout the night.
Anti-snoring mouthguards
Anti-snoring mouthguards are suitable for individuals with mild to moderately severe snoring. They may also be suitable for those with mild sleep apnoea.
You may have sleep apnoea if you:
- Snore when lying on your side.
- Snore every night.
- Snore very loudly.
- Wake up tired.
- Wake up with a headache.
- Have difficulty concentrating.
- Experience sudden daytime sleepiness.
- Snore very loudly with pauses.
- Have breathing pauses while you sleep.
It is best to conduct a sleep study before deciding on treatment with an anti-snoring mouthguard. You may need further treatment.
Anti-snoring mouthguards are not suitable for those with jaw joint problems or those who grind their teeth heavily. Edentulous individuals (those without teeth) cannot use an anti-snoring mouthguard.
What does an anti-snoring mouthguard do?
An anti-snoring mouthguard consists of two plastic guards: one fits over the upper teeth and the other over the lower teeth. Between them are hinges that hold the lower jaw in place or push it slightly forward so that it does not fall back when you sleep. This keeps the airway open, prevents vibration, and therefore eliminates snoring. The mouthguard is placed in the mouth before sleep and removed in the morning.
How does the treatment work?
After the dentist has determined that an anti-snoring mouthguard could benefit you, the upper and lower jaws are scanned in a 3D scanner along with your bite. This information is then sent to a dental laboratory where the mouthguard is made. When it is ready, you return to the dentist, who fits the mouthguard and adjusts it if necessary. When everything fits, you take the mouthguard home and start using it.
What can you expect?
Anti-snoring mouthguards reduce snoring in over 80% of users. They can also significantly reduce breathing pauses in people with mild sleep apnoea.
The mouthguard may cause mild tension in the teeth at first, but this usually disappears quickly.
In the morning, when the mouthguard is removed, your bite may feel unusual, and the lower jaw may seem misaligned. This is normal and has no long-term effects.
At first, saliva production may increase considerably, but this improves over time.
If the user notices that the teeth shift or become misaligned while using the mouthguard, it is advised to contact the dentist immediately.
Always bring the mouthguard with you when you visit the dentist. The dentist will examine the mouthguard during your regular check-ups, and sometimes it needs to be adjusted to fit new dental work.
How much does an anti-snoring mouthguard cost?
You can see the price of an anti-snoring mouthguard in our price list. Anti-snoring mouthguards are not reimbursed by health insurance unless a sleep study has been conducted and this solution has been recommended.
Could an anti-snoring mouthguard be right for you?
We at the Dental Service want to help you improve your sleep quality and oral health. If you think an anti-snoring mouthguard might be the solution for you, you are welcome to book an appointment with us. There is no obligation for treatment. We look forward to assisting you!