Dental Procedures
Snore Guards
Snore Guards
Why should I be concerned about Snoring and Sleep Apnea?
Approximately 18 million people suffer from Sleep Apnea.
Sleep apnea is the most common sleep disorder, affecting nearly 1 out of every 8 individuals. Snoring is the sound of partially obstructed breathing during sleep. While snoring can be harmless, it can also be the sign of a more serious medical condition known as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). OSA occurs when the tongue and soft tissues fall back into the throat during sleep, completely blocking the airway. Obstructive sleep apnea has been linked to cardiovascular problems as well as daytime sleepiness.
What are my treatment options?
Once a specially trained physician has correctly diagnosed you, snoring and OSA can be treated with either a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) appliance, a plethora of different oral appliances (commonly known as “snore guards”), surgery, or by a combination of these approaches.
Sleep apnea and snoring are medical conditions for which dentistry is able to offer effective, non-invasive and reversible treatment when appropriate. It is important to recognize this condition early, treat it effectively and decrease the chance of a stroke, as well as greatly improve the quality of sleep!
What is Oral Appliance (Snore Guard) Therapy?
Oral appliance therapy involves the selection, fitting and use of a specially designed oral appliance that, when worn during sleep, maintains an opened and unobstructed airway in the throat. Oral appliances that treat snoring and obstructive sleep apnea are worn in the mouth, similar to orthodontic retainers or sports mouth-guards. Oral appliances work by:
- Repositioning the lower jaw, tongue, soft palate and uvulva
- Stabilizing the lower jaw and tongue
- Increasing the muscle tone of the tongue
Top Ten Benefits of Using A Snore Guard:
- Increased Energy & Vitality
- Reduced Appetite & Weight loss
- Lower Blood Pressure
- Less Frequent Morning Headache
- Reduced Morning Sore Throat
- Minimized Risk of Heart Attack & Stroke
- Improved Metabolism
- Reduced Daytime Sleepiness
- Improved Memory & Mental Acuity
- Increased Productivity & Motivation