Obstructive Sleep Apnoea

Research indicates that many people will experience snoring during their lifetime. Often, snoring is a manifestation of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) and other health issues. Due to its low treatability rate and potential to negatively affect the quality of life, obstructive sleep apnoea is becoming an important area of research.

 

Apnea

What Are the Problems?

Obstructive sleep apnoea can lead to events where breathing is hindered for several seconds, making breathing difficult and decreasing the oxygen concentration in the blood.

Subsequently, certain organs can become stressed during such events, leading to various health issues. Since obstructive sleep apnoea can negatively affect breathing, it is considered a life-threatening condition.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Invisalign Retainers

How is obstructive sleep apnoea treated?

It is crucial to consult your GP to avoid complications from obstructive sleep apnoea. A visit to the dentist may be required as treatment measures may include the use of snoring appliances.

Apnea

What are snoring appliances?

Snoring appliances are custom-made dental splints used to alter the position of the tongue, soft palate, and the jaw. This helps mitigate snoring and symptoms of mild to moderate Obstructive Sleep Apnoea.

Snoring appliances are sometimes referred to as Mandibular Advancement Devices (MAD) or Mandibular Repositioning Appliances (MAS). These devices resemble a mouthguard and are placed in the mouth prior to sleeping.

Generally, snoring devices are recommended for people with Obstructive Sleep Apnoea triggered by narrow airway passages or if they have a tongue that relaxes back into the airway during sleep.

Leave Us a Message

Our staff are more than happy to answer any questions or queries you may have.

    Contact form







    Loading...

    FAQs

    Snoring occurs when the throat tissues vibrate and result in hoarse or harsh sounds. Snoring has the potential to disrupt breathing and could be an indicator of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea.

    Additional causes of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea include:

    • Congestion
    • Pregnancy
    • Obesity
    • Alcohol use
    • Allergies

    Snoring appliances work by pushing the lower jaw forward to help nudge the airway open and clear the obstruction.

    When breathing passages are open, the vibrations stop and snoring ends. Along with preventing snoring, snoring appliances can help improve emotional stability, concentration, and alertness.

    As with many forms of treatment, each individual will respond differently to snoring appliances. For mild to moderate sleep apnoea cases, snoring appliances usually offer a high rate of success.

    Additionally, individuals who are not overweight and experience an improvement in sleep apnoea when lying on their side compared to their back usually experience a high success rate with snoring appliances.

    Along with being portable, snoring appliances offer a non-invasive form of treatment. Further, they often eliminate the need for surgery. Since they are easy to use and can be transported easily if you travel, users find it easy to comply with treatment.

    If a snoring appliance is used as advised, it is unlikely to result in adverse effects. However, the initial use of snoring appliances can cause a bit of discomfort at the back of the jaw since they work by pushing the jaw forward.

    This discomfort usually dissipates by morning and ends entirely once an individual has used the snoring appliance for some time.

    Although most people just think of teeth when it comes to dentistry, our team of experts is here to help when it comes to issues with sleep apnoea as well.

    We enjoy helping our patients find solutions to snoring troubles and obstructive sleep apnoea. Our goal at Chelmsford Dental is to determine the best route of treatment for your situation and get you on the way to a more restful, safe night of sleep.

    Please reach out to us today if you have any questions or would like to set up a consultation.