Is it just a loud, disturbing noise or something else?

Snoring can be the first sign underlying serious medical conditions, sleep apnoea.

 

The first and critical step is to get a medical assessment of your concerns.

Especially it is important to talk to your doctor if you also have any of the following:

  • Gasping or choking for breath during sleep
  • wake up groggy or unrefreshed
  • easily doze off when resting
  • teeth clenching or grinding during sleep
  • waking up with a headache.

Your doctor/sleep doctor will review your symptoms and ask you to complete a sleep study (at home or in the lab).

A diagnosis derived from the results of an overnight sleep study and treatment recommendations made by the doctor.

 

What are common treatment recommendations?

CPAP

oral appliance/splint to bring forward the lower jaw

surgery to improve the airway

lifestyle changes and positional therapies.

 

When is an oral appliance recommended?

For those with

    •  primary snoring
    •  mild-moderate obstructive sleep apnoea
    •  combination with CPAP in severe obstructive sleep apnoea to make CPAP more tolerable.

How effective are they?

How well they work varies among individuals.  Most individuals with primary snoring or mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnoea find their condition resolves or improves greatly with an oral appliance.  For a small portion of individuals, it does not work for them.

 

How do oral appliance work?Snoring

The oral appliance holds the lower jaw (and tongue) from falling back during sleep or advance the lower jaw forward to open the airway at the back of the throat. Oral appliances are designed and custom-made for the individual’s comfort. These are adjusted accordingly until snoring, sleep quality and daytime sleepiness are improved.

 

What is involved in getting an oral appliance?

Once the oral appliance is recommended, seeing a dentist trained in managing snoring and OSA.

We assess the health of your teeth, gums, joint and muscles and review sleep study to find whether you are suitable for an oral appliance.

We take a mould of your teeth to make the oral appliance.

Issue the appliance and show you how to move the lower jaw gradually forward.

We will have multiple reviews to ensure that the appliance is working well for you.

Finally, we will ask you to see your sleep doctor to have the final assessment.

 

Are there side effects or contraindications?

Individuals with inadequate teeth, gum diseases and poor oral health may not be suitable for an oral appliance.

For a short period, you may notice excessive salivation, slightly sore jaw muscles and teeth.  It usually passes quickly.

Over time, some may notice tooth movement and change in their bite.   Often, you will be given short exercises in the morning to minimise these changes.  It is important to have a regular check-up.