Snoring Isn't Sexy

Dental services to stop snoring & sleep apnoe

Snoring may be an indicator of a serious underlying condition known as Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA). This occurs when there is a partial or full blockage of your airway. Your brain will then register a lack of oxygen and respond with muscle spasms. You will then often wake with a start, resume breathing and then return to sleep. This can occur several times throughout the night, causing a disruptive sleep.

If you have one of the following symptoms, you may well be suffering from one form of sleep disorder.

1. Headaches (migraine, tension headaches, cluster headaches)
2. Jaw joint pain (joint sounds, muscle tenderness in the face, litation of mouth opening)
3. Worn teeth caused by bruxism (clenching or grinding of teeth)
4. Neck and Back Pain
5. Tiredness, Fatigue and irritability in the morning and during the day
6. Snoring
7. Excessive daytime sleepiness whilst sitting and reading or watching TV or in a car whilststopped at traffic lights or lying down in thew afternoon
8. Poor memory
9. Reflux Problems (acidity)

How can obstructive sleep apnoea be treated?

• Dental appliance therapy is scientifically proven as an effective and comfortable treatment for snoring and mild to moderate sleep apnoea.
• The main way that appliances work is by preventing the tissues at the back of the throat and the base of the tongue from collapsing back into the airway.
• Sleepiness and drowsiness due to obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), can be effectively treated with sleep apnoea treatment and a normal sleeping pattern can then be re-established.

What are the benefits of dental appliance therapy?

• You and your partner can look forward to a quiet night of sleep.
• No more embarrassing snoring sounds while travelling, or in any group situation.
• Wake up refreshed and ready to face the day.
• Improved quality of life through greater vitality and participation.
• Improved work performance due to greater concentration and energy levels.
• Decreased risk of fatigue-related vehicle and work accidents.
• Decreased risk of heart disease, stroke and blood pressure problems.

What happens if I ignore my OSA?

OSA left untreated is potentially life-threatening. Risks include heart attacks, strokes, irregular heartbeat, hypertension, loss of interest in sex/impotence and frequent night-time urination. Furthermore, OSA causes daytime sleepiness that can result in accidents, lost productivity and interpersonal relationship problems.

How does the dental sleep appliance work?

Sleep appliances work by holding the lower jaw slightly forward during sleep thereby opening the airway at the back of the throat which is responsible for the snoring and obstruction. The tongue is attached to the lower jaw, and with the jaw held forward the tongue is prevented from collapsing back.