Choose the content to read
- Anti-snoring appliances
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea
- Who is at risk for obstructive sleep apnea
- The treatment procedures
- How do anti-snoring appliances work?
- Benefits
Anti-snoring appliances
Anti-snoring appliances are dental appliances specifically designed to treat snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). A dental specialist with skill and expertise makes the design for the fabrication of functional dental appliances to help treat snoring. The oral appliance is a non-surgical treatment option for snoring and obstructive sleep apnea that is safe and accepted in the dental field as effective and gaining in popularity today.
What is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)?
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a sleep disorder due to blockage by the relaxed base of the tongue in the upper airway or by narrowed pharyngeal passage, preventing oxygen from fully entering the body during sleep. Consequently, the body lacks oxygen to feed the brain and other bodily organs, resulting in a low oxygen level while accumulating a high carbon dioxide level, causing heart arrhythmias. Obstructive sleep apnea is a critical condition that can cause sudden unexpected death, snoring, daytime drowsiness, and other complications that affect the quality of life and requires a thorough medical evaluation and proper diagnosis for appropriate treatment planning.
What are the symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea?
The most notable symptom of obstructive sleep apnea is frequent loud snoring, waking up feeling unrefreshed despite having enough sleep, feeling sleepless, frequently feeling drowsy during the day while studying or working, and having a risk of falling asleep while driving. Typically, a partner is aware of sleep apnea due to snoring, uneven breathing, mouth breathing, or sleep apnea, which negatively contribute to sleep quality and quality of life. The signs and symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea are as follows:
- Frequently loud snoring
- Difficulty breathing
- Awakening in the middle of the night, feeling suffocated with choking.
- Restlessness, frequent turning over in bed
- Sweating while sleeping
- Wake up and feel unrefreshed despite having enough sleep.
- Sexual dysfunction
- Dry mouth or sore throat upon waking
- Frequent headaches, particularly in the morning
- Daytime drowsiness
- Mood swings, easily frustrated.
- Lack of concentration, difficulty remembering things, easily forgetful
- Fatigue, tiredness
- Weight gain
- Possible depression, nocturia
Who is at risk for obstructive sleep apnea?
- Those who have a narrow pharyngeal passage or an abnormal facial anatomical structure.
- Those with large neck circumferences; large, thick necks; and small chins
- Those suffering from upper respiratory tract disorders.
- Those who are overweight or have a BMI above 35 kg/m2.
- Those who have high blood pressure.
- Those who smoke regularly and consume alcoholic beverages.
- Males (higher relative risk than females and children)
What are the treatment procedures for snoring and obstructive sleep apnea at MedPark Hospital?
- The patient meets with a sleep specialist (physician) at MedPark hospital, who will take the medical history from the patient and close companion.
- Sleep tests are conducted under physician and sleep specialist supervision to diagnose snoring and obstructive sleep apnea.
- The physician scheduled an appointment to review the sleep test results and develop a personalized treatment plan appropriate for the condition.
- The dentist schedules an appointment at MedPark Hospital's dental clinic for a mouth impression, dental scan, and recording of teeth occlusion.
- The dentist schedules an appointment to pick up the anti-snoring appliances, fit the appliances, and adjust the appliances to fit the patient.
- The dentist schedules a follow-up appointment to evaluate treatment outcomes and adjust as necessary.
- Patients are advised to wear oral appliances consistently in order to achieve satisfactory treatment results.
How do anti-snoring appliances work to treat the disorder?
Anti-snoring appliances consist of 2 pieces designed to encase the upper and lower teeth. Their functional mechanisms are moving the lower jaw forward to widen the airway, making breathing easier and reducing snoring, lowering the risk and severity of obstructive sleep apnea.
Who is a good candidate for anti-snoring appliances?
- Those who snore: snore loudly, chronically, or continuously
- Those with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) (The dentist will consider on a case-by-case basis for severe OSA.)
- Those with facial anatomical abnormalities.
- Those opt out of surgery.
- Those who do not want to use a positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine to treat the disorder.
What is the benefit of anti-snoring appliances in treating snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)?
3D digital scan for highly accurate design and fabrication of a set of oral appliances that perfectly fit everyone.
- Personalized design to fit everyone.
- Lessen snoring.
- Help reduce obstructive sleep apnea.
- Enhances sleep quality.
- Small, portable, and does not require a power source.
- Easy to clean.
- Comfortable to wear.
- No embarrassment while wearing.
- No annoying noise disturbing neighbors
- Prevents tooth wear (for those who clench their teeth at night)
Is there any side effect of using anti-snoring appliances?
In the initial phase of wearing, the wearer may experience aches and pains in the jaw joints and masticatory muscle fatigue. However, the pain and discomfort will gradually improve during follow-up appointments as the dentist evaluates the outcome, makes the necessary adjustments, and the wearer becomes accustomed to the appliances.
Snoring and obstructive sleep apnea: An intimate but treatable danger
Snoring and obstructive sleep apnea can affect anyone, regardless of gender or age. The disorder is dangerous and can have negative health impacts in the short- and long-term and relationships with others. In addition, it increases the risk of many complications, including stroke, coronary heart disease, and hypertension, and can cause premature death. Those with snoring and obstructive sleep apnea should be treated systematically by a specialist doctor and dentist with expertise and experience to help relieve symptoms and reduce the risk of serious complications that may follow, as good sleep helps one to live life to the fullest, promotes harmonious married life relationship, and makes everyday life smooth and efficient.
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