Snoring
Sleep disordered breathing encompasses several sleep disorders that are associated in varying degrees of an airway blockage due to large tonsils, long soft palate or uvula, excessive fleshy tissues, or over relaxed position of the tongue. In our practice we very often see some or all of these conditions that lead to snoring such as a small or retruded jaw and airway obstruction. Working together with your referring physician we are a valuable member of the "sleep team" to provide our patients with an alternative, or adjunct to surgery or the use of a CPAP machine.
For many patients, snoring does not involve a serious medical disorder and can easily be treated successfully with an oral appliance that is used when sleeping. These appliances often are similar to orthodontic retainers or TMJ appliances and are usually made from clear acrylics and often have adjustment features.
Our screening process which identifies physiologic and behavioral predisposing factors will include:
- Complete medical/dental examination
- Intraoral exam and evaluation of the head, neck, facial area, teeth and supporting structures.
- Upper and lower dental impressions
- Specialized tomography x-rays to assess whether or not the patient is a sleep appliance candidate.
- A specialized instrument (pharyngometer/rhynometer is used to measure the throat and nasal airway.
All of the appliances attempt to dilate or open the airway, and the benefits include:
- Excellent patient compliance and acceptance
- Non-evasive, conservative treatment
- Repositioning of the soft palate, stabilizing the lower jaw, tongue, and uvula
- Increased muscle tone and muscle activity
- Moderate cost when compared to other more invasive treatment