Snoring & obstructive sleep apnoea

Quality sleep is imperative for good health. Snoring can and lead to serious health issues as well as affect personal relationships. Research has shown that people who snore, often complain of tiredness and restlessness despite a full night sleep. They are lethargic, run-down, with frequent morning headaches as well as experiencing a dry mouth and sore throat.

One of the main causes of snoring is the partial blockage of the airway during sleep, during sleep, the muscles of the neck relax. The relaxed soft tissue in the upper throat then vibrates, which produces the sound we know as snoring.

Obstructive Sleep Apnoea is when a person stops breathing for a short while during sleep. These breathing interruptions, known as “Sleep Apnoea” occur when the airway narrows so much that it closes. Whereas snoring is a partial blockage, Obstructive Sleep Apnoea is caused by the complete closure of the airway. The closure of the airway causes breathing to stop, which in turn reduces the oxygen level in the blood. The brain reacts by releasing adrenaline, which causes a partial wakening of the snorer. The snorer will often not be aware of this partial awakening during the night.

One of the best methods of snoring prevention is by using a Mandibular Advancement Splints. These are easy to use and can provide you and your partner with their best night’s sleep in years. The mandibular advancement splints may also assist you in addressing some of the other health issues associated with snoring.

Why is a dental assessment essential? To be able to wear an oral appliance successfully, it is important that your mouth is free of dental disease, tooth decay and gum disease. If your teeth and gums are not healthy, wearing the appliance will lead to worsening of the problem with the eventual loss of teeth. Most appliances require you to have a minimum number of healthy teeth. This is so that the device has a surface area that is large enough to hold on to while you sleep. The most popular snoring prevention device that we offer is known as the ‘Sleepwell’ appliance. Why not book a free consultation with Dr. Robert Felkler to find out about your suitability and how we can help you start enjoying a deeper and more restorative sleep?

Sleepwell Appliance

  • Customised to your mouth for maximum comfort
  • Highly Successful
  • Self-adjustable permitting longer life and total flexibility
  • Robust but slimline
  • Side to side movement whilst being worn
  • Prevents tooth damage from clenching / grinding
  • Modification can be made to allow for dental treatment