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Q What
is snoring?
A The noise of snoring is caused
by the vibration of the soft tissues in the upper airway.
During sleep the muscles of the upper airway relax resulting
in the formation of bottlenecks or even complete obstruction
of the airways. The body reacts by increasing the velocity
of the air which in turn causes vibration of the soft tissues
which generates the noise of snoring.
Q Who
is likely to snore?
A Research has shown that approximately
40% of the adult population snore. As a person gets older
the chances of snoring increases. (i.e. in men aged 60 this
increases to 60%.) The chances of snoring are also increased
if a person is overweight or drinks alcohol.
Q What
is Obstructive Sleep Apnoea?
A This is a medical condition.
People suffering from it are heard to gasp for breath while
they are asleep. Additional symptoms are daytime drowsiness
or the feeling of not having a full nights sleep. Where Sleep
Apnoea is suspected an anti-snoring device may still be prescribed
but it is essential that you consult your medical practitioner
and if he confirms that Sleep Apnoea is suspected, that you
are referred to the sleep clinic of a hospital for further
investigation.
 Not
everyone that snores suffers from Sleep Apnoea - but nearly
everyone who suffers from Sleep Apnoea will snore.
Q What
help is available?
A Your dentist could make you an
oral appliance which is worn at night to prevent snoring.
This will consists of two thin plastic formings
which fit over the upper and lower teeth. They are joined
together by two connectors that gently hold the lower jaw
in a forward position. Any opening of the mouth pulls the
lower jaw further forward.
 Q Can
anyone use this appliance?
A The appliance can not be made
if you have no natural teeth or only a few natural teeth.
Your dentist will be able to advise you as to your own situation.
Q What
happens next?
A Your dentist will ask you to
complete a questionnaire (if possible with your partner)
and then take moulds of your upper and lower tooth arches.
Your appliance will be custom made to the moulds of your
mouth and your dentist will fit it. (Allow about two weeks
for your appliance to be manufactured.) You will be asked
to wear it initially each night for a week to ensure that
the noise of snoring has been eliminated. If after wearing
it for a week the noise of snoring has not been completely
eliminated your appliance should be returned to your dentist
for adjustment.
 Unfortunately
it is not possible to guarantee that the appliance will
work on everyone. Statistics demonstrate that in 62% of
people that snore it will totally eliminate the noise of
snoring. In the remaining cases the noise of snoring may
be reduced or it will not work at all.
Q Does
the appliance require maintenance?
A The appliance does require regular
maintenance but the intervals between maintenance periods
are difficult to predict because they depend on the individuals
case. If you grind your teeth at night the life of your appliance
will be reduced.
Q Does
the appliance come with a warranty?
A Some appliances have an initial
6 months repair and servicing warranty from the date of manufacture
of the appliance. You will need to discuss this with your
dentist.
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Courtesy of the BDHF
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