Treatments - call now - 01202 673037

Anti-snoring device

What causes snoring?

The main cause of snoring is the partial closure of the airway during sleep when the muscles in the neck naturally relax. For some people the soft tissues in the upper throat vibrate making the sound we know as snoring. As we get older the chances of snoring increases.

Some snorers suffer from a medical condition known as Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) where they are heard to gasp for breath while they are asleep. This is a potentially dangerous condition and should be investgated prior to the fitting of any anti-snoring device. If you are found to suffer from OSA you will need to be referred for more specialist treatment.

Dentists and Anti-Snoring Devices

Your dentist can make an oral appliance which is worn at night to prevent or reduce snoring. Following the completion of a questionnaire, your dentist will take moulds of your upper and lower arches. Your appliance will be custom made to the moulds of your mouth and your dentist will fit it.

The purpose of the appliance is to hold the lower jaw in a forward position. During sleep any opening of the mouth pulls the lower jaw further forward thereby increasing the gap at the back of the throat and allowing more air to flow freely – and quietly. You will be asked to wear the appliance each night for a week to determine if it has eliminated the snoring. If snoring persists, you may be asked to return to your dentist to have it adjusted.

This type of device is generally not suited to people with few or no natural teeth and will not work for everyone - around 60% achieve complete relief from snoring.

To learn more about potential anti-snorning devices, speak with your dentist.

More information