The Relationship Between Snoring and Dental & Jaw Health
There is actually no direct relationship between snoring and teeth. Snoring occurs due to the narrowing and vibration of the airway in the throat region. Therefore, the position of the jaw is associated with snoring. To address snoring issues, it is necessary to eliminate this constriction. This is where snoring appliances come to our aid.
At What Stage Does Snoring Require Treatment?
Even healthy individuals may snore during their sleep; not every snorer is a patient. If someone is tired or has consumed alcohol, they may snore. However, if snoring occurs every night, is loud and disturbing, and happens even when lying on one's side, then snoring has become a medical condition.
What is a Snoring Appliance?
The most effective material used for snoring treatment today is a snoring appliance. The snoring appliance is worn during sleep. It is worn over the teeth, similar to a boxer's mouthguard, positioning the lower jaw forward, opening the blocked airway caused by the sagging of the tongue and palate, thus preventing snoring and sleep apnea. Since the snoring appliance positions the lower jaw forward during sleep, it also prevents snoring and sleep apnea in patients with a small and retruded lower jaw. The appliance is only worn during the treatment period and while sleeping at night; there is no need to use it during the day. Since the snoring appliance is custom-made for each individual, it can also be used in cases of other dental prostheses and toothlessness.
Who and When is the Appliance Applied?
A decision needs to be made after a doctor's examination. Snoring appliances can be applied to individuals over the age of 17.
What is the Application Process of the Appliance?
A custom snoring appliance is prepared by taking measurements from the individual; therefore, the individual needs to come to the clinic. We often receive a lot of demand from out-of-town and international patients, and these individuals may not always be able to stay for accommodation. For these patients, we can prepare and deliver the snoring appliance on the same day. We can do this within a program, on specific dates and in a certain number. For patients in Istanbul, we deliver the appliance within one to two weeks.
Is the Appliance Permanent or Temporary?
The snoring appliance helps the tissues in the throat region that have become relaxed to regain their previous tension. For the treatment to be permanent, patients also need to pay attention to some issues. For example, if the individual has a weight problem, they need to lose weight, or if they use alcohol, they need to quit. In short, they need to lead a healthy lifestyle. If the individual does not pay attention to these issues, we can often think of the snoring appliance like glasses. That is, it is beneficial as long as it is used.
What Kind of Patient Group Does It Generally Consist of?
Unfortunately, about 40% of our society has a snoring problem. Although snoring is often associated with men, we also frequently encounter it in women. We observe that women may not seek treatment because they can feel embarrassed about snoring. Generally speaking, we encounter complaints of snoring in men of all ages, but we observe this complaint more frequently, especially in individuals with weight problems. In women, especially after menopause, i.e., around the age of 45 and older, snoring complaints can reach up to 50%.
The Author of the Article: Dr. Tuğrul Saygı