Snoring can cause anxiety and a sleeping problems for the snorer and anyone who lives in the same space. In addition, it has been linked to a variety of metabolic diseases, including cardiovascular disease.
Snoring treatment options can be either non-surgical or surgical; the type of treatment chosen depends on the cause for the snoring.
Nasal snoring
Inspiration is defined as the development of negative pressure and the partial collapse of the pharyngeal airway in the case of snorers. The reason for the snoring is due to the restriction of upper airway. Nasal devices may help keep it open and reduce the snoring. Afrin Test is an example of a way of determining if patients will use these appliances.
Nasal snoring is often helped by using nasal anti-snoring products, for example nasal strips and nasal dilators. Both of them keep the nose open while you the night.
Nasal strips
Nasal strips can be self-adhesive strips that are designed to pull nostrils apart.
Nasal dilators
Nasal dilators can be made from metal or plastic. They function by pushing the nostrils open during sleep. One of them can be used as their efficacy has not been directly compared.
Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS)
OSAS can be treated using one of the following methods:
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)
Oral appliances
Surgery
Oral appliances
Oral appliances could be used in lieu of CPAP in the event that the former fails or is not acceptable for the patient. They are also a possibility for mild or moderate OSAS that do not cause daytime sleepiness.
Chin strips
Chin strips are self-adhesive strip that are positioned under the chin in order to ensure that the mouth stays closed during sleeping.
Vestibular shield
This device of plastic is installed inside the mouth to block airflow and to encourage breathing in the nasal passages, which typically prevents from snoring.
Both of them are similar to each other in terms of the current research.
Mandibular advancement devices (MAD)
These devices stop snoring which is caused by vibration of the tongue’s base. They force the lower jaw forward and tongue forward to create more space to allow airflow into the pharynx. This stops the tongue from moving in this region.
A thermoplastic MAD may be bought ready-made and fitted to size in the patient’s home. These devices may not be suitable for or tolerated by those who have a gag reflex that is strong or those who are unable to sleep with appliances in the mouth. It could cause pain to the jaw and face in the first few days. A custom MAD by dentists is recommended for people with OSAS, however, these are much more expensive.
Modern MAD are less heavy, lighter and bulky, and even micro-adjustable that allows every person to adjust the amount of protrusion in the jaw to stop snoring without causing undue stress on the jaw and facial muscles. The devices need to be replaced at least every 18 months.
Tongue-retaining devices (TRD)
The TRD is an additional oral appliance that prevents the falling back of the tongue, which often occurs during sleep and causes some people to snore. It holds the tip of the tongue in place by applying a slight negative suction. The mouthpiece also creates the mandibular protrusion also but it is reduced to a comfortable level based on feedback from patients.
The risk of this can be increased in the event that snoring is still present despite use. The TRD has orifices laterally to allow mouth breathing in case the nose is blocked. This can lead to some initial soreness, however it’s completely safe and proven effective in the majority of sleepers. Furthermore, it reduces sleep apnea and daytime somnolence.
Benefits as well as disadvantages to dental appliances
Oral appliances can cause discomfort and foreign body sensations, excessive salivation or mouth dryness. They should typically be used following a sleep study that has been performed to identify the potential risk factors that could trigger OSAS and to identify it and, if it’s there is any, and also providing a baseline for determine the effectiveness of the appliance. They are reversible, simple to operate, cost-effective and efficient, and therefore offer a viable alternative to CPAP in the majority of patients.
Adjustable dental appliances require orthodontic abilities and are therefore costlier as fixed appliances. They require more time to design, and tolerance buildup is slow, but they’re much more successful at the reduction of snoring for all types of patients suffering from OSAS. The greatest success rates are found in younger patients with smaller build and a less weight, and who suffer from mild to moderate OSAS.
Fixed appliances are generally more affordable, simple to install by the patient, and operate quicker. They cannot be adjusted to offer greater or less mandibular protrusion. They are therefore unable to stop snoring.
As a whole oral appliances are more acceptable than CPAP for those suffering from OSAS.
A newer anti snoring device is based on the ability to develop a conditioned reflex. It vibrates when the beginning of snoring which causes the sleeper to turn on to the side. It assists in improving the quality of sleep during the day, without altering or improving sleep quality.
