Snoring Appliances

Snoring appliances are small, custom-made devices that fit in your mouth while you sleep. They work by slightly advancing the lower jaw (mandible) forward, which helps to keep your airway open and prevent the collapse of your tongue and soft tissues at the back of your throat. This, in turn, allows air to flow freely through your nasal passages and prevents the vibration that causes snoring.

There are several types of snoring appliances, but they all share this common mechanism of action. By holding your jaw in a slightly forward position, these devices help to improve airflow and reduce or eliminate snoring.

The effectiveness of snoring appliances has been proven through numerous clinical studies, with many patients reporting significant improvements in their sleep quality after just one night of use.

If your snoring appliance breaks or stops working, it's important to address the issue promptly to ensure you continue to get a good night's sleep. Here are some steps you can take:

• Check for obvious damage: Look over your appliance carefully to see if there are any visible cracks, broken parts, or other signs of damage.
• Clean your appliance: Sometimes, debris or residue can accumulate and cause the appliance to malfunction. Try cleaning it thoroughly using the method recommended by the manufacturer.
• Contact your dentist: If you've checked for damage and cleaned your appliance, but it still isn't working, reach out to your dentist. They can help determine if the issue is something that can be repaired or if you need a replacement.
• Have a backup plan: While waiting for repairs or a replacement, consider using an alternative sleep solution, such as sleeping on your side or using pillows to elevate your head and open up your nasal passages.

It's also a good idea to keep your dentist's contact information handy in case of emergencies. That way, you can quickly get the help you need when something goes wrong with your snoring appliance.

• Mandibular Advancement Devices (MADs): MADs are the most common type of snoring appliance. They consist of a plastic mouthguard with metal hinges that adjust the position of your lower jaw.
• Tongue Retaining Devices (TRDs): TRDs hold your tongue in place to prevent it from blocking your airway during sleep. They are typically made of soft plastic and fit around your teeth or suction onto the tip of your tongue.
• Combined MAD/TRD devices: Some appliances combine elements of both MADs and TRDs for added effectiveness.
• Custom-made vs. boil-and-bite devices: Custom-made appliances are crafted by a dental professional based on an impression of your teeth, while boil-and-bite devices can be adjusted to fit your mouth at home using hot water. Both types have their pros and cons, but custom-made appliances generally offer a better fit and greater comfort.

At Polinsky Dental, we will help you determine the best type of snoring appliance for your specific needs and preferences.

The level of comfort can vary from person to person, but many users find that they get used to wearing a snoring appliance within a few nights. The devices are typically made from soft, flexible materials designed for maximum comfort during sleep.

Some common adjustments you may need to make when first using an appliance include:

• Saliva flow: You might experience increased saliva production initially, but this usually subsides after a few nights.
• Jaw discomfort: Some people may feel temporary jaw pain or soreness as their muscles adjust to the new position. This should improve with time.
• Teeth sensitivity: In rare cases, users may experience tooth sensitivity or discomfort when first wearing an appliance. If this persists, it's important to consult with our dental team.

For many people, the benefits of using a snoring appliance are noticeable right away. Some users report reduced or eliminated snoring after just one night of use.

However, it's essential to keep in mind that everyone is unique, and it may take some time for your body to adapt to the new device. It's not uncommon for it to take a week or two before you see significant improvements in your sleep quality or snoring.

At Polinsky Dental, we encourage our patients to be patient and give their appliance enough time to work effectively. We also recommend regular follow-ups to ensure the best possible results.

Yes, in most cases, you can still use a snoring appliance even if you have dental implants or bridgework. Snoring appliances are designed to fit securely around your teeth and can often be adjusted to accommodate existing dental work.

However, it's crucial to consult with our dental team before using an appliance, especially if you have complex dental needs. We will assess your individual situation and ensure that the appliance is safe and appropriate for you to use.

In some cases, minor adjustments may be necessary to create a comfortable and secure fit around your dental implants or bridgework. Our skilled professionals at Polinsky Dental can make these adjustments as needed.

• Rinse your appliance after each use to remove any saliva or debris.
• Use a toothbrush with soft bristles and mild soap or a denture cleaner to gently clean the appliance at least once a day. Avoid using hot water, as it can warp the material.
• Soak your appliance in a cleaning solution overnight occasionally to help maintain its freshness and prevent bacterial growth. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for specific care guidelines.
• Store your appliance in a clean, dry place when not in use. A protective case is usually provided with your appliance.

Maintaining good hygiene is essential to prolong the lifespan of your snoring appliance and keep it effective. Our dental team at Polinsky Dental can provide you with personalized cleaning instructions and demonstrate proper techniques during your follow-up appointments.

While it's generally safe to wear a snoring appliance when you're feeling under the weather, there are a few things to consider:

• Mucus and congestion: If you have a cold or sinus infection, you may experience increased mucus production. This can sometimes make it more difficult to breathe through your nose while wearing an appliance.
• Pain or discomfort: If your snoring appliance causes pain or discomfort due to swollen or inflamed tissues in your mouth or throat, you might want to take a break from using it until you feel better.

If you're unsure about whether it's safe for you to wear your snoring appliance while sick, please consult with our dental team. We can provide personalized advice based on your specific situation and help you make an informed decision.

• Jaw pain or discomfort: As mentioned earlier, some users may experience temporary jaw pain or soreness when first using an appliance. This should improve with time.
• Teeth movement: In rare cases, long-term use of a snoring appliance can cause slight tooth movement or changes in your bite. Our dental team will monitor you for any signs of this during follow-up appointments and make adjustments as needed.
• Increased salivation: Some users may experience increased saliva production initially, but this usually subsides after a few nights.

The risks associated with snoring appliances are generally low when used under the guidance of our dental team. However, it's essential to attend regular follow-up appointments to ensure that your appliance is fitting correctly and not causing any unexpected issues.

The lifespan of a snoring appliance can vary depending on several factors, including the type of device, how well it's cared for, and how often it's used. On average, most appliances should last between 6 months to 2 years with proper care.

At Polinsky Dental, we recommend scheduling regular follow-up appointments to check the fit and condition of your appliance. During these visits, our dental team can make any necessary adjustments or repairs to help prolong its lifespan and ensure continued effectiveness.

It's also a good idea to have a backup appliance on hand in case of emergencies or unexpected damage. We can provide you with more information about the expected lifespan of different types of appliances during your consultation.

Yes, snoring appliances have been shown to be effective in managing mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in some patients. By holding the lower jaw in a forward position, these devices can help to keep the airway open and prevent the collapse of soft tissues at the back of the throat that causes apneas.

However, it's essential to understand that while snoring appliances can be helpful for many people with sleep apnea, they may not be suitable for everyone. The severity of your condition, as well as other factors like body mass index (BMI) and neck circumference, can influence the effectiveness of an appliance.

At Polinsky Dental, we will work closely with you to determine if a snoring appliance is an appropriate treatment option for your sleep apnea. In some cases, we may recommend combining an appliance with other therapies or lifestyle changes for optimal results.

Snoring can be disruptive to your partner's sleep and overall quality of life. Using a snoring appliance not only benefits you but also helps improve sleep for those around you.

The primary way snoring appliances help is by reducing or eliminating the noise caused by snoring. By keeping your airway open, these devices prevent the vibrations that result in loud snoring sounds, allowing your partner to enjoy a more peaceful night's rest.

Additionally, many users report improved relationships with their partners after starting to use a snoring appliance. The increased sleep quality and reduced frustration can lead to better communication, increased intimacy, and overall improved well-being for both parties involved.