Snoring splint

You want to do something about snoring and are looking for a suitable solution? We are here for you and would like to help you find a solution for your specific needs. Here you will find information about the topic of mandibular advancement splint. The splint moves the lower jaw forward during sleep, clearing the throat. It can be used to treat snoring as well as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

How does normal breathing work during sleep?

During normal breathing, air flows freely through the upper airways. There are no obstructions to breathing. This allows a peaceful sleep which is important for physical well-being.

Why do you snore?

Snoring is caused by a narrowing of the upper airway. During sleep, the supporting muscles in the mouth and throat become slack. The tongue slips backwards. This narrows the airway. The air we breathe flows through this constriction. In the process, a vibration of the tissue produces the snoring sound.

What happens with obstructive sleep apnea?

The most severe form of constriction is obstructive sleep apnea. Here, the upper airways are blocked to such an extent that there are breathing pauses and impaired sleep quality.

Risk factors
Fragmented sleep, as caused by obstructive sleep apnea, is the most common cause of fatigue during the day and problems similar to sleep deprivation. Obstructive sleep apnea can further lead to serious illness due to the lack of oxygen. The combination of restless sleep and lack of oxygen can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, strokes, diabetes, sexual dysfunction, depression and an increased risk of traffic accidents.

How does a snore splint work?

The aim of splint treatment is to clear the airways. The splint achieves this by moving the lower jaw forward. This also moves the tongue forward and clears the airway. The splint covers the teeth of the upper and lower jaw like a normal dental splint. The two splints are connected by a special band that causes the lower jaw to move forward. The movement is a so-called protrusion of the lower jaw. Hence the name mandibular protrusion splint. Snoring and mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea can be successfully treated with these custom-made appliances.

Treatment

Snoring and mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea can be treated with a custom-made oral appliance. The two-piece appliance is designed to keep the upper airway open, preventing breathing cessation. The lower jaw is comfortably guided forward to relax the tissues in the throat and prevent the base of the tongue from blocking the airway.

76% of patients report a reduction in daytime fatigue when wearing an oral appliance.

84% of patients report an improvement in sleep quality when wearing an oral appliance.

90% of patients report a reduction in snoring and breathing pauses when wearing an oral appliance.

Epidemiology of Obstructive Sleep Apnea: a Population-based Perspective. Lee et al., 2009.

76% of patients report a reduction in daytime fatigue when wearing an oral appliance.

84% of patients report an improvement in sleep quality when wearing an oral appliance.

90% of patients report a reduction in snoring and breathing pauses when wearing an oral appliance.

Epidemiology of Obstructive Sleep Apnea: a Population-based Perspective. Lee et al., 2009.

What is obstructive sleep apnea?

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common condition that causes snoring and breathing pauses during sleep. These pauses in breathing can occur up to 30 times per hour or even more frequently. As a result, sleep quality suffers and patients are tired during the day. In addition, patients' partners suffer as loud snoring can keep him or her awake at night.

The most common symptom of obstructive sleep apnea is chronic, loud snoring. Patients often report fatigue during the day, including while working and driving. This can cause patients to fall asleep during moments of inactivity. Other symptoms include morning headaches, frequent waking during the night, difficulty concentrating, psychological problems such as depression or mood swings, and a dry mouth upon waking.

Weitere Infos

How common is obstructive sleep apnea?

The American Sleep Apnea Society calls sleep apnea "a debilitating and life-shortening condition. A study by Young et al. found that one in five adults has a mild form of obstructive sleep apnea. One in 15 adults has a moderate form of obstructive sleep apnea.

Epidemiology of Obstructive Sleep Apnea: a Population-based Perspective. Lee et al., 2009. Weitere Informationen

The Occurrence of Sleep-Disordered Breathing among Middle-Aged Adults. Young et al., 1993. Weitere Informationen

Epidemiology of Obstructive Sleep Apnea – A Population Health Perspective. Young et al., 2001. Weitere Informationen

Sleep Apnea Related Risk of Motor Vehicle Accidents is Reduced Positive Airway Pressure. Karimi et al., 2015. Weitere Informationen

Epidemiology of Obstructive Sleep Apnea: a Population-based Perspective. Lee et al., 2009. Weitere Informationen

The Occurrence of Sleep-Disordered Breathing among Middle-Aged Adults. Young et al., 1993. Weitere Informationen

Epidemiology of Obstructive Sleep Apnea – A Population Health Perspective. Young et al., 2001. Weitere Informationen

Sleep Apnea Related Risk of Motor Vehicle Accidents is Reduced Positive Airway Pressure. Karimi et al., 2015. Weitere Informationen

Dr. Nicole Horvath

Dr. Nicole Horvath is a specialist dentist for orthodontics. She is a member of the German Society for Dental Sleep Medicine and is certified to treat snoring and obstructive sleep apnea with a mandibular advancement splint.

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