My partner had obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and chose to have an operation which fortunately for him this worked.
For many others with this condition, an operation may not be a solution.
As an expert in dentistry, there may be an alternative for the patient.
Studies have shown positive results with the use of a dental sleep apnea device with regular follow up visits may be a long term solution for OSA sufferers.
Snoring can be a symptom of obstructive sleep apnea and is a noise created by the partial blocking of the airway.
When you fall asleep your muscles relax, including those that control the tongue and throat.
The soft tissue at the back of your throat can sag, narrowing the air passage.
Incoming air then makes the tissue at the rear roof of the mouth (the soft palate), the flap of skin hanging from the palate (uvula) and the throat vibrate: a sound we know as snoring.
The SomnoDent® Mandibular Advancement Splint (MAS) is a clinically validated treatment for sleep apnea.
The SomnoDent® MAS treats mild, moderate and severe cases by moving the lower jaw slightly forward.
Doing so tightens the soft tissue and muscles of the upper airway, which prevents airway blockage while you are asleep.
The SomnoDent® MAS also prevents the tissues of the upper airway from vibrating as air passes over them, which is one of the main causes of snoring.
This is a custom made medical dental appliance by combining a number of key design features which represent vast improvements on existing snoring appliances.
SomnoDent® MAS has been reported to be a more comfortable and effective dental snoring appliance.