Dental Anti Snoring Devices
Dental anti-snoring devices, also known as mandibular advancement devices, are custom-made oral appliances designed to help prevent snoring by repositioning the jaw and tongue. They are particularly effective for individuals with obstructive sleep apnea or related breathing disorders.
Typically worn at night, these devices hold the lower jaw slightly forward to keep the airway open and reduce snoring. A dental professional customises the device to fit your mouth, using a comfortable, flexible material.
Many patients experience improved sleep quality and reduced snoring with these devices. However, they may not be suitable for everyone, so it’s essential to consult a dental professional or sleep specialist before use. They can assess your condition and recommend the best treatment options, whether a dental device or alternative solutions like lifestyle changes.
What is the difference between other anti-snoring methods?
Dental Anti Snoring Devices VS CPAP Machine
Dental devices and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which causes breathing pauses during sleep. Each option operates differently and has its pros and cons.
Dental devices are custom-made oral appliances that reposition the jaw to keep the airway open. They’re suitable for mild to moderate OSA and are often preferred by patients who find CPAP machines uncomfortable. Advantages include ease of use, portability, quiet operation, and no need for electricity or maintenance. They can also help with snoring.
CPAP machines provide a continuous air stream through a mask, preventing apnea and snoring. They are very effective for all levels of OSA and can enhance daytime alertness and overall health. However, some users may feel uncomfortable, experience skin issues, or find the machines noisy. They also require electricity and regular upkeep, which can be inconvenient for travel.
In summary, dental devices work well for mild to moderate OSA and are comfortable and low-maintenance. CPAP machines are more potent for severe cases but can be less comfortable and require more maintenance. The choice between them should be made based on OSA severity, patient preferences, and in consultation with a healthcare provider.
Suppliers of O2 Vent
Amazing Smiles Dental Clinics are proud to be suppliers of O2Vent. Oventus Airway Technology allows unobstructed air to flow through the uniquely designed device to the back of the throat, circumventing usual obstruction causes, such as the nose, tongue and palate.
Get a better night sleep for you & your partner
Snoring can seriously affect how well you sleep and how good you feel during the day. It often happens when the airways are partially blocked while you sleep. This blockage disrupts your breathing and flow of air, causing you to wake up frequently at night. As a result, you may feel tired, sluggish, irritable, have trouble concentrating, and experience mood swings.
Snoring can also indicate more serious sleep issues, like sleep apnea. If not treated, these conditions can harm one’s overall health and well-being.
FAQ’s
Why do I snore and what are the causes?
Snoring happens when airflow through the mouth and nose is partially blocked during sleep, causing throat tissue vibrations and sound. Key causes include:
- Obstructed nasal passages from allergies, sinus infections, or structural issues.
- Poor muscle tone in the tongue and throat, leading to narrowed airways.
- Excess weight can increase soft tissue in the throat and neck.
- Smoking and alcohol relax throat muscles, worsening airway obstruction.
- Sleeping on the back may cause the tongue to block the airway.
These factors can disrupt sleep and lead to health issues.
What is sleep apnoea?
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep due to airway blockage. This can last 10 to 30 seconds, often causing the person to wake briefly to reopen the airway.
There are two types of sleep apnea:
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): The most common form, caused by relaxed throat muscles blocking the airway.
- Central Sleep Apnea (CSA): Less common, occurring when the brain doesn’t send the right signals to control breathing.
Sleep apnea can result in serious health issues like daytime fatigue, depression, high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. Consult a doctor if you have symptoms like loud snoring, pauses in breathing, or excessive daytime sleepiness.
Can snoring affect your bodies health?
Snoring can negatively affect your health. It disrupts sleep, resulting in daytime fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. It may also indicate a severe sleep disorder like obstructive sleep apnea, which is linked to higher risks of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
In sleep apnea, breathing interruptions can lead to low oxygen levels, straining the cardiovascular system and increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke. Additionally, chronic sleep disruptions from snoring can contribute to depression, anxiety, and lower quality of life.
If you have chronic snoring or symptoms of sleep-disordered breathing, seek medical advice. Effective treatment can enhance your sleep and overall health.
How is sleep apnea diagnosed?
Dentists can refer you to medical professionals for sleep disorders, snoring, and sleep apnea. These specialists, including sleep physicians, conduct proper assessments and diagnoses. While dentists can sometimes spot warning signs and may have additional training, sleep apnea and snoring are typically diagnosed by doctors. Sleep physicians may recommend dental treatments, and local specialists can conduct tests to diagnose conditions like sleep apnea, insomnia, and snoring.
Does Medicare or Private Health cover anti snoring dental devices?
Australian Medicare generally does not cover anti-snoring dental devices for sleep apnea or related disorders. However, you may claim a rebate through private health insurance with adequate coverage. Check with your insurer for specific details, as coverage varies by policy.
Relevant Apnoea Device Health Fund Item Numbers (may vary by treatment):
- 983: Single arch oral appliance for diagnosed snoring, obstructive snoring, and sleep apnea
- 984: Mandibular advancement appliance for diagnosed snoring and obstructive sleep apnea
- 985: Repair/addition for snoring or sleep apnea devices
At Amazing Smiles Dental Clinics, we offer payment plans with Zip, Afterpay, and Humm. A diagnosis of sleep apnea typically requires a referral from a GP or sleep specialist and may involve additional testing, which may also be partially covered by private health insurance.
We accept all major health funds
