Dental Oral Device (Mandibular Advancement Splint)
Dental anti-snoring devices, also known as mandibular advancement devices or oral appliances, are custom-made devices that are designed to help prevent snoring by repositioning the jaw and tongue to open up the airway during sleep. These devices can be effective for people who snore due to obstructive sleep apnea or other sleep-related breathing disorders.
The dental anti-snoring device is typically worn at night, and works by holding the lower jaw in a slightly forward position, which helps to keep the airway open and reduce snoring. The device is custom-made by a dental professional to fit the patient’s mouth and teeth, and is typically made from a comfortable, flexible material that is easy to wear.
Dental anti-snoring devices have been shown to be effective in reducing snoring and improving sleep quality for many patients. However, it’s important to note that these devices may not be appropriate for everyone, and they should only be used under the guidance of a dental professional or sleep specialist.
If you are considering a dental anti-snoring device, you should talk to your dentist or sleep specialist about whether it is a good option for you. They can evaluate your condition and determine if a dental device is the best course of treatment, or if other options such as lifestyle changes or other medical interventions may be more appropriate.
What is the difference between other anti-snoring methods?
Dental Anti Snoring Device VS CPAP Machine
Both dental devices and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines are commonly used to treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a disorder characterized by recurrent pauses in breathing during sleep. However, dental devices and CPAP machines work differently and have distinct advantages and disadvantages.
Dental devices are custom-made oral appliances worn during sleep and work by repositioning the jaw to maintain an open airway. They are typically recommended for mild to moderate cases of OSA and are often preferred by patients who find CPAP machines uncomfortable or cumbersome. Dental devices are easy to use, portable, and quiet and do not require electricity or regular maintenance. They can also be effective in treating snoring, which is a common symptom of OSA.
On the other hand, CPAP machines deliver a continuous stream of air pressure through a mask that covers the nose and/or mouth. The air pressure acts as a splint to keep the airway open, preventing apnea and snoring. CPAP machines are highly effective in treating OSA, even in severe cases, and they can improve daytime alertness, quality of life, and cardiovascular health. However, some patients find CPAP machines uncomfortable, claustrophobic, or noisy, and they may experience skin irritation or pressure sores from the mask. CPAP machines also require electricity and regular maintenance, which may be inconvenient for travel.
In summary, dental devices and CPAP machines are both effective treatments for OSA but have different advantages and disadvantages. Dental devices are a good option for patients with mild to moderate OSA who prefer a comfortable, portable, and low-maintenance treatment. CPAP machines are a more powerful treatment for all levels of OSA, but they may be less comfortable, require more maintenance, and may not be suitable for travel. The choice between these treatments depends on the severity of OSA, patient preferences, and other factors and should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider.
Suppliers of O2 Vent
Get a better night sleep for you & your partner
Additionally, snoring can be a symptom of more serious sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea, which can further impact overall health and well-being if left untreated.
Snoring occurs when the air flowing through the mouth and nose during sleep is partially blocked, resulting in vibrations in the throat tissues and sound production. There are various reasons why this blockage may occur, including:
- Obstructed nasal airways due to allergies, sinus infections, or anatomical abnormalities.
- Poor muscle tone in the tongue and throat leads to relaxed and narrowed airways.
- Being overweight or obese can increase the amount of soft tissue in the throat and neck.
- Smoking and alcohol consumption can relax the muscles in the throat and lead to greater airway obstruction.
- Sleeping position, particularly on one’s back, can cause the tongue to fall back and block the airway.
These factors can contribute to snoring and disrupt sleep, leading to various negative health consequences.
Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder characterized by repeated interrupted breathing during sleep. This happens because the airway becomes partially or completely blocked, causing a person to stop breathing for short periods of time (usually between 10-30 seconds) before gasping or snorting awake in order to reopen the airway.
There are two main types of sleep apnea:
- Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common form of sleep apnea, where the airway is blocked due to the relaxation of the throat muscles during sleep.
- Central sleep apnea (CSA) is less common and occurs when the brain fails to send the proper signals to the muscles that control breathing during sleep.
Sleep apnea can lead to various health problems, including daytime fatigue, depression, high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. See a doctor if you suspect you have sleep apnea or are experiencing symptoms such as loud snoring, pauses in breathing during sleep, or excessive daytime sleepiness.
Yes, snoring can have negative impacts on your body’s health. Snoring can cause disruptions to your sleep, leading to daytime fatigue, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and mood swings. Additionally, snoring can be a symptom of a more serious sleep disorder, such as obstructive sleep apnea, linked to an increased risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and other health problems.
In people with sleep apnea, repeated interruptions in breathing can lead to a lack of oxygen in the body, causing a strain on the cardiovascular system and leading to an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. Moreover, the ongoing sleep disruptions associated with snoring and sleep apnea can also contribute to depression, anxiety, and decreased quality of life.
It is important to seek medical attention if you are experiencing chronic snoring or other symptoms of sleep-disordered breathing, as effective treatment can improve your sleep and overall health.
Dentists can refer you to a medical professional for sleep disorders, snoring and sleep apnoea for proper assessment. Specialists may include seeking advice from a sleep physician.
Sleep apnea and snoring are usually diagnosed by Medical Professionals and not by dentists. Dentists may observe warning signs for patients. Some dentists may have acquired additional sleep training education.
Sleep Physicians may recommend that patients seek a dentist for appropriate treatment. Seeking a local specialist for sleep tests can properly diagnose problems such as Sleep apnea, Insomnia, and Snoring.
Australian Medicare does not typically cover the cost of anti-snoring dental devices for treating sleep apnea or other sleep-related breathing disorders. However, patients may claim a rebate for these devices through their private health insurance if they have an appropriate level of cover.
The level of coverage and the specific details of the rebate will vary depending on the individual’s insurance policy, so it is important to check with your insurer for more information. If you’re unsure our team can assist with queries that you may have regarding anti-snoring dental devices and your private health package.
At Amazing Smiles Dental Practices, we offer financial payment plan options with Zip, Afterpay, and Humm.
It is also worth noting that a diagnosis of sleep apnea or other sleep-related breathing disorder typically requires a referral from an external medical professional expert, such as a GP or sleep specialist (Sleep Physician), and may involve additional testing, such as a sleep study. These costs may also be partially covered by private health insurance.
Apnoea Device Health Fund Item Numbers (numbers may differ based upon recommended treatment by your personal dentist)
- 983 Single arch oral appliance for diagnosed snoring and obstructive snoring, and sleep apnoea
- 984 Mandibular advancement appliance for diagnosed snoring and obstructive sleep apnoea
- 985 Repair/addition – snoring or sleep apnoea device
We accept all major health funds
