Snoring Prevention

While snoring is a common problem for many people, it can also be a sign of other major health complications. It is estimated that more than 80 million people in North America snore while sleeping, which not only affects the quality of sleep of the person snoring, but also the quality of sleep of their loved ones and other family members. Luckily, there is a way to treat chronic snoring.

Snore guards

Snore guards are effective against mild to moderate sleep apnea. When choosing a snore guard, you can consider things like: 

• Comfort: A mouth guard that is uncomfortable or causes pain can disrupt your sleep more than the snoring itself. The material, fit, and size of the mouthguard all impact comfort.
• Oral hygiene: It is important to practice good oral hygiene when wearing a snore guard.
• Size: The right size is the most important factor. Tailor-made snore guards from a dentist are the best option, but mass-produced mouthguards are usually one-size-fits-all.

What is a Mandibular Advancement Device?

If you snore at night, then a mandibular advancement device (MAD) may represent a solution and a better night's sleep! The MAD is a specially designed dental device that gently helps keep the lower jaw, or mandible, in a forward position, increasing the space between the airway passage and helping you breathe better so you can get a full, quiet night's sleep.

Some devices also stop the tongue from falling back over your windpipe. Your dentist will fit these special appliances to meet your individual condition.

Is a MAD comfortable?

The answer is simple — YES! A mandibular advancement device is made to be comfortable, so that you can sleep without even noticing you're wearing it. It does not prevent you from breathing with your mouth open and will even eliminate snoring for patients with sinus congestion or allergies. You may experience some slight stiffness of the jaw for the first few mornings after wearing the device, but this feeling is only temporary, and will go away after you wake up and remove the device.

To learn more about a mandibular advancement device, contact our practice and schedule an appointment and consultation.