Just looking for a snoring mouthpiece? The snoring problems you are trying to solve may be an indication of life-threatening obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
There are many “boil and bite” snoring mouthpieces available through the internet, over-the-counter, as well as via infomercials on TV. Using one of these quick and easy snoring solutions without a qualified dentist can be very risky and may lead to serious health consequences. A snoring appliance could stop snoring without treating sleep apnea. This can make your sleeping disorder worse.
Whether or not you think you have sleep apnea, getting a sleep study is highly recommended before using a snoring mouthguard. Even if your sleep study results show an apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) not indicative of sleep apnea, a dentist can still provide a custom mouthpiece to help you stop snoring.
Why choose a CUSTOM oral appliance for snoring and sleep apnea:
- It may be more than snoring: only a custom appliance can treat OSA. A 2008 study compares the efficacy of prefabricated anti-snoring devices with custom-made oral appliances. AHI was only reduced with the custom-made oral appliance.
- Comfort and effectiveness: In the same 2008 study, the custom oral appliance reduced snoring to a greater extent. The initial success rate with the custom-made oral appliance was 100% higher than with the pre-fabricated device. The total failure rate with the pre-fabricated device was 69%. At the end of the study, 82% of the patients preferred the custom-made device, and 9% had no preference.
- Snoring mouthpieces or dental night guards may help you stop snoring. However potential side effects such as worsened sleep apnea, silent apnea, bruxism, and TMJ disorder. They can also shift the tooth position. These detriments may outweigh the benefits of not snoring.
- According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, oral appliances must be fitted by qualified dental personnel. Qualified personnel train in the temporomandibular joint, dental occlusion, associated oral structures, and overall care of oral health.
Finding a qualified dentist, trained in treating snoring, sleep apnea, and TMJ disorder, to monitor your care is the best way to minimize or avoid major complications. Visit Snoring Isn’t Sexy to request a consultation and learn more about snoring and sleep apnea solutions!
