Chicago Anti-Snoring Guards in Lakeview
If you snore it can be very disruptive to anyone who is trying to sleep in the same vicinity as you. Unfortunately, this can also be a symptom of something much more severe than just a loud sleeper. Often snoring indicates a person has Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA).
If there is a possibility that you could have OSA or your snoring is keeping your partner up at night, it’s important that you consult a specialist. It could also be likely that a SomnoDent® MAS can help treat your condition.
What is obstructive sleep apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea happens when your breathing stops due to your airway becoming obstructed to the point that it is completely blocked. Your body then cognitively processes your inability to breath and arouses you in order to keep you from suffocating. If you have OSA, instances such as this can happen hundreds of times per night without you ever realizing it. This is especially true if you sleep alone.
Snoring is created when a portion of your airway is blocked. Muscles in your mouth and throat become relaxed, which makes it easier for your airways to be blocked. When your airway becomes partially blocked, your throat and uvula vibrate causing you to snore.
Obstructive sleep apnea signs & symptoms
Unintentionally dozing off midday
Frequently waking up tired after a full night’s sleep
Having an issue concentrating for long periods of time.
Snoring loudly
Not remembering dreams (due to lack of REM sleep)
If you or your partner are experiencing any of these symptoms it is important to consult a medical professional right away. They will get you back on track to productive and healthy sleep.
Health risks associated with sleep apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea is a serious medical condition that can have a significant impact on your quality of life. It can place unnecessary strain on your personal relationships, family, and career. OSA is also said to be severely under-diagnosed.
Health risks associated with OSA:
A 33% increased risk of cardiovascular disease
Diabetes
You are four times more likely to have a heart attack
40-80% of stroke sufferers also suffer from OSA
Excessive sleepiness during the day
A higher risk of depression
Constant fatigue
A reduction in your body’s ability to resist infections
How do I know if SomnoDent® MAS is right for me?
If you suffer from obstructive sleep apnea or snore, the SomnoDent® MAS could help you. The device will significantly decrease how loud and frequently you snore, as well as eliminate or reduce your OSA. This will also be a benefit to anyone who sleeps near you. For you, it will mean better quality sleep. As a result, you will be less likely to suffer from headaches and daytime sleepiness and your ability to concentrate should improve.
There are three main indicators that work as a good guide for screening patients to determine the effectiveness of oral devices. These indicators are:
Severity of OSA:
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends the use of oral devices such as the SomnoDent® MAS for mild-to-moderate OSA (AHI < 25), or for patients with severe OSA who are either unable to tolerate CPAP or refuse treatment with CPAP.
Body Mass Index:
If BMI is below 30 (which means that a person is not obese) the probability that the device will work is high.
The Number of Healthy Teeth:
SomnoMed defines good dentition as at least 6 teeth on the lower mandible with no periodontal disease.
The CPAP didn’t work for me
If you tried the CPAP and found it uncomfortable, you are not alone. The difference in comfort and tolerance between the CPAP and the SomnoDent® MAS will astound you. If looking to significantly improve your ability to rest ask your dentist about the SomnoDent® MAS.
Frequently Asked Questions:
The SomnoDent® MAS is worn when you sleep. It is very discrete, and it allows you to close your lips so it is not obvious to others that you are wearing it.
Yes. The comfort comes from its custom made design, which makes it fit your mouth without infringing on your tongue. Your mouth can open and close normally because the SomnoDent® MAS does not restrict the movement of your jaws like other MAS appliances do.
An oral appliance is a small device, similar to an orthodontic retainer or an athletic mouthguard. It is worn in the mouth during sleep to prevent the soft throat tissues from collapsing and obstructing the airway. Some appliances hold the lower jaw forward during sleep while others have a direct effect on tongue position. Oral appliances relieve snoring and may treat OSA by realigning the jaw and tongue in relation to the head. Although oral appliances do not work for everybody, a well-made, well-fitted appliance may reduce or eliminate snoring, and may significantly relieve symptoms of OSA.
Oral appliances were first utilized in the 1930’s to help people breathe properly during sleep. Starting in the 1980’s, physicians and dentists started to rigorously research and study the effectiveness of the devices when treating OSA and disruptive snoring. Current studies support that oral appliances are productive ways to reduce symptoms of OSA. The SomnoDent® MAS is the only oral device to have TGA and FDA approval in Australia.
One of the major advantages of the SomnoDent® MAS is improved patient compliance. The ability to freely open the mouth, speak and drink with the splint fitted is a quantum leap forward in this type of medical treatment. 95% of patients with proven OSA stated they would like to continue using the SomnoDent® MAS 1,2 83% of patients reported improvement in sleep quality with the SomnoDent® MAS2 86% of patients reported nightly use of the SomnoDent® MAS 2.
No. There is a range of oral devices available, but many of them are not custom-made or adjustable. Most are either uncomfortable, ineffective or both. The unique design of the SomnoDent® MAS greatly enhances comfort, with clinical research backing its effectiveness.
The SomnoDent® MAS is a custom made medical device, designed to hold your lower jaw (mandible) forward while you sleep. This tightens the muscles of the upper airway to allow easier breathing. The SomnoDent® MAS is a type of oral appliance, a mandibular advancement splint, comprised of upper and lower dental plates with a unique patented fin coupling component, which allows normal mouth opening and closing. The device titrates easily to achieve comfortable usage. The SomnoDent® design has a number of key features which represent quantum improvements on existing MAS devices. These improvements make the device both more comfortable and effective. SomnoDent® is now recognized globally by an expanding group of sleep dentists as the MAS Gold Standard. It is used for the treatment of simple snoring, as well as obstructive sleep apnea.
Oral appliance therapy to treat snoring should be provided by an experienced dentist. Dr. Parrott at Belmont Dental Care work closely with sleep physicians to treat snoring and OSA in the most safe and effective ways.
Patients with crowns or bridges can be successfully fitted with SomnoDent® MAS appliances. Adjustments are made in the appliance to ensure that fragile crowns and bridges are not harmed. Patients with crown and bridge work may prefer SomnoDent® MAS Flex that has a soft lining inside and is gentler for your teeth. Sufficient healthy teeth are required in order to use an oral appliance. Most devices require at least 10 good teeth both upper and lower jaws. The SomnoDent® MAS appliances require fewer teeth to be effective. Patients with partial dentures may be successfully fitted with the SomnoDent® MAS, as long as there are sufficient teeth on the lower arch for optimal retention. The MAS may be fitted over dental implants. However, we recommend using SomnoDent® MAS Edentulous designed for patients with no upper teeth and made from either acrylic or flex. An edentulous upper splint covers the palate in the same way as a full upper denture secured by suction and made to oppose a lower splint. Due to the unique two piece coupling mechanism, there is no downward pull on the upper splint.
Yes. The SomnoDent® MAS features medical grade stainless steel screws on the side of the appliance to provide incremental levels of jaw advancement. This optimizes the effectiveness and comfort-level of treatment, as the jaw is moved only as far as required to alleviate snoring and OSA.