Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and snoring are often due to a blockage of the airway that occurs when your throat muscles and tongue relax during sleep. Because the oxygen is restricted, patients may snore loudly or have their deep sleep interrupted by frequent slight wake ups, so that the patient can properly breathe again.
A snore guard is a custom fit mouthpiece that helps adjust the lower jaw and the tongue, keeping them from falling back and blocking airways so that patients (and anyone around them) can sleep more soundly.
If you’ve already been diagnosed for sleep apnea, or believe you might be suffering from it, we offer several types of sleep devices that may work well for you. These sleep devices are all custom designed to your mouth to ensure comfort and proper fit. And because mouth pieces are adjustable, our dentists will also schedule periodic visits to help monitor how they’re working and also make any necessary adjustments to them, making sure they continue to perform and fit well.
Types of Snore Guard Devices
Here are a couple of types of mouth pieces we recommend for mild to moderate sleep apnea and snoring.
The Adjustable PM Positioner
This device is custom molded to the patient’s upper and lower teeth and offers them control of adjusting their jaw position under their dentist’s supervision.
Made of an acrylic material that softens in hot water , this device offers a comfortable fit that also provides strength and retention. Heated with tap water before using, this device fits over the upper and lower teeth.
Comfortable on the teeth, the Adjustable PM Positioner provides added space for the tongue and allows for some jaw movement. The adjustment mechanisms are on the cheek side near the molars and allows for an easy advancement of the jaw position.
The SomnoMed MAS
Much like a sports mouth guard, SomnoMed offers various types of custom made mouthpieces that fit over the upper and lower teeth, which help to move the lower jaw slightly forward.
Because it consists of an upper and lower piece that are unattached, this device provides additional comfort and flexibility for drinking, yawning and speaking, without requiring patients to take out the mouth piece. It is also easily adjustable and does not have a locking system.
If you think you might benefit from a sleep device for sleep apnea or snoring, or you would like to learn more about our sleep dentistry services, please set up a consultation with us.
Call (206) 524-1000 for snore relief & schedule an exam and consultation, or request your appointment here.