Snoring is a problem for many people, especially as we get older. As we age our muscle tone reduces in our throats , making everything a bit “floppier”. Also, we put on weight as we get older which put pressure on our airways. The 2 main ways of addressing this are:
1. Use a C-PAP machine which blows air into our airways
2. Use a Snoring Device which pushes our lower jaw forward to make more space in our upper airway.
It has been shown that the C-PAP machine is very effective, but not as comfortable to use and can disturb your partner’s sleep. It is also a lot bigger than a snoring device, so not ideal when travelling as it takes up quite a bit of space in your luggage. Snoring devices are almost as effective and much better tolerated, so people keep using them - like Dr Power has since about 2010.
The first generation had numerous designs, but the most common was called a dorsal appliance since it had dorsal fins like a shark or dolphin. It was quite good, and made of acrylic which was a bit bulky and sometimes the fins would break off. Here is what it looked like:
More recently the next generation of appliances has been developed. The one we now use is called the 3D-Advance. It is 3D-printed from nylon and is stronger, thinner and more comfortable. The 3D printing technology has really revolutionised things allowing appliances to be very thin, down to 0.5mm. As a result, 3D nylon appliances are extremely comfortable to wear - unlike C-PAP machines that studies show most patients cannot use and those who do only do for an average of 3 hours a night. It is virtually unbreakable in the mouth. Here is a picture of it:
Dr Power has changed over to one of these and hasn’t looked back since. And his wife is a happy lady!
The main advantages of these over pre-fabricated snoring devices are that the 3D-Advance fits very comfortably as it is custom-made, it is much stronger than off-the-shelf models and can be adjusted. The 3D-Advance is set at about 60% forward of your normal bite position and then comes with 5 sets of tabs which can be inserted to push the jaw further forward if and when your muscles slacken more over time.
Preparing a snoring device is easier now than it was a few years ago - we use scans of the jaws and bite position with our digital scanner. That means no more impression material in your mouth or having to hold a position steady for extended periods while materials set.
If snoring is a problem for you (or your partner), make sure you ask your Dentist or Oral Health Therapist about it next time you are in at Power Dental Practice.