Help For Restless Sleep - Part 2
By Polanski Family Dentistry
December 18, 2015
A Preferred Therapeutic Approach
Anti-snoring appliances are simpler and much less obtrusive than use of a CPAP machine, and work well for most people. Sometimes referred to as Mandibular Advancement Devices, they hold the jaw and tongue forward to relieve airway blockage. This ‘airway orthotic therapy’ lessens the breathing resistance that results when throat muscle tone relaxes during sleep. Forward advancement of the jaw causes the airway to increase in size and stiffen, thereby preventing it’s collapse.
Dr. Polanski is trained to make accurate impressions and measurements for the custom manufacture and fitting of airway orthotic devices. She can work effectively with physicians and sleep specialists to diagnose and treat snoring and mild to moderate sleep apnea.
Results
Studies show that snoring is improved for almost all patients and is often eliminated. For those with mild to moderate sleep apnea, more than half of study participants using an airway orthotic appliance ceased to experience breath stoppages and the remaining group had significant reduction of such events. Use of a airway orthotic can also provide a positive result for a patient with severe sleep apnea who is intolerant to use of a CPAP machine.
This author has had the experience of having a second sleep study after being fitted with a airway orthotic device. Results showed that snoring was completely eliminated, sleep architecture improved and number of breath stoppage events was reduced.
Side Effects
Issues with airway orthotic therapy are usually temporary and completely reversible. There can be some initial mild tooth sensitivity and salivation. Tooth movement is uncommon and easily monitored. Studies show that long-term compliance is very high, at 90%.
Consequences of Snoring
The negative health effect of snoring should not be taken lightly. In addition to adversely affecting the sleep quality of a partner, heavy snoring can eventually cause damage to throat tissues. Trauma from vibration and closure of the upper airway walls creates swollen tissues and reduced sensation ability which impairs protective reflexes.