Prosthetic approach to snoring

Snoring is a condition experienced by many people in the society, socially disturbing people and those around them and causing tensions in family life. Altınbaş University Faculty of Dentistry Dr. Lecturer Beril Koyuncu stated that snoring appliance is an effective method to prevent snoring problem. Snoring appliances, also known as snoring prostheses, are appliances prepared by dentists, which help prevent snoring problems and are prepared in accordance with the patient's oral structure. Dr. Koyuncu stated that snoring appliances are prepared on the models obtained after the measurements obtained from the patient and aim to keep the airway open by positioning the lower jaw and / or tongue in a more anterior position than it is and worn on both upper and lower teeth. Emphasizing that it is important for patients to undergo a detailed examination before starting to use the appliance, Dr. Koyuncu also stated that regular adjustments should be made under the control of the dentist in order for the snoring appliance to be effective in accordance with its purpose. 

Snoring and its Effect on Sleep Apnea 

In cases where snoring is more severe, the relaxation of the tissues of the back of the tongue, soft palate and small tongue causes these tissues to collapse and stick to each other and close the upper airways, resulting in short intervals called “sleep apnea”, in which breathing stops completely. The prolonged duration of these short intervals of respiratory arrest can even be life-threatening. Dr. Koyuncu emphasized that people with sleep apnea are unable to get quality sleep, wake up tired, fatigue, weakness and lack of attention during the day. He stated that low professional performance is also frequently observed in patients with this condition.

Who is the Snoring Appliance Suitable for? 

Stating that individuals with mild and moderate snoring problems, patients who experience sleep apnea but do not need surgical intervention, individuals who cannot use the CPAP device, which can be preferred in the treatment of sleep apnea, individuals who have the habit of sleeping with their mouth open, and individuals who want to improve sleep quality can get information on this subject by consulting their dentist, Dr. Koyuncu said, “Thanks to these apparatus that prevent the need for surgical intervention, the collapses in the tissues are prevented and the airway is opened, snoring is reduced and the day starts more vigorously with the increase in sleep quality.”