Snoring and sleep apnoea treatment
In many cases, snoring and obstructive sleep apnoea can be treated at the dental practice: with a custom-fitted splint that you wear at night.
Why treatment is worthwhile
Snoring occurs when the soft tissues in the throat relax during sleep and the flow of air sets them vibrating. In obstructive sleep apnoea, the airway repeatedly narrows or closes, and breathing stops for moments at a time. These pauses interrupt the deep sleep phases, and sleep is no longer restful. This leaves you tired during the day and, over time, can put a strain on your heart and circulation.
A custom-fitted mandibular advancement splint holds the lower jaw in a slightly forward position during sleep. This keeps the airway more open. For snoring and for mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnoea, this splint therapy is a recognised treatment option with little impact on daily life. It does not help in every case, and whether it is suitable for you is decided following the sleep medicine diagnosis.
How we proceed
- 01 Sleep medicine assessment
It starts with a diagnosis from a sleep medicine specialist. They determine whether sleep apnoea is present and to what degree, and whether a splint is an option for you. We cannot replace this step, but we work closely with the treating doctors.
- 02 Consultation and digital scan
At the practice, we discuss your findings and the options for splint therapy. Instead of taking an impression, we record your teeth with the intraoral scanner, with no impression tray and no gagging.
- 03 Custom splint
After the scan, we make your splint with a precise fit. When fitting it, we adjust it so that it sits securely and holds the lower jaw in the planned position. If needed, we fine-tune the setting gently until it is right for you.
- 04 Regular check-ups
At regular check-ups, we examine the fit and condition of the splint and discuss with you how it is working. Whether the treatment achieves its goal is assessed by the sleep medicine specialist.
Good to know
Treatment with mandibular advancement splints is established in the sleep medicine guidelines: for snoring, for mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnoea, and also when positive airway pressure therapy (CPAP) is not tolerated. The guidelines recommend custom-fitted and adjustable splints, which are exactly what we make. Splint therapy remains teamwork: the diagnosis and the assessment of treatment success lie with the sleep medicine specialist, and the making, adjustment, and monitoring of the splint lie with us.
Your first appointment
At your first appointment, we discuss your symptoms and whether splint therapy is an option for you. Without any time pressure and in your own language.
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Snoring and sleep apnoea treatment
In many cases, snoring and obstructive sleep apnoea can be treated at the dental practice: with a custom-fitted splint that you wear at night.
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Nervous patients
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