During sleep, the throat muscles relax and the tongue tends to fall back. When the airway narrows, the soft tissues vibrate: that is snoring.
If the airway closes partially or completely, breathing stops for several seconds, sometimes dozens of times an hour: this is obstructive sleep apnoea. Sleep becomes fragmented and unrefreshing.
Watch out for these signs:
Loud, regular snoring, sometimes with pauses in breathing noticed by your partner
Tiredness on waking, morning headaches, a dry mouth
Daytime sleepiness, difficulty concentrating
Frequent waking or needing to urinate at night
Left untreated, sleep apnoea increases the risk of high blood pressure, cardiovascular problems and accidents caused by drowsiness. It therefore deserves a medical diagnosis.
The device consists of two thin splints, one for the upper teeth and one for the lower teeth, linked together. Worn at night, it holds the lower jaw slightly forward. This pulls the tongue and throat tissues forward and keeps the airway open.
Left: during sleep the tongue falls back and blocks the airway. Right: the device moves the jaw slightly forward and air flows freely.
At our practice we use SomnoMed devices, custom-made for each patient:
Effective against both apnoea and snoring: one solution for both problems, often to your partner's benefit too.
Custom-made and comfortable: made from impressions of your teeth, thin and unobtrusive.
Adjustable: jaw advancement is increased gradually to find the best balance between effectiveness and comfort.
Freedom of movement: you can open your mouth, speak and drink while wearing it.
Silent and machine-free: no mask, no tubing, no electricity.
Easy to take with you: ideal for travel, it fits in a small case.
An alternative to CPAP (positive airway pressure) for patients who find it hard to tolerate.
Mouth closed: their design encourages breathing with the mouth closed, which helps prevent a dry mouth.
There are several SomnoDent models (for example Avant, Fusion or Flex), slimmer or sturdier, with or without a soft inner liner. Together we choose the one that best suits your teeth and your comfort.
People who snore, once sleep apnoea has been ruled out.
Patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnoea.
Patients with more severe apnoea who cannot tolerate CPAP, on their doctor's recommendation.
You need enough healthy teeth and healthy gums to wear the device: we check this during your assessment.
A sleep physician confirms the diagnosis with a sleep study (polygraphy or polysomnography) and decides on the treatment.
We check your teeth, gums and jaw joints.
Impressions, often digital, are taken during a regular appointment. The custom device takes about 4 weeks to make.
We fit the device and show you how to wear and clean it. The advancement is increased gradually.
A follow-up sleep study, requested by your doctor, checks the result.
Regular check-ups at the practice monitor your teeth, your jaw and the condition of the device.
In the first few days, mild discomfort in the teeth or jaw on waking, or increased salivation, may occur. These effects usually fade within a few days to a few weeks. Regular check-ups let us monitor your bite over the long term.
Insurance cover depends on your situation and your policy. We will give you a detailed estimate and are happy to advise you on the steps involved.
Let's talk: we will assess whether a SomnoMed device is right for you, together with your sleep physician.
Book an appointment