Short answer: An anti-snoring appliance is a custom-made oral appliance worn during sleep that positions the lower jaw slightly forward, reducing the narrowing of the airway by the tongue and soft tissues. It can be used for simple snoring and for mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea after assessment by a sleep physician. Suitability is determined by an examination of the teeth, gums and jaw joint.
Although snoring is often seen as just a noise that bothers a bed partner, in some people it can be a sign of obstructive sleep apnea, in which breathing repeatedly narrows or stops during sleep. The cause and severity of snoring vary from person to person, and treatment options are chosen accordingly. An anti-snoring appliance is one of these options: an oral device custom-made by a dentist and worn during sleep. In this article we look at what an anti-snoring appliance is, how it works, who it suits, how it is made and fitted, and how it relates to sleep apnea.
What is an anti-snoring appliance?
An anti-snoring appliance is a custom-made oral appliance consisting of two parts that fit over the upper and lower teeth and hold the lower jaw slightly forward during sleep. In the medical literature it is called a "mandibular advancement device"; it is also popularly known as a snoring splint or snoring mouthguard.
The appliance is made in a laboratory from impressions or a digital scan of the teeth. In many models the relationship between the upper and lower parts is adjustable, so how far forward the lower jaw is brought can be set gradually, taking into account the person's comfort and response to treatment. Ready-made boil-and-bite products sold in pharmacies or online, however, are not custom-made; they can apply unsuitable forces to the teeth and jaw joint and increase the risk of missing underlying sleep apnea.
How does an anti-snoring appliance work?
An anti-snoring appliance reduces the narrowing of the airway at the back of the throat by positioning the lower jaw, and with it the tongue, forward. During sleep the throat muscles relax; the tongue and soft palate can fall back and narrow the airway. Air passing through the narrowed airway makes the soft tissues vibrate, producing the sound of snoring. When the narrowing is more pronounced, airflow can stop partially or completely; this is called sleep apnea.
When the lower jaw is brought forward, the base of the tongue also moves forward, creating more space at the back of the airway. This can help air flow more easily and reduce vibration and pauses in breathing. The degree of effect varies from person to person, which is why assessment after treatment is important.
Who is an anti-snoring appliance suitable for?
An anti-snoring appliance can be an option, with the assessment of a sleep physician, for people with simple snoring or mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, and for some patients with severe sleep apnea who cannot or do not want to use a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device. The following conditions are important in assessing suitability:
- Having enough healthy teeth in both jaws for the appliance to hold onto,
- Healthy gums and supporting bone,
- No serious pain or restricted movement in the jaw joint,
- The lower jaw being able to move forward sufficiently,
- The person being willing to wear the appliance consistently every night.
The appliance may not be suitable, or may require careful assessment, in the following situations: very few teeth or no teeth at all, active gum disease, serious jaw joint disorders, central sleep apnea and untreated cavities. In children and teenagers who are still growing, snoring is often related to different causes such as enlarged adenoids and tonsils, so the approach is different and an assessment by a pediatrician and an ear, nose and throat specialist is needed first.
How are the appliance made and the adjustment process carried out?
The anti-snoring appliance process consists of a sleep assessment, a dental examination, impressions, delivery of the appliance, gradual adjustment and follow-up.
- Sleep assessment: To find out whether the snoring is simple snoring or sleep apnea, an assessment by a sleep physician and usually a sleep study are recommended.
- Dental examination: The teeth, gums, bite and jaw joint are examined; X-rays are taken if necessary. Cavities or gum problems that need treatment are dealt with first.
- Impressions and bite registration: Impressions or a digital scan of the teeth are taken and the starting position of the lower jaw is recorded.
- Delivery: The appliance is tried in the mouth and its fit and comfort are checked. Information is given on putting it in, taking it out and cleaning it.
- Gradual adjustment: In the first weeks, the lower jaw is brought forward step by step, taking into account the person's complaints and comfort. Regular communication with the dentist is important during this process.
- Effectiveness check: Once the right setting has been reached, a follow-up test by the sleep physician is recommended to assess the effect of the appliance, especially in people with sleep apnea.
Possible side effects
In the early period of use, there may be morning sensitivity in the jaw muscles and teeth, increased saliva or a dry mouth; in most people these symptoms ease within a few weeks. Bringing the teeth together in their normal bite position for a few minutes in the morning, or doing simple exercises recommended by the dentist, can make this period easier. With long-term use, small changes in the bite may develop in some people; for this reason, regular dental check-ups should continue. If you notice increasing pain in the jaw joint or difficulty opening your mouth, consult your dentist before continuing to use it.
Care
After being taken out each morning, the appliance should be rinsed with lukewarm water, cleaned with a soft brush and colorless, unscented soap, dried and stored in its case. Hot water and abrasive products can damage the material of the appliance.
How is an anti-snoring appliance related to sleep apnea?
An anti-snoring appliance is one of the treatment options for obstructive sleep apnea; however, the diagnosis of sleep apnea and the treatment decision should be made by a sleep physician, and the appliance should be provided by a dentist as part of this plan. Sleep apnea can cause complaints such as excessive daytime sleepiness, morning headaches, and attention and memory problems, and when untreated it is associated with high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease and an increased risk of traffic accidents.
For this reason, simply reducing the sound of snoring is not enough. If the appliance reduces snoring while sleep apnea continues, the problem can be missed. This is why a sleep study is important. In moderate and severe sleep apnea, the first option is usually CPAP treatment; the appliance is considered as an alternative for people who cannot use this device or in mild to moderate cases where it is deemed suitable.
Lifestyle changes such as weight control, cutting back on alcohol and sedatives in the evening, sleeping on your side instead of your back and treating nasal congestion also support treatment. For questions about anti-snoring appliances and other treatments, you can visit our frequently asked questions page.
When should you seek an anti-snoring appliance in Ankara?
If you snore loudly and regularly, if people close to you notice that you stop breathing during sleep, or if you experience unexplained tiredness and sleepiness during the day, it is recommended that you first have a sleep assessment. When appliance treatment is deemed suitable, your teeth, gums and jaw joint are examined at our polyclinic in Oran, Çankaya; the process of making and adjusting your custom appliance is planned in line with your sleep physician's recommendations.
Frequently asked questions
Does an anti-snoring appliance stop snoring completely?
An anti-snoring appliance can reduce the intensity and frequency of snoring in many people; however, the degree of effect varies from person to person. Factors such as the cause of snoring, weight, alcohol use and sleeping position affect the result. For this reason, assessment after treatment is important.
Is a sleep study required for an anti-snoring appliance?
To find out whether snoring is simple snoring or sleep apnea, an assessment by a sleep physician and usually a sleep study are recommended. If there is sleep apnea, the apnea may continue even if the appliance reduces the sound of snoring; this is why diagnosis is important.
Can ready-made anti-snoring devices be used?
Because ready-made products are not custom-made, they can apply unsuitable forces to the teeth and jaw joint and cause underlying sleep apnea to be missed. Appliances that are custom-made and adjusted under a dentist's supervision are a safer option.
Can an anti-snoring appliance damage the teeth?
In the early period there may be morning sensitivity in the teeth and jaw, which usually eases over time. With long-term use, small changes in the bite may develop in some people. For this reason, regular dental check-ups are recommended.
