Snoring is a chronic condition that affects about half of the adult population. It occurs when there is an obstruction in the airflow through the nose and mouth. As a result, the airway tissue begins to vibrate, making the snoring sound. There are various factors for snoring, but it could primarily signify a severe medical condition called sleep apnea.
Oral appliance therapy is the most standard treatment for chronic snoring problems. Treatment options range from changing your sleep patterns to using orthodontic-based appliances that help keep the airways open during sleep.
What Are the Common Causes of Snoring?
Snoring results from the vibrations occurring in your soft or hard tissue palates. These vibrations happen due to the narrowing of the air passages. When air passes through these passages, it causes a flapping sound due to the soft nature of the tissues. However, sometimes the sound may originate from the tissues in the upper airway. Surgery to reduce snoring is not always successful. Some common causes of snoring include smoking, drinking alcohol, obesity, a deviated septum, sleep apnea, etc.
What Are Snoring Appliances?
Snoring appliances are mouthguards that are designed to provide relief from snoring. The anti-snoring mouthguards bring the jaw forward, thus broadening the back of the airway, decreasing resistance and turbulence to stop your snoring.
These appliances generally fall into tongue retaining (TRDs) and mandibular advancement (MADs) devices. The mandibular advancement appliances are placed inside the mouth and work to push the lower jaw forward to open up the airway. Tongue retaining devices (TRDs) hold the tongue and prevent it from collapsing into the back of the throat, which is the primary cause of snoring.
Types of Snoring Appliances
The primary criterion for choosing a snoring appliance is its ease of use. When the device is comfortable, it will encourage you to use it to the maximum, giving you significant relief from your snoring. There are several kinds of snoring appliances that work in different manners. The following are the most widely preferred snoring devices, also called jaw advancing devices (JADs).
Mandibular Advancement Devices (MADs)
This appliance is named after the mandible or jawbone. It works by moving the jaw slightly forward, leading to a better separation of the vibrating elements in the throats of snorers. This action of the mandibular devices will control the turbulence and reduce snoring.
Tongue Stabilizing Devices (TSDs)
The tongue stabilizing appliance takes a slightly different approach. It works by isolating the tongue, pulling it forward, and creating more space between the tongue and the back of the throat. This will help eliminate or reduce snoring. One of the advantages of TSD devices is that they do not cause jawbone discomfort.
To learn more about our snore therapies, visit the OC Advanced Periodontics office at 1076 E 1st St STE F, Tustin, CA 92780. You can also reach us at (714) 730-7877 and schedule an appointment.
