While snoring is a common problem for many people, it can also be a sign of other major health complications. It is estimated that more than 80 million people in North America snore while sleeping, which not only affects the quality of sleep of the person snoring, but also the quality of sleep of their loved ones and other family members. Luckily, there is a way to treat chronic snoring.

What causes snoring?

Snoring can be the result of several factors. Typically, snoring is caused by the relaxing of the muscles and soft tissues in the throat and mouth, making the air passage smaller. The decrease in space through the airway makes it harder for each breath to get through, and when it does get through, it moves over the soft tissues in the mouth and throat and causes a vibration that results in the snoring sound. Other causes of snoring may include:

• Excess body weight
• Alcohol consumption
• Certain sleep aides or sedatives
• Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

What is a Mandibular Advancement Device?

If you snore at night, then a mandibular advancement device (MAD) may represent a solution and a better night's sleep! The MAD is a specially designed dental device that gently helps keep the lower jaw, or mandible, in a forward position, increasing the space between the airway passage and helping you breathe better so you can get a full, quiet night's sleep.

Some devices also stop the tongue from falling back over your windpipe. Your dentist will fit these special appliances to meet your individual condition.

Is a MAD comfortable?

The answer is simple — YES! A mandibular advancement device is made to be comfortable, so that you can sleep without even noticing you're wearing it. It does not prevent you from breathing with your mouth open and will even eliminate snoring for patients with sinus congestion or allergies. You may experience some slight stiffness of the jaw for the first few mornings after wearing the device, but this feeling is only temporary, and will go away after you wake up and remove the device.

To learn more about a mandibular advancement device, contact our practice and schedule an appointment and consultation.

Tap Appliance

Does snoring or sleep apnea keep you up at night? The Thornton Adjustable Positioner (TAP) might be your key to a snore-free, restful night of sleep. It treats sleep-disordered breathing without the need for surgery, a CPAP mask, or medication, and is recommended for use by the American Association of Sleep Medicine (AASM).

The TAP appliance is non-invasive and fully adjustable to create the jaw position that best treats your symptoms. The device holds your lower jaw in a forward position so it does not fall open during the night and allow the airway to collapse. The TAP is clinically proven to treat high upper airway resistance syndrome as well as all levels of obstructive sleep apnea, including severe sleep apnea.

Why choose the TAP?

• Comfortable, custom fit
• Durable construction
• Easy to use
• Adjustable while in the mouth
• Patient can adjust at home and achieve maximum treatment results from night to night
• Smaller and less bulky than other oral appliances
• Convenient for travel
• No masks or straps