SNORING

How effective is Snore Guard?

Users of Snore Guard report significant improvement of sleep quality and a return of symptoms when it's not used. 99% reported reduced snoring and 50% reported elimination of snoring ("Oral Appliances for the Treatment of Snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Review," Schmidt-Nowara, et. al., Sleep, Vol. 18, No. 6, March 1995, pages 501-510). 80% reported decreased sleep disturbance with treatment ("Treatment of Snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnea with a Dental Orthosis," Schmidt-Norwara, et. al., Sleep, November 1990). "Anti-snore device works: Product Name Snore Guard." A study of 75 people wearing the device showed snoring improved in all patients except one, and sleep quality and sleepiness also improved. (Clinical Research Associates Newsletter, Vol. 16, No. 12, December 1992, page 4) How much does Snore Guard® cost? Snore Guard costs less than other medical snoring treatments, which can run to thousands of dollars. Snore Guard is available only through dentists, please, call our office for more details (614) 443-3400.

How does Snore Guard work?

Snore Guard is worn during sleep. It uses normal body reflexes to keep the airway open. The device fits snugly on the upper teeth. When the lower jaw closes, the lower teeth close onto the lower ramp of the Snore Guard. This keeps the jaw in a normal position, rather than sagging open and back. In addition, the tongue reflexively seeks the small center orifice between the upper and lower ramp. This reflex keeps if from sagging back into the throat. With the airway open, breathing is relaxed and normal during sleep.

How is Snore Guard fitted?

Snore Guard is fitted by a dentist. It takes one simple, painless visit. There are no needles, no drugs, no tools in your mouth. No lab work or X-rays are required.

Is there an appliance to treat snoring?

Snore Guard is an oral appliance that resembles an athletic mouthpiece. Small and flexible, it has no moving parts, masks, hoses, or batteries. Snore Guard is made from sterile thermoplastic. It is easy to clean with a regular toothbrush.

What are the symptoms of sleep apnea?

You may not discover the symptoms yourself, but your partner may notice that you stop breathing momentarily during sleep and often make choking sounds. You may also wake up abruptly and start gasping for air. Other signs are: limbs jerking during sleep, morning headaches, waking up tired and thirsty, irritability, memory problems, daytime fatigue, having an irresistible urge to nap.

What is sleep apnea?

Snoring is usually the precursor to sleep apnea and is a possible combination of snoring and the cessation of breathing. Sleep apnea is a very serious health hazard. Medical advice is highly recommended. The currently recognized treatment is CPAP or Continuous Positive Airway Pressure device. With this device, you must have a noisy air pump in your bedroom and wear a mask. There are many studies indicating that mandibular advancement is effective in the treatment of sleep apnea.

Does my weight effect snoring?

Being overweight is one of the main causes of snoring. Simply put, being overweight causes the airway to be smaller, the tongue larger, and soft palate larger (and softer). All of these changes contribute to snoring, breathing, and sleeping problems. You can often predict a snorer by the size of the neck.

What causes snoring?

Simple snoring is caused by the lower jaw (or mandible) relaxing and falling back. This restricts the airway and allows the tongue to rub against the soft tissue at the back of the throat. This combination of events causes the snoring noise. Holding the lower jaw (or mandible) forward relieves this condition eliminating the snoring noise.