Snoring is the sound of soft tissues vibrating as air passes from the upper respiratory tract to the throat during sleep. The severity of snoring varies depending on how narrow the respiratory tract is.
Snoring is the sound heard when soft tissues vibrate in the upper airway passage during breathing while asleep. The intensity of snoring varies depending on how narrowed the airway is. Snoring is commonly encountered in society due to factors such as sleep position, high blood pressure, smoking, alcohol consumption, irregular lifestyle, obesity, or conditions that obstruct the airway.
Although snoring is often not dangerous, it can affect a person's social life, self-confidence, psychological well-being, and overall health. People who snore at night often experience problems such as headaches, fatigue, and insomnia during the day. Sometimes, snoring can also lead to a condition called Sleep Apnea, where breathing pauses during sleep. When breathing stops, the brain automatically signals to wake the person up. Patients often do not notice or disregard this condition, but if left untreated, it can lead to serious health risks.
To diagnose snoring or sleep apnea, patients undergo a sleep test (Polysomnography). Once diagnosed, treatment begins accordingly. Appliances are generally not preferred for snoring treatment in cases involving jaw joint problems, serious heart issues, or joint inflammation.
There are various types of snoring that can be treated. If you have a snoring problem, we recommend consulting with an experienced physician. Adjusting your lifestyle, losing excess weight, sleeping on your side instead of your back, or treating problems like adenoids that narrow the airway can help alleviate snoring symptoms.
The treatment for Sleep Apnea is PAP (Positive Airway Pressure) therapy. However, in cases where PAP therapy cannot be used, snoring appliances may be utilized for treatment. The snoring appliance (OSA - Obstructive Sleep Apnea Appliance) is preferred for individuals with snoring issues that contribute to sleep problems.
Snoring appliances are essentially made up of plates that are attached to the teeth. The mechanism of action involves positioning the lower jaw forward and downward when the appliance is worn, preventing airway narrowing during breathing, and thereby treating snoring or sleep apnea.
Before fitting this appliance, the patient undergoes a thorough examination and measurements are taken. In a laboratory setting, the mouth is prepared with an articulator device that mimics the jaw joint. Plates are then prepared on this model. After final checks on the patient, the appliance is worn. The success of the treatment depends on the patient's compliance, requiring usage for at least 6-8 hours every night.
The above information is provided for patient education purposes. It does not replace medical examination or diagnosis. For detailed information, please contact Cafe Diş Oral and Dental Health Clinic to schedule an appointment with our experienced doctors.
