Tuesday, June 17, 2014

Dental Treatment Options for Snoring

Snoring is a common problem that can be a quite a quality of life problem for bed partners. Dentistry can help manage snoring effectively and affordably. This post is a discussion of snoring specifically, not sleep apnea. Dentists can help treat apnea as well but the procedures are more involved and costly. If you think you might have apnea a dentist with sleep dentistry experience or your physician can help.

The solutions here are specifically for "non-apneic" snoring. This occurs when the individual snores but still breathes well throughout the night.

  • Oral Devices - These pull the lower jaw and tongue forward which enlarges the airway allowing for less tissue vibration. Oral appliances for snoring are easy to wear and are effective in the majority of cases. For more information on oral devices go here...http://www.laserdentistbaltimore.com/oral-devices-for-sleep-apnea/
  • NightLase Laser Treatment - NightLase is a non invasive laser conditioning treatment of the soft palate and associated structures. No anesthesia is needed, postoperative discomfort is minimal, and there are no restrictions afterwards. The Fotona LightWalker laser gently heats the soft tissues stimulating the formation of new collagen, which firms and tightens the palate. Available in Europe for a few years now it has been shown to effectively reduce the severity and frequency of snoring in about 80 percent of the patients. It Is not surgery and the tissue is left completely intact. For more information on NightLase go here... http://www.laserdentistbaltimore.com/new11/