Snoring

Treatment of snoring

Sleep Apnea or OSA (Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome) is defined as the repetition of complete or partial obstructions during sleep. Without necessarily realizing it, the sleeper has brief awakenings and very frequent which lead to a decrease of the quality of the sleep.

The consequences are disorders such as daytime sleepiness (particularly dangerous for vehicle drivers), lack of energy, fatigue in the effort … Serious pathologies such as hypertension or cardiovascular disorders can also be related to sleep apnea

One of the treatments envisaged is the nocturnal wearing of a specific dental orthosis.

Usage tips

  • The device should be put in the mouth before going to sleep.
  • An adaptation period of one to a few weeks is to be expected.
  • The feeling of slight pressure on the teeth should not worry you.
  • The device is cleaned with specific pellets.

Follow up

  • Regular monitoring is essential to verify that there are no side effects on the teeth or jaw.
  • Appointments and checkups with a sleep specialist are also expected.
  • If the apnea index increases with time it is possible that the device, effective at the beginning of the treatment, is less effective thereafter.

The Mandibular Advanced Orthosis or MAO

It is a medical device that is placed in the mouth for the night. The principle of the device is to maintain the lower jaw (mandible) in slightly advanced position to release the posterior respiratory tract. The increase of the passage of the air then allows a better ventilation. The device is usually composed of two small gutters resting totally or partially on the jaws of the top and bottom.

First, an evaluation of the dental arches, the jaw and the oral cavity is performed to verify that there are no contraindications. Then fingerprints are taken to determine the exact shape of the dentition and the relationship between the two jaws. Once the device is made, the progressive adjustments necessary for the proper adjustment of the device and your comfort are made, in relation if necessary with the sleep specialist.

An average of three appointments, 10-15 days apart, is expected for good care.

Everyday tips

Some factors can cause or increase snoring and sleep apnea :

  • consumption of substances such as alcohol, tobacco, sedatives …
  • overweight
  • position of the sleeper (sleeping rather on the side than on the back)

In case problems arise (decreased efficiency, difficulty supporting the device) the treatment will then change or change. Snoring and sleep apnea are part of sleep breathing disorders. It is estimated that one in four adults snore regularly. Snoring is due to vibration of the soft palate and pharyngeal (throat) walls as the air passes. But we talk about apnea when the muscles of the throat contract too much, preventing the air from passing freely. Such an event can last several seconds and occur many times a night (up to several hundred). Sleep Apnea or OSA (Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome) is defined as the repetition of complete or partial respiratory obstructions. If snoring, by its auditory nuisance, is especially troublesome for the close entourage, the apneas risk to cause serious disorders on the health. In fact, sleep is disturbed (brief awakenings after each apnea), without the patient necessarily being aware of it. Sleep apnea can result in daytime sleepiness, lack of energy, difficult physical activity. In severe cases, lack of oxygenation of the heart or brain can lead to serious chronic conditions such as hypertension or heart disease

Treatments

At first the specialist (dentist, pulmonologist, somnologist), after examination and dialogue with the patient, will request a sleep recording, done at home or in some cases in the hospital.

Once sleep apnea is confirmed, various treatments are offered by the prescribing physician :

  • ENT treatment (different types of surgery)
  • night-time use of a CPAP (Continuous Positive Pressure Ventilation) respirator
  • mandibular advancement orthosis or OAM (device that is worn in the mouth during sleep)

En période de Post-Confinement Covid-19, le port du masque est conseillé lors de vos déplacements pour vos soins.

Rendez-vous au :

05 63 63 05 79

(ou par mail : azorin.olivier@free.fr)

Merci de votre compréhension.

Dr Azorin