Snoring is the sound produced by vibration of tissues in the upper airway during sleep. Snoring alone does not mean that a person has sleep apnea, although it may occur together with obstructive sleep apnea in some individuals.
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that requires medical assessment. Oral appliance therapy provided within dentistry may be considered for appropriate patients after evaluation by the relevant physician.
Snoring can occur when the airway narrows during sleep and soft tissues vibrate. Nasal obstruction, body weight, alcohol use, sleep position and anatomical factors may influence snoring.
Persistent, pronounced snoring may require medical assessment, particularly when accompanied by witnessed pauses in breathing or excessive daytime sleepiness.
Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition in which breathing is disrupted because the upper airway repeatedly narrows or closes during sleep. Diagnosis is not made on the basis of snoring alone.
Diagnosis and assessment of severity may require evaluation by relevant medical specialties, such as sleep medicine or ENT, and a sleep study when indicated.
Loud snoring, witnessed pauses in breathing during sleep, morning headaches, waking unrefreshed and excessive daytime sleepiness are among the findings that may occur with sleep apnea.
These findings alone are not sufficient for diagnosis.
Oral appliances that position the lower jaw forward may be considered for snoring and selected cases of obstructive sleep apnea in suitable adult patients.
The decision to use an oral appliance should take the diagnosis and severity of sleep apnea into account and be planned in collaboration between the relevant physician and dentist.
If oral appliance therapy is being considered, the teeth, gums, jaw joints and oral structures are assessed. If appropriate, impressions or digital scans may be taken to prepare a custom appliance.
During treatment, appliance fit, possible effects on the jaw joints or tooth position, and symptoms should be monitored at regular reviews.
People with witnessed pauses in breathing, excessive daytime sleepiness, significant sleep disturbance or suspected sleep apnea should first undergo medical assessment.
CPAP, surgery and other treatment options are assessed by the relevant medical specialists outside the scope of dentistry.
The information on this page is provided for general information only and does not replace a clinical examination or diagnosis. Diagnosis and treatment planning may vary from person to person following a clinical examination and any assessments considered necessary.
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