Snoring splint / Anti snoring mouthguard
Snoring is a widespread problem that not only affects the quality of sleep, but can also have serious health consequences. Many people affected by this experience sleep disturbances, daytime fatigue, exhaustion and concentration problems. In the worst cases, snoring can be accompanied by pauses in breathing during the night – known as sleep apnoea.
One quick and effective way to treat snoring is with a anti snoring mouthpiece. This is a two-part dental splint that slightly moves the lower jaw forward during sleep, keeping the airways open.
Depending on the findings, a mouthpiece can be used as a stand-alone treatment or as a temporary solution until the causes of snoring have been successfully treated.
Our dentists in Zurich will be happy to advise you on snoring and anti snoring mouthpieces.
How does the anti-snoring mouthguard / snoring splint work?
The snoring mouthpiece, known in technical terms as a protrusion splint, counteracts snoring in a mechanical way. It consists of two separate dental splints for the lower and upper jaw, which are connected to each other via a joint. During sleep, it holds the lower jaw in a slightly forward position. This keeps the airways open. The tongue can no longer fall back into the throat and block the airways.
Who should use a snoring mouthpiece?
A snoring mouthpiece is generally suitable for anyone who suffers from the effects of snoring and has not experienced any improvement through other means.
From a medical point of view, it is advisable to identify and eliminate the causes of snoring. However, this is not always possible, for example if the snoring has anatomical causes or is age-related. People with allergies also often have narrowed airways, which can often only be controlled to a limited extent with medication.
Another important risk factor for snoring is being overweight. In this case, the symptoms often improve with weight loss. In the meantime, the snoring mouthpiece can also be used as a supportive measure, including to reduce the risk of sleep apnoea.
How does treatment with the snoring mouthpiece work?
The protrusion splint is custom-made for each patient. The dentist first conducts a general examination to ensure that all teeth are healthy and in good condition. Then, using an intraoral scanner, they create a 3D model of your teeth. This model is used to custom-make the splint in a dental laboratory.
At a second appointment in Zurich, you will be given the snoring splint and the dentist will check that it fits correctly. You should now wear the splint every night. During your check-up appointments, the dentist will discuss with you whether your symptoms have improved.
How long does the snoring splint need to be worn?
The duration of treatment with the protrusion splint depends on whether the causes of snoring can be identified and treated. If this is not successful, the snoring splint can also be worn permanently. In this case, it is important that the splint is checked regularly by your dentist to ensure that it fits correctly and is in good condition.
If the splint is damaged or no longer fits properly, it should be replaced.
What are the causes of snoring?
Snoring occurs when the airways are narrowed during sleep, for example due to a receding tongue, swelling in the throat or weak tissue. This causes vibrations between the soft palate, the base of the tongue and the uvula.
Causes and risk factors for snoring include anatomical abnormalities, obesity, malocclusion, allergies and chronic inflammation of the sinuses. Muscle weakness in the upper airways can also cause snoring. Such weakness can be age-related or caused by alcohol and sleeping pills, for example.
Is snoring dangerous?
Snoring can severely impair sleep quality, but is not dangerous in itself. It becomes a cause for concern when accompanied by pauses in breathing during the night, known as sleep apnoea. This leads to a lack of oxygen, which increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack and stroke, among other things.
Does the snoring mouthpiece cause pain?
Wearing the mouthpiece may feel strange at first, but it should not cause any pain if it is fitted correctly. If you experience any discomfort, please contact your dentist so that they can adjust your snoring mouthpiece in Zurich as soon as possible.
How should I clean and care for the snoring mouthpiece?
The splint should be cleaned thoroughly after each use, i.e. every morning. A soft toothbrush and toothpaste without abrasive particles are suitable for this purpose. Alternatively, you can use a mild detergent or denture cleaner. You should avoid aggressive or abrasive cleaners and very hot water.
How long does a snoring splint last?
The average lifespan of a protrusion splint is around 3–5 years. The durability can vary from person to person. If the splint is subject to heavy wear, for example due to teeth grinding, it may need to be replaced more often. The snoring splint should be replaced as soon as it shows signs of damage, no longer fits correctly or the position of the teeth has changed due to dental treatment.