Your family may give you grief over your snoring. That’s bad enough. But it’s more than a simply annoyance. It can signal that you may have sleep apnea, a disorder that prevents you from getting restful sleep and harms your overall health. Depending on the severity of your condition, a snore guard can be a great solution.

At Twin Rivers Dental, your dentist can assess your sleep issues using technology like our cone beam CT, a 3-D X-ray that allows us to map out your airway. Depending on what we find out, we may recommend a custom-made snore guard that will improve your sleep and your overall quality of life. 

To schedule a consultation, call us today at 531-221-1177. In the meantime, check out our overview of sleep apnea and treatment options. 

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a common but serious sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. This can lead to poor sleep quality and has significant impacts on your daily life and overall health.

Untreated sleep apnea can result in:

  • Daytime Fatigue – Frequent interruptions in sleep can lead to excessive daytime sleepiness. This makes it difficult to stay awake, concentrate, or be productive.
  • Mood Swings – Poor sleep quality can contribute to irritability, depression, and anxiety.
  • Cardiovascular Problems – Sleep apnea is linked to high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular issues.
  • Metabolic Disorders – It can lead to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
  • Accidents – Daytime drowsiness increases the risk of accidents at work, while driving, or during other activities.

Treatment Options for Sleep Apnea

Treatment for sleep apnea aims to keep your airway open during sleep. The most common treatments include Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy and custom-made snore guards.

CPAP therapy involves wearing a mask connected to a machine that provides a continuous stream of air, keeping the airway open during sleep. While CPAP is a highly effective treatment, some patients find the mask uncomfortable or the noise of the machine disruptive. Due to discomfort or inconvenience, some patients may struggle with consistent use.

Custom-made snore guards, also known as mandibular advancement devices, are mouthpieces designed to move the lower your jaw forward, keeping the airway open. They offer several advantages:

  • Comfort – They are easier to wear and less intrusive than CPAP masks.
  • Ease of Use – They are portable and easier to use, making them a good option for travel. You simply slip your snore guard into your mouth before bedtime. It’s so unobtrusive, it can be used virtually anywhere, even on a plane. 
  • Quiet – Unlike CPAP machines, snore guards are silent. 

However, snore guards are generally recommended for patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. They generally won’t work well for more severe cases. 

When to Use a Snore Guard vs. CPAP

While every case is different, a snore guard is typically suitable when:

  • You have mild to moderate sleep apnea.
  • You find CPAP therapy uncomfortable or intolerable.
  • You travel frequently and need a portable solution.
  • You prefer a less invasive option.

In contrast, a CPAP may work better if:

  • You have moderate to severe sleep apnea.
  • Snore guards have not effectively managed your symptoms.
  • You require a high level of airway support.
  • You have underlying health conditions that make CPAP a better option.

If you or a loved one is struggling with sleep apnea, seeking treatment is crucial for improving sleep quality, overall health, and daily functioning. While CPAP therapy is highly effective, custom-made snore guards offer a comfortable and convenient alternative for many patients. At our dental practice, we specialize in creating personalized snore guards tailored to your needs. If necessary, your dentist can work with your physician to ensure you get the right solution.

Interested in a snore guard? Call Twin Rivers Dental 531-221-1177 today to schedule a consultation in Valley, NE. Or schedule online