Grand Rapids Snoring Treatment
Serving Grand Rapids, Muskegon, Holland, Michigan And Surrounding Areas
Getting a Good Night’s Sleep
Don’t let snoring and sleep apnea prevent you from getting the sleep you need.
More than half of all adults snore at some point in their lives: some in quiet whistles every now and again and others like a nonstop Oriental Express. Snoring can be harmless and temporary, or habitual and severe—disturbing both those making the noise and any partners, family members, and roommates nearby. It may even be indicative of a larger disorder called obstructive sleep apnea.
Snoring has the potential to prevent a good night’s sleep, cause headaches, and place stress on relationships and normal daily activity; that’s the bad news. The good news, however, is that there are many types of snoring solutions that can help. Oral appliances are one such option and Dr. Mulder can evaluate if they might be right for you.
Snoring
Snoring occurs when air flows past relaxed tissues in your throat, causing the tissues to vibrate as you breathe, creating hoarse or harsh sounds. During normal breathing, the muscles that control the tongue, throat, and the roof of your mouth (soft palate) hold the airway open. When you doze off, those same muscles relax. The tissues in your throat can relax enough that they vibrate and may partially obstruct your airway.The more narrowed your airway, the more forceful the airflow becomes. Tissue vibration increases, and your snoring grows louder. The factors that lead to narrowing vary: your mouth anatomy can play a role, so can nasal problems, alcohol consumption, and weight.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
In severe cases, snoring may also be associated with obstructive sleep apnea. When muscles relax too much, throat tissues obstruct the airway and prevent breathing.The Mayo Clinic explains: “Sleep apnea is often characterized by loud snoring followed by periods of silence that can last 10 seconds or more. Sometimes, complete obstruction does not occur, but rather, while still snoring, the airway becomes so small that the airflow is inadequate for your needs. Eventually, the lack of oxygen and an increase in carbon dioxide signal you to wake up, forcing your airway open with a loud snort or gasping sound. This pattern may be repeated many times during the night.”
Sleep Apnea affects more than ten million people (according to the National Institutes of Health), disrupting sleep and causing headaches and lack of concentration. Untreated, sleep apnea can also cause long-term consequences from repeated oxygen deprivation including high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, memory problems, and weight gain. As a result of daytime sleepiness they as well place their co-workers and family at risk. Sleep apnea is common, dangerous, easily recognized, and treatable.
American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) Practice Parameters
Severity of apnea is defined by the length of time of apnea events and the percentage of oxygen desaturation (lowered amount of oxygen in the blood).
Events per hour
Less than 5
5- 15
15-30
Over 30
Categorization
Non-Medical
Mild
Moderate
Severe
Risk Factors
- Obesity
- Increasing age
- Male gender
- Anatomic abnormalities of upper airway
- Family history
- Alcohol or sedative use
- Smoking
Treatment
Treatment for snoring and sleep apnea can range from an airway apparatus to lifestyle changes or sleeping alterations. One effective solution includes wearing a special snoring device, or oral appliance, for the mouth and that’s where we can help.
Dr. Mulder can do a thorough examination to determine what causes your breathing blockage and what kind of appliance will help promote the free flow of air and eliminate the obstruction. (He might also recommend consulting a sleep disorder specialist before continuing with treatment if necessary.)
Dr. Mulder will work with you to find the most comfortable and effective treatment for your needs. The SomnoDent MAS, the Thornton Adjustable Positioner (TAP), and the Adjustable PM Ultra Positioner are custom, adjustable oral appliances—similar to a mouth guard or retainer—that are worn while sleeping. The appliances work by holding the lower jaw forward, preventing the tongue and the soft tissue of the throat from collapsing into the airway. Most allow you to freely open your mouth, speak, and drink while wearing your splint.
SomnoDent MAS
Thornton Adjustable Positioner
Adjustable PM Ultra Positioner
All of the oral appliance’s Dr. Mulder works with are patient-friendly and excellent solutions for snoring and sleep apnea. Don’t let snoring disrupt your night’s rest any longer. Contact us to make an appointment.
Dentistry’s Role
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a life-threatening medical disorder. Diagnosis must be made by a physician. Dentists are not medically qualified, nor legally permitted to diagnose sleep disorders, however they can play an important role in treatment.
Dr. Mulder can:
- Provide initial screening and offer a referral.
- Provide and monitor oral appliance therapy as part of the treatment team with your physician.
- Monitor and treat potential side effects of oral appliance therapy.
- Follow up.
Also, if you have already been diagnosed with sleep apnea and prescribed a CPAP machine, but have stopped wearing it, we may have a more comfortable solution for you. Contact us today.
