Snoring therapy
Finally restful sleep again
During sleep, the muscles relax, causing the lower jaw to drop back and the throat to narrow. As a result, the breathing air is sucked in at an increased speed – the snoring sound is now caused by a fluttering of the rear part of the palate (“soft palate”) in the airflow.
A specially made snoring splint, which is worn at night, prevents the lower jaw from falling back and thus keeps the airways clear.
Why is snoring therapy important?
It’s not just partners who suffer from snoring, it’s your own health that suffers the most. It can lead to breathing interruptions and a lack of oxygen supply to the entire body – the deep sleep phases are therefore disturbed and restful sleep is usually not possible.
Frequently asked questions about snoring therapy and snoring splints
What is snoring therapy by an orthodontist?
In orthodontic snoring therapy, snoring and certain forms of sleep apnoea are treated with custom-made dental splints. These so-called snoring or protrusion splints hold the lower jaw slightly forward during sleep and thus prevent the throat from becoming too narrow. This stabilizes the airflow, reduces the fluttering of the soft palate and often significantly reduces or completely eliminates snoring.
What causes snoring in the first place?
During sleep, the muscles in the mouth and throat relax, the lower jaw can sink backwards and the throat area becomes narrower. If the breathing air then flows through the narrowed passage at a higher speed, soft tissue structures such as the posterior palate begin to flutter in the airflow – the typical snoring sound occurs. If you also stop breathing, this is known as sleep apnoea, which can significantly impair your oxygen supply and sleep quality.
How exactly does a snoring splint work?
A snoring splint is a customized dental splint that is worn on the upper and lower jaw at night. It uses a special joint or splint system to keep the lower jaw positioned slightly forward, which increases the space behind the tongue and keeps the upper airways clearer. This means that the lower jaw and tongue no longer sink so far backwards, the airflow is quieter and snoring noises and breathing interruptions can be significantly reduced.
Who is a snoring splint suitable for - and who isn't?
A snoring splint is particularly suitable for simple snoring and mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnoea, in which the airways in the throat area collapse. The prerequisite is a sufficiently firm periodontium and a suitable jaw and bite relationship. Other therapies (e.g. CPAP mask) are necessary for severe forms of sleep apnoea, central nervous breathing disorders or severe internal illnesses. This is why a precise medical diagnosis – ideally in a sleep laboratory – is important before starting treatment.
How does snoring therapy work in your practice?
We start with a detailed discussion about snoring behavior, sleep quality, previous illnesses and any existing sleep laboratory findings. We then examine the temporomandibular joints, teeth, bite position and the space in the throat and take impressions or digital scans. On this basis, your snoring splint is custom-made, adjusted and fine-tuned if necessary. We check the fit, wearing comfort and effect at regular check-up appointments in order to adjust the therapy optimally.
Do I absolutely need a sleep laboratory before the snoring splint?
If symptoms such as interrupted breathing, daytime tiredness, concentration problems or high blood pressure occur in addition to snoring, the cause should definitely be clarified by an internist or in a sleep laboratory. There it will be determined whether obstructive sleep apnoea is present and how severe it is. The results help to decide whether a snoring splint is a suitable treatment option or whether other forms of treatment should be prioritized. In many cases, we work closely with general practitioners, ENT specialists or sleep physicians.
Do you get used to wearing a snoring splint?
As with any new splint, it usually takes a few nights for the jaw, muscles and tongue to get used to wearing it. Initially, there may be a slight feeling of tension in the jaw, increased salivation or an unfamiliar feeling in the mouth, which usually subsides significantly after a short time. Careful fitting and regular check-ups are important to ensure that the brace fits comfortably and is accepted well in the long term. Many patients report that they sleep much more soundly after the adjustment phase and feel fitter during the day.
Does health insurance cover the cost of a snoring splint?
The coverage of costs depends on the diagnosis and the respective insurance. If obstructive sleep apnea is proven, private health insurance companies or certain supplementary insurances can reimburse the splint therapy in full or in part. Statutory health insurance companies generally initially provide treatment with a positive pressure mask (CPAP) for sleep apnoea and only cover snoring splints in exceptional cases. Pure “social” snoring without medically relevant apnea is usually classified as a private benefit. We will provide you with a transparent treatment and cost plan and support you with any questions regarding reimbursement.
