Oral Appliance Therapy is a therapy designed individually to maintain the oropharynx (the upper airway, located behind the tongue, extending downward) in an open position, avoiding airway closure overnight. Snoring is often the first symptom of sleep disordered breathing. Investigation of overnight symptoms is always recommended to ensure diagnosis and accurate personalised treatment.
Degrees of airway closure cause snoring, often extending to Obstructive Sleep Apnoea, of which there are three categories, mild, moderate and severe.
Airway occlusion is caused by a number of factors often including:
- Congenital, family history, which may include a large tongue, which is oversized for the structure of the oropharynx to accommodate, causing obstruction while sleeping.
- An overcrowded oropharynx (upper airway), which may occur due to the relaxation of the soft tissue located in this area, which relax inwards, when sleeping, occluding the airway.
- Weight gain, affecting the soft tissues in the oropharynx.
If you are concerned about Sleep Disordered breathing, from snoring to sleep apnoea, please contact us on:
or call (01) 531 0088
We will guide you in a detailed diagnosis and management of your sleep symptoms.
