How Do You Use a Snore Guard?

Also known as a mandibular advancement device (MAD), a snore guard is a dental appliance designed to reduce or eliminate snoring during sleep. Snore guards are typically custom-made by a dentist and made from durable plastic. Snore guards at Great Neck Dental Associates are often common for people with mild to moderate sleep apnea or who snore regularly.

How Does Snoring Happen?

When you sleep, the muscles in your throat and tongue automatically relax. The relaxation can cause the airway to narrow or be partially blocked. A narrow or blocked airway usually results in vibrations as air passes through, leading to the sound of snoring. Some people snore louder than others. A great solution for such snoring problems is repositioning the lower jaw forward to keep the airway open. It is where dental experts recommend customizing snoring mouthguards in Great Neck, NY.

How Does a Snore Guard Work?

The primary role of a snore guard is to be a solution for reducing snoring and improving sleep quality. A snore guard in Great Neck, NY, is worn in the mouth, usually at night, to overcome snoring problems. It works by repositioning the lower jaw slightly forward to open up the airway to reduce snoring.

Are Snore Guards Permanent Solutions to Snoring?

No. Dentists do not consider snore guards a permanent solution to snoring. While they are effective at reducing snoring for some people, they do not address the underlying causes of snoring. For instance, some common causes of snoring are obesity, alcohol consumption, nasal congestion, or other medical conditions. For such complications, a snore guard cannot address the root problem. Therefore, a dentist would need to recommend different treatment options depending on the underlying cause of the snoring.

Consider snore guards as short-term solutions to address mild to moderate snoring or sleep apnea. They can improve sleep quality and reduce daytime sleepiness, but they may not completely eliminate snoring for everyone. Besides, snore guards require ongoing use to maintain their effectiveness. If you stop using the device at one point, your snoring is likely to return.

If you have chronic snoring or sleep apnea, a snore guard may hardly help your problem. Consult a healthcare professional to determine the underlying causes and appropriate treatment options. Afterward, your dentist may recommend snore guards as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, among other treatments.

How to Use a Snore Guard for Snoring

Ideally, snore guards are customized by dental experts to serve a specific role for your health. They usually come with some instructions for wearing and using them over a predetermined period. The instructions will help you learn to wear and also maintain your snore guard in great condition.

When wearing the dental appliance, place it in your mouth, with the upper and lower pieces fitting snugly over your teeth. Adjust the device until it feels comfortable and secure to your liking. For customized Snore guards, this should not be a challenge. Once in place, the snore guard should hold your lower jaw slightly forward to start addressing your snoring symptoms.

However, dental experts emphasize patience and persistence when using a snore guard. It may take many nights to get used to wearing the device. Besides, you may need to adjust the fit over time. Further instructions to help with your snore guard journey include:

• Keep your snore guard clean and free of any debris or buildup. Rinse it with warm water and mild soap, and air dry before wearing it at night.
• Monitor your snoring and sleep quality so you can report any concerns to your dentist or sleep doctor.
• Use your snore guard consistently every night to achieve the best results.
• Practice good sleep patterns and habits, including a regular sleep schedule, avoiding alcohol and sedatives before bed, and sleeping on your side.

Conclusion

Generally, although snore guards can effectively treat snoring, they may not work for everyone. Some patients may require other intricate treatments like surgery. Besides, the snore guards cannot be used as a substitute for medical advice or treatment. Therefore, consult a sleep doctor or dentist near you about proper treatment for sleep apnea.