You may be desperately searching for a snoring solution. Media advertised stop snoring mouth devices such as Puresleep and many other similar retainers may seem like the answer to your prayers. But, here are some important facts to be aware of  that may not only save dental funds, on a greater scale may add years to your life!

• If you are snoring often, you should have your snoring evaluated by a professional knowledgeable in sleep medicine.
• If your medical provider says, “everyone snores” and doesn’t see the importance of an evaluation, consider finding someone trained through the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM).
• People who snore regularly often have a serious sleep condition called obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
• Devices purchased though mail order media sites can put people at risk by ‘hiding’ apnea while reducing snoring levels.  Dangerous oxygen dips during sleep may still be occurring.
• Many of these ‘mail ordered’ devices can create quite serious side effects like dislodgements of dental work, loosening of teeth, and teeth shifting to the point of even lisping.

Several months ago, I examined a new patient that had been using a Puresleep mouth device. The patient was suffering from mild obstructive sleep apnea and was originally recommended the CPAP device. Since his diagnosis was mild OSA, he decided to get a Puresleep mouth device as a short-term option. The device worked with marginal results, and eventually the patient found us to see if further similar treatment could improve results.

Upon examination and discussion with this new patient, the patient found some concern. He now noticed himself lisping during speech. At times, this side effect can be corrected with stopping using the device, other times braces (orthodontics) may be needed to get the bite back to normal, often a costly expense.

Next time, when searching for a snoring cure, consider seeking help from a trained dentist in dental sleep medicine. These dentists work with professional devices that are custom made. A trained dental professional can help prevent or manage potential side affects that can occur with professional oral appliance therapy. For snoring in the absence of apnea, these devices are extremely effective.  For those snoring with apnea, they work in the majority of cases.

For more information on the dangers of mail order anti-snoring devices, see my interview with sleep expert Dr. Gail Demko. www.tiredofsnoring.com/2012/05/the-dangers-of-over-the-counter-anti-snoring-devices/

Dental Sleep and TMD Center of Illinois, a premiere snoring and apnea treatment center in Naperville, has been providing the CPAP alternative treatment of oral appliance therapy for over 15 years successfully. We are extremely passionate in helping individuals that have been struggling with CPAP therapy in Naperville, Wheaton, Aurora, Bolingbrook and surrounding Chicago suburbs. For more information on this physician recommended treatment option, visit www.TiredOfSnoring.com or call us at (630)369-5508.

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If you (and those around you) have long suffered with a snoring, but do not have an apnea problem, you’re probably looking for the best option to get rid of this problem once and for all. Let’s review your options.

•  Weight loss

If you are found to have snoring and not have apnea, if you’re overweight, weight loss is a great place to start. Sometimes just 20 pounds difference can make a big difference in the world of snoring and apnea. That’s usually recommended at the beginning.

•  Over-the-counter sleep aids

There are a lot of different types of over-the-counter sleep aids available, including breathe strips, back-avoiding devices, and different types of pillows. You might want to try something, especially if you’re not having apnea and you’re just snoring on your back. They train you to keep off your back.

•  Retainers and mouth devices

Be very, very careful with devices like PureSleep and SnoreMender. I don’t recommend them at all. There’s lack of follow-up with those devices, and it’s pretty common to see changes in people’s bites, even speech, with using some of these appliances, because there’s really nobody to help guiding you as to the position and what to do to counteract these side effects. I know there are some physicians that are recommending them out there, but only for short periods of time.

•  Professional oral appliances

Professional oral appliances are highly recommended for snoring, probably the best option. We urge you to seek somebody from the Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, preferably a Diplomate. Those are dentists that are trained more than just a couple classes. They’ve actually taken tests and have built a relationship with the medical community based on snoring and apnea treatment.

Usually their expertise is far different than the general practitioner or general dentist, just as the sleep physicians and the general practice physicians. Typically the amount taught in dental and medical school is pretty minor compared to people who seek training through these academies. That’s the Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, and preferably a Diplomate.

These appliances are custom-made, and it’s important to work with an office that can help you prevent some of the side effects that can develop with these jaw retainers.

• Surgery

Surgery is still out there and recommended by some ear/nose/throat physicians, but for just the milder cases the results tend to be pretty short-lived.

• Or you can do nothing. I know that that leaves some relationships strained, misery in some people, so I definitely don’t recommend doing nothing for primary snoring.

Now if you do have apnea with your snoring, your treatment options are different. You really want to consult with a certified snoring specialist to make sure you’re treating the right problem in the right way.

Visit our site at www.TiredOfSnoring.com for additional free resources, or call 1-800-SNORING to either make an appointment at our office or get a referral to a certified specialist in your area.