Ridgewood Dental Associates

Snoring and Sleep Apnea

While snoring itself can be harmless, research has shown that snoring, in one out of every three cases, may be a symptom of a more serious condition called sleep apnea. These episodes of cessation of breathing during sleep lower the level of oxygen in the body and may contribute to high blood pressure, heart attack or stroke. Many highway accidents are related to sleep deprivation. If a person snores heavily, they should be thoroughly examined by a physician or sleep specialist to determine the severity of the problem and the proper treatment. Patients with mild snoring and sleep apnea can sometimes be treated with lifestyle changes. If a person needs further treatment, they are often referred to a qualified dentist for bite-plate therapy.

Dr. Hilsen developed and patented a removable dental mouthpiece worn at night that repositions the jaw and opens the airway to alleviate snoring and sleep apnea.

The Hilsen Appliance is constructed of a semi-rigid thermoplastic material. It is much like a bite plate and is held in position by the upper and lower teeth. It is custom made for the patient by taking impressions of the patient’s teeth. The appliance is worn only when sleeping. It works to alleviate snoring and sleep apnea by moving the lower jaw forward hence opening the airway in the back of the throat and allowing free passage of air. The appliance is adjustable by the dentist to optimize effectiveness and comfort. The Hilsen Appliance is FDA approved and has been effectively used by many for over 15 years.

What causes snoring?
Snoring is caused by a narrow airway. That's because air travels faster through a slender tube than through a broad one. This rapidly moving air causes the soft tissues of the throat (the tonsils, soft palate, and uvula) to vibrate. It is this vibration which is the sound of snoring. It's like putting a flag in front of a fan; the faster the fan, the greater the flutter.

Why is the airway narrow in snorers? Many things can take up space in the airway reducing its diameter. These can include large tonsils, a long soft palate or uvula, and, in people who are overweight, excessively flabby tissue. The most common cause of a narrowed airway is a tongue that relaxes too much during sleep and gets sucked back into the airway with each breath taken.

What is obstructive sleep apnea?
When the tongue is sucked completely against the back of the throat, the airway is blocked and breathing stops. Once that happens, the harder the sleeper tries to breathe, the tighter the airway seal becomes. It's like trying to drink through a straw that's stuck in a lump of ice cream. The harder you suck, the flatter the straw becomes.

The airway obstruction won't clear until the brain's oxygen level falls low enough to partially awaken the sleeper. The tongue then returns to a more normal position, and the airway seal is broken - usually with a loud gasp.

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Dr Kenneth Hilsen, Prosthodontist and Makeover Dentist - Providing services in cosmetic dentistry and dental implants to the areas of Ridgewood and Bergen County.