You should follow-up with your dentist one to three months after you start using your snoreguard to evaluate how you're responding. At that time the dentist will make any necessary adjustments to the snoreguard's fit. Once the snoreguard is comfortable and you've verified that you are snoring less, you can follow-up every six months, along with your regular dental checkups.
What If a Snoreguard Doesn't Fix the Problem?
The classic, non-surgical treatment for severe snoring and sleep apnea is the Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) mask. This device pumps air through a specially designed mask over your nose and mouth to create a positive flow strong enough to keep your airway open and provide extra oxygen. Although it is considered extremely effective, many patients find it difficult to sleep while wearing the mask.
If the CPAP mask doesn't solve your problem or is too uncomfortable, you may want to look into surgical options to remove excess throat tissue. Several effective surgical treatments are available for chronic snoring, including Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP), Laser Assisted Uvulopalatoplasty (LAUP), Tonsillectomy, Adenoidectomy, and Somnoplasty. These treatments range in severity from an outpatient procedure to anesthesia and an overnight hospital stay. Consult your dentist for more information about these procedures.
Remember, many people consider snoring to be a humorous nuisance, but it is a physical problem with real and possibly serious health consequences. Talk to your dentist if you often feel sleepy and your mate complains about your snoring. Better sleep will improve not only your health but also your relationship.
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