Snoring Solutions

Why People Snore

We all know at least one person who snores. These noisy sounds are the vibration of tissue in the back of the mouth and the throat that stretches and droops during sleep, causing the size of the airway to be reduced, which causes obstructed breathing.
Did you know that about 45 percent of normal adults snore on occasion, while 25 percent are regular snorers? Heavier and regular snoring is more frequent in males and those who are overweight, and it typically worsens with age. In general, snoring is often worse when a person sleeps on his or her back.

Snoring Solutions And Why You Need To Fix The Problem

Snoring can have both social and health consequences. It can cause embarrassment in social settings, such as traveling. It disrupts the sleep of loved ones, many of whom will choose to sleep separately from their snoring partner, which can lead to relationship difficulties.   Snoring is also a medical issue. It reduces deep, restorative sleep, and being sleep deprived has a negative impact on well-being and quality of life we lead. Snorers often feel tired and sleepy, have morning headaches and dry mouth, reduced blood oxygen levels, higher blood pressure, and other associated health issues.   Recent research has shown that loud, severe snoring can cause serious, long-term health complications, including obstructive sleep apnea.

What are the solutions for the bothersome and potentially dangerous snoring?

There are ways to turn a night of snoring and interrupted sleep into a relaxing, tranquil night of deep sleep.

The Pillar Procedure

The Pillar Procedure is a simple, effective treatment to reduce sleep apnea and decrease chronic snoring.   Performed in a single, short visit at our state of the art dental office, the Pillar Procedure involves placing three small, woven implants into the soft palate under local anesthesia. The implants stiffen over time, providing support to the soft palate and keeping it from drooping during sleep. This reduces the tissue vibration that can cause snoring. The implants are designed to be invisible and don't interfere with speaking or swallowing.   Clinical studies have shown that patients experienced a significant decrease in snoring intensity and their bed partners stated their satisfaction with the reduction in snoring to be 80% or higher. Most patients noticed a significant improvement in their sleep in four to six weeks, and overall patients experienced less daytime sleepiness and significant improvements in lifestyle.     The Pillar Procedure is less invasive and less painful than other surgical procedures, and FDA-cleared and clinically proven, with results comparable to more aggressive surgical procedures.

Dr. Shea F. Stevens received training at The Snoring Center for Palatal Pillar Treatment and is certified by Sleep Group Solutions for management of snoring and sleep apnea.

Oral Appliance - Silent Device

Silent Nite is a custom-fabricated snoring dental device that is the most affordable, non-invasive, comfortable and effective snoring solution for many snorers. Dentist-prescribed, oral snoring preventative device, Silent Nite® works by moving the lower jaw into a forward position, increasing space in the airway tube and reducing air velocity and soft tissue vibration. Special connectors are attached to upper and lower forms, which are transparent, flexible, and custom laminated with heat and pressure. The fit is excellent and comfortable, permitting small movements of the jaw (TMJ) and allowing uninhibited oral breathing. Dr. Shea F. Stevens will be able to advise you whether this device could help you or your loved ones obtain better, more healthful and restful sleep. If this is the right solution for your snoring, he will provide a simple checklist that will help determine the exact design of your Silent Nite. At Smiles By Stevens cosmetic dentistry in Lancaster, PA we are committed to providing superior service and solutions and the highest quality of dental care. Learn more about the anti-snoring solutions by contacting our dental office today: 717.581.0123

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