If you are a snorer there have probably been times when your loved one, friends or family members, have told you that they wanted to stuff a sock in your mouth to shut off your snoring. While a sock may not be a realistic solution, sticking something in your mouth may well be the answer to your snoring problem. That something is called a snoring mouth guard.
There are many different types of snoring mouth guards available that may help prevent those “sock” threats and lead to a more restful sleep as well. Here is a brief look at some of the snoring mouth guards that are available today.
Prefab Snore Guard
For the do it yourselfer who does not want to go to the trouble or expense of visiting their dentist or physician there are snore guards that are sold over the counter known as prefab snore guards or “boil and bite” mouth guards. How these snoring mouth guards work is that you purchase them and then follow the directions on the package as to the length of boiling time and cooling time. You then protrude your lower jaw and bite into the mouth guard to give the guard the shape your lower jaw needs to be in to keep your airways open and stop or at least reduce your snoring.
While the prefab snore guard may sound like a good idea it has several drawbacks. First, it is not going to be properly fitted to your mouth and your needs, so it may not do much to prevent you from snoring and may be uncomfortable as well. Second, more often than not constant snoring is an indication of at least minor sleep apnea and this is a condition that should be checked out by a medical professional.
Fixed Jaw Dental Device
There are some fixed jaw dental devices that are somewhat inexpensive and will help those who snore and have sleep apnea to rest better and less noisily. One such device is called a elastomeric. It is extremely popular and far more comfortable and durable that the prefab mouth guard. It is fitted by your dentists who makes plaster casts of your teeth and sends it to the lab with your protrusive bite registration which is made by having you bite into soft wax with your lower jaw protruding as far as possible. This guard may look awful but, most patients find it surprisingly comfortable.
Another form of fixed jaw snoring mouth guard is the NAPA appliance. This mouth guard is made of hard acrylic and is held in place by 8 clasps which grip the teeth. It has a small rectangle tube from which an unobstructed flow of air can be drawn in through the mouth. This appliance is somewhat more expensive and certainly less comfortable than the elastomeric.
Semi Adjustable Snoring Mouth Guards
One problem many people have with fixed mouth guards is the fact that these guards hold their mouth in a given position all through the night. People who sleep while opening and closing their mouth during sleep may find that fixed guards while preventing snoring awakens them when they try to open their mouths more completely. For people who want a bit more in the way of jaw mobility during the night semi adjustable snoring mouth guards may prove beneficial.
Most semi adjustable snoring mouth guards consists of two trays made from your teeth impressions. One for the top and one for the bottom teeth. These trays are then connected by plastic hinges and an adjustable bar is secured on the trays that allows the dentist to adjust the protrusion of your lower jaw as needed. This bar holds your jaw in place while allowing you to open and close your mouth during sleep.
Fully Adjustable Snoring Mouth Guards
The fully adjustable snore guard allows your dentist to progressively increase the protrusion of your lower jaw over a period of several weeks giving you greater snoring and sleep apnea relief.
There are several different brands and kinds for each of the three types of snoring mouth guards. Choosing the right one depends a great deal on how severe your snoring problem may be, whether or not you have sleep apnea and how severe the sleep apnea may be and the amount you can afford to pay for the snore guard. Most times, choosing the best snore guard for your needs is a combined effort made by your physician, your dentist and you. The results can be amazing as you may find that not only are you not snoring and but, that you are getting more and higher quality sleep as well.