Snoring solutions in Weybridge

Snoring affects the snorer and often the person sleeping next to them. You may have been told you snore. Perhaps you wake feeling tired after what should have been a full night's sleep. Your dentist can help. At Post House Dental in Weybridge we offer snoring solutions in the form of custom-made appliances worn at night. Treatment is subject to a consultation and assessment.

What causes snoring?

When you sleep, the muscles in your throat relax. The soft tissues at the back of the throat, including the soft palate, can then vibrate as air passes over them. That vibration is the snoring sound. Lying on your back tends to make it worse because the jaw and tongue fall backwards and narrow the airway.

In some people the airway narrows so much that breathing pauses repeatedly during sleep. This is called obstructive sleep apnoea. Signs include gasping or choking at night and feeling very sleepy during the day. Sleep apnoea can have serious effects on your health, so if we suspect it we will advise you to see your GP for further assessment.

How a dental snoring appliance works

For most people who snore, a mandibular advancement splint can help. It looks similar to a sports mouthguard and fits over your upper and lower teeth. It holds your lower jaw slightly forward while you sleep. That keeps the tongue from falling back and helps keep the airway open, which can reduce snoring.

Each appliance is made to fit your own teeth. We check your teeth and gums first, because the appliance needs healthy teeth to grip. Most people take a few nights to get used to wearing one. Your jaw may feel a little stiff in the morning at first, which usually settles. How well it works varies from person to person.

Snoring or teeth grinding?

Some people who come to us about snoring also clench or grind their teeth at night. That is a different problem with a different appliance. A Michigan splint is a hard acrylic splint that protects the teeth from grinding and can ease related jaw pain and headaches. It does not treat snoring. Our teeth grinding page explains more.

Cost and NHS

The fee for a snoring appliance is confirmed in a written plan after your assessment. A Michigan Splint for grinding is £650. See our fees page for all our prices. We provide both NHS and private care but cannot promise NHS availability for these appliances. Online booking is for private appointments only.

Why patients choose Post House Dental

We have cared for patients at The Old Post House in Weybridge since 1978. We will check your whole mouth before recommending an appliance. If your snoring needs medical investigation we will tell you plainly rather than simply selling you a device. For other custom-fitted appliances see mouth and sports guards.