The noise of snoring is caused by the vibration of the soft tissues in the upper airway. During sleep the muscles of the upper airway relax resulting in the formation of bottlenecks or even complete obstruction of the airways. The body reacts by increasing the velocity of the air which in turn causes vibration of the soft tissues which generates the noise of snoring.

Research has shown that approximately 40% of the adult population snore. As a person gets older the chances of snoring increases. (i.e. in men aged 60 this increases to 60%.) The chances of snoring are also increased if a person is overweight or drinks alcohol.

Your dentist could make you an oral appliance which is worn at night to prevent snoring.

This will consist of two thin plastic forming's which fit over the upper and lower teeth. They are joined together by two connectors that gently hold the lower jaw in a forward position. Any opening of the mouth pulls the lower jaw further forward.

The appliance cannot be made if you have no natural teeth or only a few natural teeth. Your dentist will be able to advise you as to your own situation.