Concentrating on the use of removable oral appliances, he has had remarkable success in reducing/eliminating snoring.

In practice, what needs to be determined first for each patient is if obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is present or associated with the snoring. OSA is a serious medical condition which is related to greater risks of hypertension, heart attack, stroke, depression and diabetes. While the two are physically related (in snoring the upper airway partially collapses, in OSA the airway closes completely) treatment options vary with the severity of the problem. 

According to treatment guidelines of the AASM “The presence or absence of OSA must be determined before initiating treatment with oral appliances to identify those patients at risk due to sleep apnea. Oral appliances are indicated for use in patients with mild to moderate OSA (or snoring) who prefer them to CPAP therapy”(1).  It is best to be evaluated by a physician who can quantify your problem before beginning treatment with oral appliances.

While snoring is found most often in adults, 27% of children also snore(2). Associated problems include restless sleep and daytime drowsiness as well as neurobehavioral deficits such as behavioral hyperactivity and learning problems(3). Patients with these symptoms would be best served by an examination and evaluation of the upper airway by a pediatrician or ENT specialist. If appropriate, orthodontic appliances could address many airway problems in children if they are associated with a physical abnormality.

If you have questions, please email them to drberko@drberko.com or ask us when you are in the office.