It is estimated that more than 80 million people in North America snore while sleeping.


Virtually all of us snore from time to time. In fact, it is estimated that over 50 percent of adult males and 30 percent of females may be affected by snoring. For some, snoring is no more than the occasional, inconvenient habit; but chronic heavy, loud snoring can be more serious.

Snoring usually occurs when a person’s airway at the back of the throat constricts, causing air to be inhaled at an increased speed and pressure. This results in the soft tissue in the back of the mouth vibrating, creating the snoring noise.

Simple snoring can disturb others and cause dry mouth or sore throat. Heavy snoring is often a symptom of sleep apnea which is frequently associated with hypertension, stroke and other cardiopulmonary problems.



Sleep apnea afflicts several million people in North America. The most common form is obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA as it is often called.

Sleep apnea is a cessation, or interruption, of breathing during sleep. The cause of OSA is similar to that of snoring. When the airway becomes constricted enough, breathing will stop and oxygen will be blocked from the lungs. Each time breathing is blocked, oxygen in the bloodstream falls, and the heart must work harder to circulate blood. Blood pressure rises and the heart may be irregular or even stop.

Choking or stopping breathing during sleep. Excessive daytime sleepiness. Morning headaches. Irresistible urge to nap or sleep during the day. Limbs jerk during sleep. Waking up tired or thirsty. Snoring.

---

The SUAD device is a premium oral appliance developed for the treatment of snoring and OSA. You wear it during sleep to prevent the tissue at the back of your throat and the base of your tongue from collapsing and blocking your airway. Because your tongue is connected to the lower jaw by muscles, if you move your lower jaw forward into a comfortable position, you will automatically move your tongue out of the airway.
	The SUAD device is similar in design to an orthodontic appliance or athletic mouth guard. The upper and lower forms are custom made from impressions taken of your teeth. The fit is excellent and comfortable. Due to the design of the SUAD device, you will still be able to open your mouth wide, talk, yawn, and even swallow.

The SUAD device is available through Dundas Street Dental Centre and the custom fitting is simple and painless.

First our team member will discuss your sleeping habits and if necessary refer you to a specialist for further evaluation. When you are ready to begin, impressions will be taken of your upper and lower teeth along with a bite registration which will help to determine how far forward to move your jaw.

On the second appointment, your custom made SUAD device will be fitted and adjusted if necessary. After being fitted, you will be asked to return in a few days to check your results and make any necessary adjustments.


That’s it!
In three short, easy visits, you and your sleep partner will be on the way to a more restful nights sleep!

Clinical trails have shown that dental appliances are very effective in treating simple snoring and mild to moderate sleep apnea. In fact many users say they wake up feeling more rested and energetic in the mornings!