Snoring is a common condition that affects millions of people and can have a significant impact on both sleep quality and overall health. At The Rectory Dental Clinic, Dr Alfie Chan, a Newbury dentist, provides effective dental solutions to help patients reduce snoring and enjoy a better night’s sleep.
Snoring occurs when airflow is partially obstructed during sleep, causing the soft tissues of the throat, mouth, or nose to vibrate. These vibrations create the characteristic sound of snoring. While occasional snoring may be harmless, persistent or loud snoring can affect sleep quality, energy levels, and long-term wellbeing.
There are many factors that can contribute to snoring, including relaxation of the throat muscles during sleep, excess weight, alcohol consumption, smoking, nasal congestion, ageing, and sleeping on your back. Some individuals naturally have narrower airways or jaw positions that increase the likelihood of snoring. In certain cases, snoring may be linked to obstructive sleep apnoea, a condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep and may require further medical assessment.
Persistent snoring can cause daytime tiredness, poor concentration, irritability and relationship difficulties. When sleep apnoea accompanies snoring, it can increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke and diabetes.
Dr Alfie Chan can help manage snoring with a custom-made oral appliance. You wear the appliance while sleeping. It gently moves the lower jaw and tongue forwards to help keep the airway open. This reduces the soft-tissue vibrations that cause snoring.
Somnowell is one of the most effective systems available. Dr Alfie Chan fits each appliance to match your bite and anatomy. Somnowell appliances are comfortable and adjustable. They may help suitable patients with snoring or mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnoea following a medical diagnosis.
At The Rectory Dental Clinic in Newbury, we understand how better sleep can improve your quality of life. If snoring affects your health or disturbs your partner, Dr Alfie Chan can assess your suitability for treatment. He can then recommend whether a Somnowell appliance may help you achieve quieter nights and better wellbeing.