Tl;dr:
Upper & lower impression plus bite registration with lower jaw slightly protruded but still comfortable.
A custom anti-snoring device is an effective way to improve sleep quality but for best results it’s important to follow the correct impression procedure and set expectations for the first few nights of wear.
Impression Instructions
We manufacture anti-snoring devices using the Silensor-SL method, this is two custom retainers joined with connective straps to guide the wearer’s jaw into an open-airway position. To ensure a comfortable fit and good results, we require the following:
- Full upper & lower impressions.
- A bite registration with the lower jaw slightly protruded from its natural position while remaining comfortable for the patient.
- Bite registration should be taken in a non-warping material (i.e. not wax).
The device will be made using the bite registration as a reference. The lower jaw does not necessarily need to protrude beyond the upper. The patient must be comfortable holding the position overnight.
Expectations for the first few nights
Patients should expect results from the first wear but as their mouth has been in a new sleeping position overnight, they may wake to some minor discomfort. Discomfort could take the form of gingival or dental soreness or a mild headache but should fade roughly 15 minutes after removal of the device. As the patient gets used to wearing the anti-snoring device any uncomfortable side effects should decline with subsequent wears so they can enjoy the benefits of a good night’s sleep with no downside.
Cleaning anti-snoring devices
As with similar devices like aligners, anti-snoring devices should be cleaned after each period of wear with cool water, a soft-bristled brush and ideally, an appropriate detergent. Patients may want to consider buying a dedicated dental cleaner and storage solution to protect their device. We provide a set of care instructions with ever anti-snoring device we make. For a copy of these instructions or if you have any queries about the device in general, please contact our team via email or CosTech Portal.