A closer look at why snoring happens and when it may need attention.
Clinical assessment and personalised approaches to managing snoring.
At NCOFP, we assess the factors contributing to snoring and explore appropriate management options based on your individual circumstances. Snoring can have several underlying causes, and understanding these is an important first step in determining the most appropriate way forward.
Referrals are welcome, but not required.
Book an AppointmentSnoring occurs when airflow through the upper airway becomes partially restricted during sleep, causing surrounding soft tissues to vibrate. Several factors can contribute to this.
During sleep, the muscles around the throat relax. This can narrow the upper airway, causing turbulent airflow and vibration of the surrounding tissues.
Features such as a low or elongated soft palate, enlarged tonsils or a larger tongue can contribute to narrowing of the upper airway.
Sleeping on your back can allow the tongue and soft tissues to move backwards, potentially making snoring more pronounced.
Excess weight, smoking and alcohol consumption can contribute to airway narrowing or increased relaxation of the tissues during sleep.
The causes of snoring can vary from person to person. Understanding the factors involved is an important first step in determining whether further assessment or treatment may be appropriate.
Understanding why you snore is the first step towards finding the right approach.
Occasional snoring is common, but frequent or disruptive snoring should not always be dismissed as simply a nuisance. In some cases, it can be associated with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), a condition involving repeated partial or complete obstruction of the upper airway during sleep.
Certain symptoms and patterns may indicate that further assessment is needed.
Regular, loud snoring, particularly when it affects your sleep or your partner’s sleep, may warrant clinical assessment.
Pauses in breathing, gasping or choking sounds during sleep can be signs of obstructive sleep apnoea and should be investigated.
Waking unrefreshed, excessive daytime sleepiness, morning headaches or difficulty concentrating may be associated with disrupted sleep and warrant further assessment.
If obstructive sleep apnoea is suspected, assessment by an appropriate sleep clinician and a sleep study may be necessary. Identifying the underlying cause is important before deciding on suitable treatment.
The most appropriate approach to managing snoring depends on its underlying cause, severity and an individual’s clinical circumstances. In some cases, simple changes to sleeping habits and lifestyle may help. In others, further investigation or specific treatment may be appropriate.
Depending on the individual, changes such as sleeping on your side, managing weight, reducing alcohol consumption and avoiding smoking may help reduce snoring.
For suitable patients, a custom-fitted mandibular advancement device may help reduce snoring by gently positioning the lower jaw forward during sleep and supporting airflow through the upper airway.
An individual assessment helps determine which approach may be appropriate and whether further sleep-related investigation is needed.
Learn More About Snoring Appliances →A mandibular advancement device may be suitable for some people who snore. However, the most appropriate treatment depends on the underlying cause of snoring and an individual’s dental and clinical circumstances.
For people who snore without having obstructive sleep apnoea, a custom-fitted mandibular advancement device may help reduce snoring by improving airflow during sleep.
Mandibular advancement devices may also be an option for selected patients with OSA, particularly in certain mild to moderate cases or where CPAP therapy is not tolerated or preferred. Suitability should be considered in conjunction with the patient’s sleep clinician.
Dental health, jaw function, symptoms and the nature of the snoring all influence whether an oral appliance is appropriate. Further investigation, including a sleep study, may be needed where a sleep-related breathing disorder is suspected.
An oral appliance should not be used as a substitute for appropriate sleep assessment where obstructive sleep apnoea is suspected. Diagnosis and monitoring of OSA should be managed with an appropriate sleep clinician.
Why Choose NCOFP?
Effective snoring treatment involves more than simply providing an appliance. It requires an understanding of the individual, their dental health, jaw function and sleep-related concerns.
Dr Chah is an orofacial pain management and dental sleep medicine clinician, with advanced training in orofacial pain, jaw disorders and dental sleep medicine.
Assessment considers your symptoms, dental health, jaw function and individual treatment requirements.
Appliance selection is guided by your clinical circumstances rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
Professional fitting, adjustment and ongoing review help support comfort, function and treatment response.
It’s this combination of clinical knowledge, individualised care and ongoing support that underpins the NCOFP approach.
A custom-fitted mandibular advancement device may be an appropriate option for some people who snore.
Discover more about snoring appliances, how they work, the options available and what to expect from treatment at NCOFP.
Explore Snoring AppliancesNo. Many people snore without having obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). However, loud or persistent snoring, particularly when accompanied by pauses in breathing, gasping or excessive daytime tiredness, may indicate a sleep-related breathing problem that should be assessed.
Not everyone who snores will need a sleep study. However, if your symptoms suggest possible obstructive sleep apnoea, assessment by an appropriate sleep clinician and a sleep study may be necessary before deciding on treatment.
A mandibular advancement device may be suitable for selected patients with obstructive sleep apnoea. Suitability depends on factors such as the severity of the condition, dental health and individual clinical circumstances. Treatment should be considered in conjunction with your sleep clinician, with appropriate follow-up to assess its effectiveness.
Non-custom devices may not offer the same individual assessment, fit or adjustment as a professionally prescribed appliance. A clinical assessment can help establish whether an oral appliance is appropriate and what type may best suit your needs.
No. Treatment is not necessary for everyone. The decision depends on how often you snore, its impact on you or your sleeping partner, and whether there are symptoms or signs of an underlying sleep-related breathing disorder.
No referral is required to book an appointment at NCOFP. If you have concerns about snoring or would like to explore whether an oral appliance may be appropriate, you can contact the clinic to arrange an assessment.
If snoring is affecting your sleep or quality of life, an assessment at NCOFP can help explore the possible causes and identify appropriate management options.
We take the time to understand your individual circumstances, including your symptoms, dental health and jaw function. Where appropriate, we can discuss whether a custom-fitted oral appliance may be a suitable option.
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