Frequently asked questions about dental sleep medicine

At the latest when your snoring is loud and irregular, when pauses in breathing have been observed, or when you are noticeably tired during the day. These can be signs of obstructive sleep apnea, which should be treated. Our free online test gives you a first assessment.

Basic measures such as weight loss, avoiding alcohol in the evening and not sleeping on your back can reduce snoring. The most effective dental treatment is a custom-made mandibular advancement splint, which keeps the airway open during sleep – without a mask and without surgery.

Sprays and nasal strips help at most with purely nasal snoring. Prefabricated thermoplastic splints from the pharmacy or the internet fit far less well than custom-made splints, are less reliable – and if you have undetected sleep apnea, they can delay necessary treatment.

Left untreated, it increases the risk of high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke and diabetes, and daytime sleepiness multiplies the risk of accidents. An assessment is therefore worthwhile as soon as there is reasonable suspicion.

A first step is our free online test on intersleep.ch. If your risk is elevated, a medical assessment follows with an overnight measurement (polygraphy) – usually done comfortably at home.

For mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, the effectiveness of custom-made mandibular advancement splints is well documented scientifically; they are established as a treatment option in the clinical guidelines. For severe sleep apnea, CPAP therapy is usually the first choice.

As a guide value, a lifespan of three to five years applies. The service life depends on the material, the system and the strain placed on it – for example if you also grind your teeth. Good care extends its lifespan.

During the adjustment phase, you may experience increased salivation or a feeling of tension in the jaw muscles and joint in the morning; both usually subside quickly. With many years of use, minor changes in tooth position are possible – which is why regular dental check-ups are part of the treatment.

Clean the splint in the morning with a soft toothbrush and cold water, and occasionally with special cleaning tablets. Hot water can deform the material. Store the splint dry in its case.

In many cases, yes – provided your remaining teeth are sufficiently stable. Whether a splint is possible for you is something we clarify at the first dental examination.

No. You stay with your own dentist for routine care. With us, you receive only the nocturnal splint therapy – if you wish, in coordination with your existing practice.

At the Swiss Dental Center at Hardbrücke, Heinrichstrasse 239, 8005 Zurich – a few minutes on foot from Hardbrücke station. Appointments: Monday to Thursday 7am–7pm, Friday 7am–5pm, Saturday 8am–2pm. Telephone: 043 444 74 00.

Yes – for mild to moderate sleep apnea or in the case of CPAP intolerance, switching is a recognised option. It is done in coordination with your sleep physician; the treatment success is then monitored.

Bruxism refers to grinding and clenching itself. CMD (craniomandibular dysfunction) is a functional disorder of the chewing system – with pain or restricted movement of the jaw joint and chewing muscles. Bruxism can promote CMD; both are assessed during the examination.

Worn at night (and during the day if needed), the splint distributes the forces evenly, relieves the jaw joints and muscles and protects the tooth substance from further wear. Physiotherapy, self-exercises and relaxation techniques can complement this and ease the symptoms.

For simple snoring without pauses in breathing, usually not, as it is not classed as a medical condition. It is different with diagnosed obstructive sleep apnea: if it has been prescribed by a medical professional, mandatory basic health insurance usually covers the cost of the mandibular advancement splint in full – for mild to moderate sleep apnea syndrome, or if you have severe sleep apnea and cannot tolerate the CPAP therapy that would normally be indicated. We advise you individually on this.

Yes. After the initial examination you receive, on request, a written quote with all items, which you can submit to your health insurer for prior cost approval.