FAQ

FAQ’s The Silencer:

Oral Appliance Therapy, using devices like The Silencer®, is highly effective and suitable for most sleep apnea and snoring patients with the exception of the more severe cases of sleep apnea. Below are some frequently asked questions about this type of device and therapy.

• What is The Silencer?

• What types of other oral appliances are available?

• Do all appliances work the same?

• How do I choose the right appliance?

• How long may I expect my appliance to last?

• How do I know I am being treated?

• Does insurance cover the treatment?

• What are the side effects of treatment?

• How do I take care of my appliance?

• How may I find out more about this treatment?

1. What is The Silencer?
The Silencer is a dental device used to reposition the lower jaw during sleep. The jaw is gently held in a position forward of the normal biting position and acts to pull the tongue forward and out of the airway. The Silencer is fabricated along the lines of a night guard or an athletic mouth guard just a lot more complex. It is worn at night only.

2. What types of other oral appliances are available?
There are many options available to effect treatment using jaw advancement. The differences between appliance designs are dictated by individual requirements. Most designs and materials follow traditional dental manufacturing protocols. The longer term appliances require laboratory fabrication while more short term solutions may be achieved using one appointment style appliances usually involving “boil and bite” techniques.

3. Do all appliances work the same?
The principle action is to bring the tongue forward by moving the lower jaw forward (to which the tongue is attached) and at the same time support the lower jaw to prevent it from falling back during sleep. While the true function is the same there are a great many differences in the adjustment features, durability, and very importantly comfort.

4. How do I choose the right appliance?
The dentist will assess the oral conditions present in the mouth and recommend the most suitable treatment appliance for you. This will involve an examination and consultation. Our extensive clinical experience and outstanding results have been obtained using The Silencer.

5. How long may I expect my appliance to last?
Oral appliances for snoring and sleep apnea will provide service dependent upon may factors: – fabrication and material quality – effects of mouth fluids on the materials – maintenance of a good cleaning protocol – sleep bruxism (grinding your teeth) – continuing good dental health and maintenance of the supporting structures The average life of appliances will generally vary between 6 months and five years, depending upon the appliance choice. For example, a Silencer Professional appliance may be expected to have an average life of 5 years.

6. How do I know I am being treated?
The first sign of successful treatment is alleviation of the snoring sound. This may be accomplished by reports from the sleep partner, however the treatment of Sleep Apnea should be medically confirmed by use of follow-up diagnostic sleep testing procedures.

7. Does insurance cover the treatment?
Treatment of snoring alone is not likely to have coverage. However since snoring is the first and most identifiable symptom of Sleep Apnea it is highly likely that the snoring patient may be suffering from some level of Sleep Apnea. Over the past 10 years the acceptance of oral appliance treatment by medical professionals the world over has resulted in an inclusion of coverage for this treatment by the majority of health insurers. When covered, the appliance is paid under Extended Health Benefits contracts. Experience to date indicates that the approval process will require a medical indication of sleep apnea which you can get through our clinics. At the present time in Canada there is no coverage by the Canadian Medicare Program.

8. What are the side effects of treatment?
Patients introduced to airway dilator treatment may at first experience the following:
– increased salivation
– dry mouth
– light transitory tooth discomfort
– soreness and/or stiffness in the jaw joints

For patients who wear the appliances for the long term there may be changes to the bite relationship as well as individual tooth alignment. If these events should occur, they are usually reversible if intercepted in the first few months. After wear for a longer period of time the changes may require dental intervention to alleviate any change. We encourage patients to discuss side effects in detail during the patient consultation and dental examination phase of treatment.

9. How do I take care of my appliance?
Like any other intraoral device there needs to be a satisfactory cleaning process. On a daily basis, the appliance should be brushed after use with ordinary tooth paste and warm water. This will remove any accumulated saliva. However, the same “tartar” that accumulates on the teeth will accumulate on the appliance. The degree to which this occurs will change from patient to patient. Over time the appliance may start to taste bad and/or have an odor. Should this occur, the appliance will need to be soaked in some form of dental appliance cleaner. Most denture cleaners are satisfactory. Some accumulations are more aggressive than others and will require stronger solutions. At no time should the appliances be cleaned in any household cleaner. Review the individual instructions that you receive with your appliance.

10. How may I find out more about this treatment?
Our staff will be pleased to discuss the treatment with you, and assist you in finding a local provider. 1-888-575-1333 Or send us an email through the Contact Us page.