Snoring and Sleep Apnea

Welcome to this information page for the dental treatment of snoring and sleep apnea.

Our dental practice in Kiel has been specializing in oral-appliance-therapy since 1997. We co-operate with a range of related disciplines: pneumologists, ENT-specialists as well as sleep laboratories in Schleswig-Holstein and Hamburg.

Praxis Dr. Susanne Schwarting
Andreas-Gayk-Str. 23-25
24103 Kiel
Deutschland
Fon +49.431.91971
Fax +49.431.978822
  • President of the DGZS - German Society of Dental Sleep Medicine
  • Member of the AADSM - American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine
    Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine
  • Board member of EADSM - European Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine
  • Member of the DGSM - German Society of Sleep Research and Sleep Medicine
  • Member of the European Sleep Research Society ESRS
  • Member of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine AASM
  • Member of the German AfaS – The Society of Applied Sleep Medicine
  • Editorial Board Sleep and Breathing and SomnoJournal
  • Numerous presentations to sleep physicians, dentists and patients on the topic:
    “Oral appliances for the Treatment of Snoring and Sleep Apnea"
  • Curriculum Vitae Dr. Schwarting =>

These special devices used in the treatment of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea are constructed from a transparent plastic material similar to orthodontic retainers or sports mouthguards. They are worn in the mouth at night and hold the lower jaw at a slightly-forward position to prevent the tongue from sliding back into the throat and maintain an opened, unobstructed airway while the patient sleeps.

This treatment prevents restrictions (snoring) and even the collapse of the relaxed pharyngeal muscles (apnea) of the patient's airway.

 In the United States patients who suffer from sleep apnea are treated with oral appliances for over ten years. In certain cases, this represents an alternative therapy for the treatment of nCPAP (nasal positive airway pressure). Frequent loud snoring and a mild to moderate severe sleep apnea syndrome are primary indications that  oral appliances may be able to offer the patient relief.

There are over 60  various types of oral devices available. The selection and fitting should be done under the guidance of a qualified dentist trained in oral appliance therapy who is familiar with various types and designs of appliances, the current practice parameters and the interdisciplinary treatment flow.