If you partner’s a heavy snorer you’ll know what a misery it can be. Snoring can affect the health of the snorer too. In some cases, it is connected with sleep apnoea, in which the sufferer actually stops breathing for a time; the result can be constant daytime drowsiness and extra strain on the heart.

Now there’s a new system designed to help you stop snoring: the Silensor - available here at Peter Soin private wimbledon dental surgery.

Every person that suffers from sleep apnoea snores, but not everyone who snores suffers from sleep apnoea.

If you have been heard to gasp for breath or have sudden spells of drowsiness during the day then you should ask your doctor to refer you to a sleep disorder clinic for further investigation.

How does the Silensor system work?
The Silensor uses a pair of clear plastic moulding, shaped to fit you teeth, which you slip into your mouth at bedtime. The top and bottom sections are connected at the sides by short plastic links, which have the effect of pulling your lower jaw slightly forward. This in turn holds the airways open, reducing the constriction that causes the snoring.

How comfortable is it?
At first, you may experience some stiffness in your jaw when you wake up, but this soon wears off.

What if I wear false teeth?
Unfortunately, if you have no teeth the Silensor cannot be fitted. If you have a denture which only replaces some teeth, a Silensor may work: ask your dentist for advice.