Frequently asked questions
Long term studies have shown that while weight loss is of benefit, losing weight and keeping weight off is hard. Many people find that wearing a Snorefix at night increases their energy levels during the day (due to their body receiving more oxygen at night) and helps them exercise more effectively and make better food choices (instead of craving high calorie foods to give them energy). So if you have tried to lose weight but find it difficult, using a Snorefix may actually help with your weight loss.
A one hour consultation at Snorefix Clinic with Dr Rebecca Oliver is $195. Private Health Rebates (Dental Extras) are available for your initial consultation.
A custom made Snorefix Mouthguard starts at $1790. This includes
- All comprehensive initial measurements of your mouth, teeth and jaws
- Imprints of your teeth
- Casts of your teeth and bite
- Snorefix Mouthguard design of your choice
- A 45 minute appointment to fit your mouthguard and make any required adjustments
- Cleaning pack
- Instruction Kit
- Unlimited review and adjustment appointments for six months as required
- Private health rebates
- Satisfaction money back guarantee
Most people are refunded $350-$800 on the Snorefix Mouthguard using Private Dental Extras.
Even if you don’t have insurance, the Snorefix Mouthguard will last about 4 years, so it costs only $1 a night to wear it! There are no other hidden costs.
Yes. Private Dental Extras will give you rebates. Most people are refunded $350-$800 on the Snorefix splint.
In the unlikely event that you are uncomfortable with a certain style of splint after 90 days we will either:
Construct a new splint of a different design at no charge and allow you another 90 days to accommodate to the new style.
Or
Reimburse all out of pocket* costs paid to Snorefix clinic less a $99 processing fee.
Thus effectively, the small financial risk to ‘trial’ a custom made definitive Snorefix splint is $99.
*Note we cannot refund monies paid by private health insurance.
After custom made imprints of your teeth are made, it takes 1-3 weeks to fabricate your custom made Snorefix. It is then specially fitted to your mouth to ensure you can put it in and remove it comfortably. So you will be on your way to better sleep as early as a week after your initial appointment.
No, it will never get stuck. Just as footballers put mouthguards in and out, and people click in and out orthodontic invisible braces, your Snorefix cannot get stuck in your mouth. You will be taught how to gently insert and remove your Snorefix splint.
All Snorefix devices are designed to ensure optimal gum hygiene. Compare this to cheap anti-snoring mouthguards that are one size fits all where plaque can accumulate around the gums at night and you have no idea how much pressure it can put on your teeth and dental work.
No. Your Snorefix will fit snuggly on top of any fillings, crowns, veneers, bridges or implants. In fact, it actually protects your teeth and dental restorations from you grinding them and damaging them at night… Bonus!
Yes:
- Reduce alcohol consumption – especially before going to bed.
- If your snoring is worse on your back – we can discuss ways to help you sleep on your side (without your partner needing to nudge you). This is called positional therapy.
- Raise the head of your bed – put some bricks under the head of your bed so you sleep on an angle. – this helps reduce gravity pulling down on your tongue.
- Quit smoking – even a reduction in smoking will help.
- Avoid sleeping pills – they make things worse.
Dr Rebecca Oliver BDSc (Hons) is a Melbourne qualified Dentist graduating in 2000. She has treated thousands of people with snoring and sleep apnoea since 2008. She has exclusively restricted her practice of dentistry to the field of Dental Sleep Medicine. She doesn’t just ‘make you a Snorefix’. Dr Rebecca Oliver is available for 6 months of complimentary appointments to adjust your Snorefix should you need, or have any concerns about your sleep apnoea. She treats people with problems, she doesn’t just make anti-snoring and sleep apnoea devices. She is here for your ongoing treatment needs long term.
Yes. Because every Snorefix splint is made from scratch and custom made to your mouth and dentures it can be fabricated over existing dentures.
No. While you are actively changing the position of your teeth every day with orthodontics, a Snorefix cannot work for you. Once your orthodontic treatment is complete and you are wearing a retainer, a Snorefix may be appropriate for you.
Absolutely – the Snorefix will replace the splint you currently wear and protect your teeth and jaws from clenching and grinding whilst also treating your snoring and sleep apnoea and the same time. Bonus!
Short term side effects last a few weeks, like excess salivation or a dry mouth. These are the same for anyone wearing any kind of mouthguard, invisible braces, dentures or anything that goes in and out of your mouth. If you have worn any of these before – you will be quick to adapt to your Snorefix. Long term some people experience a small change to the way their teeth bite together. For most people this is not annoying and does not affect your dental health. Most people find that their improved snoring, sleep and health far outweighs a small change to their bite. It is a small inconvenience in comparison to the dangers of sleep apnoea.
Overall, the Australasian Sleep Association and the Australian Dental Association recommend the use of professionally custom made titratable oral appliances like the range of Snorefix splints for mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnoea because the benefits to your health outweigh the risks of side effects.
There are many styles to choose from and your design can be made of a material that incorporates no metal parts. If you know you have allergies, speak to us to find a design that is right for you.
Worn only at night, Snorefix is a treatment, not a cure for your snoring and sleep apnoea so it will not “train you” to have normal airflow and breathing without it. Many people find that they have more energy during the day after sleeping with their Snorefix. This allows them to exercise more efficiently and effectively. It also helps them make better food choices (as tired people chose high calorie foods). With weight loss, many people find their snoring naturally improves and they no longer need to wear their Snorefix.
After imprints of your teeth are made, it takes three weeks to fabricate your custom made Snorefix splint. Please don’t leave your appointment to the last minute before you travel or your private health insurance expires.
‘Boil and bite’ guards are a piece of plastic that you soften in boiling water and then adapt slightly to your teeth by biting into it.
They are bulky and set in a fixed non-adjustable forward position. A one-size-fits-all fixed position may not hold your jaw forward enough to be therapeutically effective or it may move your jaw too far forward and cause pain and long term damage to your teeth, gums and jaws.
All Snorefix splints are titratable. Titration (adjusting in small increments to bring the lower jaw forward), is the key to success of your splint and ensures you can comfortably reduce pressure on your teeth and jaw joints whilst slowly bringing your jaw forward over time, opening your airway to reduce your snoring and sleep apnoea.
Every Snorefix is custom made from detailed measurements and precision imprints of your teeth made by a qualified dentist with over 11 years of experience in Dental Sleep Medicine. The Snorefix is then fitted by the dentist in your mouth to take into account the pressure it does or doesn’t put on your jaws, teeth, gums and fillings, crowns, veneers, bridges, implants and dentures. Cheaper anti-snoring mouthguards simply cannot compare.
Finally, Snorefix is a clinic, not just a product. We provide support long term. We guarantee our work as a service and are prepared to offer you as many free appointments as you need to ensure side effects are minimised and you get the best results from your splint for both snoring and sleep apnoea.
So if you have tried a ‘boil and bite’ guard before and it did not work for you that does not mean you are not a candidate for a custom made Snorefix splint. To the contrary, a slim lined splint made from imprints of your teeth with excellent retention and less bulk may effectively treat your snoring and sleep apnoea concerns.
And you can try one with little financial risk with our money back satisfaction guarantee.
Yes. And a night splint like a Snorefix often helps relieve discomfort of sore jaws.
Whilst most people are referred by a specialist or doctor, no referral is required. Dr Rebecca Oliver is experienced in the field of Dental Sleep Medicine and you do not need a referral to attend. We can refer you to a specialist or for a sleep study if required.
Note however that if you have had any investigations or treatment for your sleep in the past please bring along any reports or referrals with you.
