General Dentistry · Edgecliff
Dental appliance therapy for sleep apnoea — assessed and fitted following appropriate medical diagnosis and referral.
About the Treatment
Sleep apnoea is a medical condition in which breathing repeatedly stops or becomes shallow during sleep. Common signs can include loud snoring, pauses in breathing noticed by a partner, gasping or choking during sleep, unrefreshing sleep, morning headaches, and excessive daytime tiredness.
Why testing matters if sleep apnoea is suspected. These signs can have several causes, and sleep apnoea cannot be diagnosed from symptoms alone. If sleep apnoea is suspected, speak with your GP about assessment — a sleep study is the recognised way to confirm whether sleep apnoea is present and how severe it is. Untreated obstructive sleep apnoea has been associated with health risks including cardiovascular problems, high blood pressure, and impaired concentration, including when driving. Confirming the diagnosis and severity also determines which treatments are appropriate. A medical diagnosis is required before dental appliance therapy is appropriate.
Mandibular advancement splints (MAS) work by holding the lower jaw slightly forward during sleep, keeping the airway more open. They are generally most appropriate for mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnoea, or for patients who cannot tolerate CPAP — CPAP remains the standard treatment for moderate to severe cases. Appliance therapy has its own risks and limitations, and outcomes vary between individuals.
Suitability is assessed in conjunction with your treating physician.
Common Questions
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Contact us to discuss whether dental appliance therapy may be appropriate following your medical diagnosis.
