Do you wake up feeling tired?
Have you been told that you snore, or
been diagnosed with sleep apnoea?
You may benefit from a custom-made dental sleep
appliance.
Why do I need to address my snoring?
Snoring does not just affect your sleep, it affects relationships, general health and well-being, work productivity and quality of life. We can provide you with customised, comfortable care in the form of a removeable oral appliance. This is a convenient treatment that is well-tolerated and proven to be effective.
Snoring occurs when air flows past relaxed tissue in your nose or throat, causing vibration which produces noise. It can happen when a person’s nasal or throat cavity is restricted, preventing them from breathing freely. Up to 70% of adults who regularly snore also suffer from sleep apnoea, which doesn't just affect your sleep but also your health, work productivity and quality of life. Sleep apnoea has also been found to contribute to certain health problems.
What is sleep apnoea?
Sleep apnoea is a condition where a person’s airway is partially or completely blocked by the tongue and soft tissues while sleeping, which may cause them to suddenly wake up and gasp for air. It is characterized by pauses in breathing that prevent air from flowing into or out of a sleeping person’s airway. People with sleep apnoea wake frequently during the night, sometimes over 50 times per hour. Most people are not aware of this until alerted to these pauses in breathing by their bed partner. Sleep apnoea can also increase the risk of health problems such as diabetes, stroke, and cardiovascular disease.
SELF ASSESSMENT FOR SLEEP APNOEA
1: Do you snore loudly?
2: Do you wake feeling unrefreshed?
3: Do you suffer from daytime sleepiness?
4: Has anyone told you that you snort, gasp, or hold your breath during sleep?
If you answered 'yes' to any or all of these, you may benefit from a sleep study for diagnosis.
You can be referred for this by your dentist and GP.
How do I complete a sleep study?
Sleep studies can now often be done in your own home, rather than in a hospital setting. The results are analysed in order to determine the presence and severity of any sleep apnoea and the best possible treatments available. If an oral appliance is deemed suitable for you, you can now return to us to have one made.
What if I already have a sleep study?
Often, patients will be referred to us after having already had a sleep study and diagnosis of sleep apnoea. Some have tried a CPAP machine and are looking for an alternative. If you have already had a sleep study done, we will request a copy of the results in order to ascertain your level of snoring or sleep apnoea, and the most appropriate treatment.
If you have been referred by another practitioner, we will keep them informed of your progress and results, discharging you back to them once treatment is completed.
What should I expect at my appointment?
During your initial consultation we will discuss your main concerns, symptoms and medical history. A thorough examination of your teeth, gums, jaw joints, muscles and range of jaw movements will be performed.
If you haven’t had a sleep study and it is suspected that you might have sleep apnoea, a diagnostic sleep study can be arranged. A sleep study is a tool used to assess your degree of snoring or sleep apnoea, the impact on your health and quality of life, and the best form of treatment. These days sleep studies can often be done in your own home.
We will suggest a suitable custom-made appliance tailored to your individual needs, and answer all your questions including ease of use, longevity, and effectiveness. We use the latest intraoral scanning technology to create a highly accurate 3D model of your teeth. This is a quick and comfortable procedure, free from messy impressions, and ideal for those who struggle with their gag reflex.
Once your appliance is ready, we will check the fit to ensure that it is comfortable. 3D manufacturing technology ensures that appliances are as thin as possible, but also durable and strong. We will show you how to make any necessary adjustments to your appliance yourself at home.
Fitting Your Oral Appliance
Once your appliance is ready, we will check the fit to ensure that it is comfortable. 3D manufacturing technology ensures that appliances are thin and comfortable, but also durable and strong. We will show you how to make any necessary adjustments to your appliance yourself at home.
How quickly will I see results?
You may see some improvement in your symptoms straight away. These results usually continue to improve over time as you become used to your device and make any needed adjustments.
How often will I need to return to the clinic?
We will usually book a review appointment four to six weeks after we fit your appliance. By this time, you will be comfortable using it nightly and seeing improvement to your snoring, tiredness, and related symptoms. At this appointment we can adjust your appliance if needed and check that it is performing optimally. We will review you again as required (usually in 12 months) to ensure the best possible results.
What are the costs?
This treatment usually attracts a rebate from private health. We will provide you with a personalised quote at your initial appointment. The cost of your treatment covers your custom-made oral appliance, your follow-up review appointments, and a comprehensive three-year manufacturer's warranty.
We also offer a satisfaction guarantee, in the event that you do not experience positive improvement from your appliance in the first 3 months we will refund you 80% of your out of pocket costs for the device.
We offer you this piece of mind as the overwhelming majority of patients we have treated over the years have great results.
It allows you to trial a customised sleep appliance with minimal financial risk to yourself.
Example of a 3D printed nylon mandibular advancement splint
Taking an intraoral scan
Jaw position to keep the airway open
Why Use a Oral Appliance to Treat Snoring and Sleep Apnoea
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Comfortable
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Proven effectiveness
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Digital scanning
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Improved sleep and health
