Snoring & Sleep Apnoea Treatment Macquarie Park
Dental Treatment for Snoring & Sleep Apnoea
Snoring, poor sleep and daytime tiredness can affect your energy, concentration and your partner’s sleep too.
At Macquarie Dentists, we can assess whether a custom dental sleep appliance may help with your snoring or sleep apnoea.
We provide custom oral appliances in Macquarie Park. You can also see how they work and compare an oral appliance vs CPAP.
Signs of Sleep Apnoea
Loud Snoring
Regular, disruptive or worsening snoring during sleep.
Waking Up Tired
Feeling unrefreshed even after spending enough time asleep.
Morning Headaches or Dry Mouth
Frequently waking with headaches, a dry mouth or an uncomfortable throat.
Gasping or Choking at Night
Waking suddenly or having a partner notice choking or gasping while you sleep.
Pauses in Breathing
A partner may notice periods where your breathing appears to stop temporarily.
Snoring vs Sleep Apnoea
Snoring
Snoring occurs when tissues in the airway vibrate as air passes through during sleep. Snoring does not automatically mean you have sleep apnoea, but persistent, loud or worsening snoring may warrant further investigation.
Obstructive Sleep Apnoea
Obstructive sleep apnoea occurs when the upper airway repeatedly narrows or closes while you sleep. This can interrupt breathing and prevent you from achieving consistently restful sleep. Because sleep apnoea is a medical condition, appropriate diagnosis is important before deciding on treatment.
Dental Treatment for Snoring & Sleep Apnoea
For suitable patients, a dentist may provide a custom mandibular advancement splint, also known as a mandibular advancement device or dental sleep appliance.
The appliance is worn inside the mouth while you sleep.
It gently holds the lower jaw in a slightly forward position, helping create more space behind the tongue and supporting a more open airway.
A custom oral appliance may be recommended for:
- Primary snoring
- Some patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnoea
- Patients who have been advised that an oral appliance is suitable
- Certain patients who have difficulty tolerating CPAP
The right treatment depends on your individual diagnosis and needs. Speak to one of our dentists to find out whether a custom oral appliance may be suitable for you.
CUSTOM-MADE FOR BETTER SLEEP
Custom Oral Appliances for Sleep Apnoea
Unlike an over-the-counter snoring mouth guard, a dental sleep appliance is individually designed for your teeth, bite and jaw. At Macquarie Dentists, we take detailed digital scans and assess how your teeth come together before prescribing and fitting your appliance.
A custom appliance is designed to provide:
A Precise Fit – Made specifically for your teeth rather than using a generic boil-and-bite design.
Adjustable Positioning – The position of the lower jaw can be gradually adjusted where appropriate.
Comfort – Designed for regular overnight wear while allowing natural movement of the jaw.
Ongoing Monitoring – Your dentist can review the appliance, your bite and your teeth over time.
How Does a Mandibular Advancement Splint Work?
Moves the Jaw Slightly Forward
The appliance gently supports the lower jaw in a forward position while you sleep.
Helps Maintain Airway Space
Moving the jaw forward can also help prevent the tongue and surrounding tissues from collapsing backwards into the airway.
Supports Easier Breathing
Maintaining a more open airway may help reduce snoring and improve airflow during sleep.
Oral Appliance vs CPAP
Oral Appliance
A mandibular advancement splint is worn inside the mouth and gently positions the lower jaw forward to help keep the airway more open while you sleep. It is compact, silent, easy to travel with and custom fitted to your teeth. For suitable patients, it can be a comfortable treatment option for snoring and sleep apnoea.
CPAP
CPAP uses a bedside machine and mask to provide continuous positive airway pressure while you sleep. CPAP is an important treatment for many people with sleep apnoea, particularly where the condition is more severe. An oral appliance should not be viewed as a replacement for CPAP in every patient. The appropriate treatment depends on your diagnosis, severity of sleep apnoea, medical history and recommendations from your treating health professionals.
Looking for an Alternative to CPAP?
Some patients search for a CPAP alternative because they find wearing a mask difficult or uncomfortable.
For appropriately selected patients, a custom mandibular advancement splint may provide another treatment option.
If you already have a sleep apnoea diagnosis or sleep study, bring your results to your consultation so we can assess whether a dental sleep appliance may be suitable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can a dentist help with snoring?
Yes. For suitable patients, a dentist can provide a custom mandibular advancement splint designed to position the lower jaw forward and help maintain space in the airway during sleep. Persistent snoring should still be properly assessed, particularly where sleep apnoea may be present.
Can a dentist treat sleep apnoea?
Dentists can play a role in the management of sleep apnoea by providing custom oral appliances for appropriately diagnosed and selected patients. Sleep apnoea itself should be medically diagnosed, commonly through a sleep study and medical assessment.
Does a dental mouth guard stop snoring?
A custom mandibular advancement splint is different from a standard dental mouth guard. Rather than simply covering the teeth, it is designed to gently position the lower jaw forward to help maintain airway space.
What is a mandibular advancement splint?
A mandibular advancement splint, or MAS, is a custom dental appliance worn while sleeping. It gently moves the lower jaw forward to help reduce narrowing of the airway.
What is the difference between a mandibular advancement device and a splint?
The terms mandibular advancement device, mandibular advancement splint and oral sleep appliance are often used to describe similar appliances designed to hold the lower jaw forward during sleep.
Can a sleep apnoea mouth guard replace CPAP?
Not for everyone. CPAP remains an important treatment for many people with obstructive sleep apnoea. Oral appliances may be suitable for selected patients depending on their diagnosis and severity. Your treatment should be guided by the appropriate medical and dental professionals.
Can I travel with my sleep apnoea appliance?
Yes. One advantage of an oral appliance is that it is compact and does not require electricity, making it convenient for travel.
Sleep Better. Breathe Easier.
If snoring or poor-quality sleep is affecting you or your partner, speak with our team about whether a custom oral appliance or mandibular advancement splint may be suitable for you.