Sleep Apnoea
Snoring and sleep disordered breathing make it difficult for you (and your partner) to get quality rest each night. A diagnosis like sleep apnoea can statistically raise your risk of medical complications, such as a stroke or heart attack.
Treatment for Sleep Apnoea
The most common form of sleep apnoea treatment is a type of appliance called a CPAP machine. This breathing apparatus forces air directly into the lungs, so that the individual keeps breathing throughout the night. Unfortunately, CPAP machines are not very well tolerated. They’re also a bit cumbersome and difficult to travel with.
An alternative to CPAP machines is what we call a “mandibular advancement splint” or “MAS”. This oral sleep apnoea appliance is a type of nightguard that you wear in lieu of using the CPAP machine. It works by positioning your mandible – or lower jaw – in a slightly anterior position. By doing so, extra space is created in the back of your throat to widen your airway. As a result, it’s naturally easier for air to flow while you’re sleeping.
Advantage of Oral Sleep Appliance Therapy
- Portable
- Discreet
- No bulky equipment
- Allows for different sleep positions
- Easier to clean
- Customised to the patient
- More comfortable to wear
Depending on the severity of your sleep disordered breathing or appliance therapy may replace your need for a CPAP machine. The MAS helps to prevent blockage between your tongue, soft palate, tonsils and other soft tissues near the back of your mouth. It’s a holistic alternative to mechanically forcing air into your lungs with a machine.
Some people find that an oral sleep appliance such as a MAS provides relief as soon as the first use. Depending on your situation, it may also be possible to use your dental sleep device in combination with an existing CPAP machine.
Unlike CPAP machines, mandibular advancement splints must be custom fitted to the individual. The two-part appliance requires moulds of upper and lower teeth to create a specialised mouthpiece. Adjusting it just so allows for the mandible to be brought forward into an ideal position. In some cases, the position is adjusted after a few days to find the best fit.
All moulds are sent to the lab, where your custom sleep appliance is designed. After the initial consultation and impressions are recorded, the MAS is typically ready to wear within a couple of weeks.
Snoring and teeth grinding are common symptoms of sleep apnoea. If you suspect that you have a sleeping disorder, it’s important to work with a medical provider to determine an accurate diagnosis. Even if you do not have apnoea, a snore mouthguard could help you and your partner enjoy a quieter, more restful night of sleep.
Sleep apnoea causes the body to be deprived of both quality sleep as well as oxygen. As a result, people who have sleeping disorders may also experience weight gain, depression, high blood pressure, fatigue, memory loss, depressed libido and other side effects. But most significantly, sleep apnoea raises your chances of experiencing a cardiovascular incident.
Getting screened – and treated – for sleep apnoea could save your life.
Sleep Apnoea Dentist
For information related to snoring and sleep apnoea Moonee Ponds, request a consultation with our dental provider.
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