About Sleep Apnoea Treatment at Recreate Smiles, Joondalup
Sleep apnoea is a serious sleep disorder that affects millions of Australians, many of whom remain undiagnosed. Characterised by repeated interruptions to breathing during sleep, it can have significant consequences for your energy levels, heart health, blood pressure, cognitive function, and overall quality of life. At Recreate Smiles in Joondalup, we offer dental appliance therapy as an effective, non-invasive treatment option for patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnoea.
Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) occurs when the muscles in the throat relax during sleep, allowing the soft tissue at the back of the throat to collapse and partially or fully block the airway. This leads to repeated pauses in breathing throughout the night, often accompanied by loud snoring, gasping, or choking. Many sufferers are not even aware this is happening, but partners frequently notice the signs.
A mandibular advancement splint (MAS), also known as a dental sleep appliance, is a custom-made oral device that is worn during sleep. It works by gently repositioning the lower jaw forward, which opens the airway and prevents the collapse of soft tissue that causes apnoea events. Unlike CPAP machines, which many patients find uncomfortable or difficult to travel with, a dental appliance is compact, silent, and easy to use.
At Recreate Smiles, we work collaboratively with sleep physicians and GPs to ensure that all patients receive a proper diagnosis before a dental appliance is prescribed. Treatment with a mandibular advancement splint begins with a detailed assessment of your jaw, teeth, and bite, followed by custom impressions to fabricate an appliance that fits precisely and comfortably.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I have sleep apnoea?
Common signs of obstructive sleep apnoea include loud or chronic snoring, waking up gasping or choking, excessive daytime sleepiness, morning headaches, difficulty concentrating, and waking with a dry mouth or sore throat. A formal diagnosis requires a sleep study, which can be arranged through your GP or a sleep specialist. If you have concerns, speak with your doctor in the first instance.
Is a dental appliance as effective as a CPAP machine for sleep apnoea?
For mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnoea, a custom-fitted mandibular advancement splint can be highly effective and is often preferred by patients who find CPAP therapy difficult to tolerate. Compliance with dental appliance therapy tends to be higher than with CPAP for this reason. For severe sleep apnoea, CPAP remains the gold standard treatment. We will work in collaboration with your sleep physician to recommend the most appropriate approach for your situation.
Will a dental appliance help with snoring even if I do not have sleep apnoea?
Yes. Mandibular advancement splints are also effective for reducing or eliminating primary snoring, where there is no associated apnoea. If snoring is affecting your sleep or your partner’s sleep, a dental appliance may offer significant relief.
Is the dental appliance comfortable to wear?
Because the appliance is custom-made from detailed impressions of your teeth, it fits precisely and is far more comfortable than generic, one-size-fits-all snoring devices available from chemists. There is typically an adjustment period of a week or two as your jaw adapts, after which most patients find the appliance comfortable to wear throughout the night.
How long does a dental sleep appliance last?
A well-maintained dental sleep appliance typically lasts between two and five years, depending on the degree of wear and any changes in your bite or jaw structure over time. We recommend regular check-ups to monitor the condition of the appliance and its ongoing effectiveness.
If you or your partner suspect sleep apnoea may be affecting your health and quality of life, contact Recreate Smiles Joondalup to discuss whether a dental appliance could help.
