Sleep Apnoea Treatment

Woman covering her ears with a pillow while man snores

Sleep apnoea is a serious airway condition that affects individuals of all ages. If you wake up feeling exhausted, have a dry mouth, or your partner complains about your heavy snoring, you might be suffering from sleep apnoea. At Six Twelve Family Dental, our dentist can identify the signs and help you find the right solution.

Why We Need to Treat This Condition

The condition is characterised by disrupted airflow during sleep, leading to episodes where patients stop breathing momentarily, which may result in numerous health issues, including high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and overall poor medical health.

Many patients are only aware they have this condition when it is detected during a dental examination. Common symptoms include:

Unrestful sleep and dark circles under the eyes
Dry mouth or bad breath, especially in the morning
Excessive sleepiness in the early afternoon
Heavy reliance on caffeine
Snoring and teeth grinding

If you experience any of these symptoms, book a consultation so we can assess your risk.

Preparing You to Begin Treatment

If our dentist suspects you may have sleep apnoea, they will refer you for a sleep study. This test monitors how often you stop breathing throughout the night and helps confirm the diagnosis. Obtaining a referral through your GP allows you to receive a Medicare rebate for the sleep study.

Once the sleep study confirms the diagnosis and severity of your condition, our dentist can determine the best course of treatment. For mild to moderate cases, a custom-made oral appliance may be recommended as an alternative to the gold standard treatment, which is a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine.

young adult woman at orthodontist

Connecting Orthodontics and Sleep Apnoea

It’s important to note that sleep apnoea may also be related to orthodontic issues. Traditional orthodontic care often involves extracting teeth to create space, further compromising the airway in patients with a slightly constricted airway due to mouth breathing.

Early intervention orthodontics, such as palatal expansion, may help improve airway health and reduce the need for later extractions. Please speak to our dentist if you’re concerned about the link between sleep apnoea and orthodontics.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do dental appliances for sleep apnoea work?

Oral appliances help open up the constricted airway by positioning the lower jaw forward, preventing the tissues at the back of the throat from collapsing and blocking the airway during sleep.

Are oral appliances comfortable to wear?

As with any new device, it may take some time to adapt, but most patients get used to wearing the appliance with practice.

How effective are oral appliances in treating this condition?

The effectiveness of oral appliances depends on the severity of the case and patient compliance. They are typically recommended for mild to moderate sleep apnoea, while CPAP remains the choice for severe cases.

How long does it take to see improvements in symptoms with an oral appliance?

Most patients notice improvements within the first couple of weeks of using the oral appliance, but a follow-up sleep study is usually later to assess the long-term effectiveness.

Will I need regular follow-up visits with the dentist?

Initially, your dentist will recommend follow-up visits at the one-month and three-month marks to ensure the appliance remains comfortable. Once everything is stable, you can combine these check-ins with your regular 6-monthly dental checkups and cleanings.

Don’t Ignore the Warning Signs

If you suspect you may have sleep apnoea, don’t hesitate to contact Six Twelve Family Dental today to schedule a consultation. Our experienced team will work with you to identify the best treatment solution for your unique needs, helping you breathe easier and slumber more soundly.
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* Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.

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