Sleep Apnoea Treatment
1 What is Sleep Apnoea?
Sleep apnoea occurs when the muscles in the back of your throat relax excessively, causing the airway to narrow or close entirely. This results in pauses in breathing that can last from a few seconds to a minute or more, disrupting your sleep cycle. The most common type of sleep apnoea is obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), which occurs when the airway is physically blocked.
2 Risk Factors for Sleep Apnoea:
- Excess weight: Obesity significantly increases the risk of sleep apnoea due to fat deposits around the upper airway.
- Neck circumference: A thicker neck can narrow the airway, increasing the likelihood of obstruction.
- Aging: Sleep apnoea is more common in older adults.
- Family history: A family history of sleep apnoea can increase your risk.
- Alcohol or sedative use: These substances relax the muscles in your throat, worsening sleep apnoea.
- Smoking: Smoking increases inflammation and fluid retention in the upper airway.
How We Can Help
Take-Home Sleep Studies
Treatment Options
Occlusal Splints
For those who grind or clench their teeth, we can create an occlusal splint—a custom-fitted device that protects your teeth from damage. This splint is designed to fit comfortably over your teeth, reducing the wear and tear caused by grinding and helping to alleviate jaw pain associated with clenching.
3D Printed and Customised for You
Both our occlusal splints and mandibular advancement splints are 3D printed in-house, allowing us to create precise, custom-fitted devices that are tailored to your unique dental anatomy. This technology ensures a comfortable fit and effective results. Additionally, adjustments to your appliance are easy and accessible, ensuring your device continues to provide optimal protection and support.
Mandibular Advancement Splints (MADs)
In cases where sleep apnoea is present, we may recommend a mandibular advancement splint (MAD). This device is designed to hold your lower jaw (mandible) in a forward position during sleep, helping to keep your airway open and reduce the occurrence of apnoea events. MADs are an ideal solution for those who cannot tolerate CPAP therapy, offering a comfortable and effective alternative. These devices are particularly beneficial for individuals with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnoea.
Get Started on Better Sleep
If you suspect you may have sleep apnoea or if you suffer from teeth grinding or clenching, contact us to arrange a consultation. We’ll work with you to diagnose the issue and develop a personalised treatment plan to improve your sleep quality and overall health.
