Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) is a condition where breathing is repeatedly interrupted during sleep due to a collapse of the upper airway.
Understanding obstructive sleep apnoea
When we sleep, our muscles relax, including our through muscles. In some people the throat muscles can relax enough to cause the throat to close above the voice box causing a blockage (or obstruction). This can stop regular breathing, called an “apnoea”. This disease is called obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA).
OSA will cause a lack of restful sleep leaving the sufferer continuously tired and seriously impacting daily activities and lifestyle. Snoring can be both a precursor and a symptom OSA.
How is OSA diagnosed?
In order to achieve an accurate diagnosis for obstructive sleep apnoea, you will be required to undertake a sleep study. This involves the monitoring of your sleep and recording of your breathing, snoring, oxygen levels, brain and heart activity, body position, and body movements throughout a normal night’s sleep. Recent advances in technology mean that, in most cases, this study can be performed in the comfort of your own home. Severe cases may still require an overnight study in a hospital setting. The results of your sleep study are sent to a sleep physician who provides a report to your treating dentist. Out-of-pocket fee for the study is normally $200-$300.
Once your sleep study results are reviewed by your dentist and you are found to be a suitable candidate for treatment, we will begin the steps to design and fabricate your Mandibular Advancement Splint.
What is a Mandibular Advancement Splint?
A mandibular advancement splint (MAS) is a device used for the treatment of snoring and OSA. It is custom-made and worn similar to mouthguards.
At Smile Solutions we provide our patients with advanced custom Nylon Splints to ensure maximum comfort while you sleep. The superior choice in sleep appliances, the lightweight and thin design allows patients to open and close their mouth comfortably, speak easily and sip water without needing to remove their splint. Unlike acrylic resin appliances, our durable Nylon splints are less prone to fractures.
Fitted to your teeth during sleep, the split works by moving the lower jaw forward from its natural position, opening up the airways, and greatly reducing the risk of airway obstruction and snoring.
How is a mandibular advancement splint made?
Comprehensive Examination
Digital Scan and Fabrication
Insert Appointment and Final Fit
Obstructive sleep apnoea can increase your risk of:
- Irregular heartbeat
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- Stroke
- Heart attacks
- Reduced blood oxygen levels
You can decrease these risk factors by:
- Maintain a healthy body weight
- Avoid drinking alcohol
- Avoid smoking
- Seek treatment for allergies that affect airways
- Sleep on your side rather than on your back
Laser dentistry to treat obstructive sleep apnoea
Laser therapy offers a non-invasive approach to treating sleep apnoea by reshaping the soft tissue in the throat, helping to widen the airway and reduce obstruction, which can improve breathing during sleep. It offers an alternative treatment to traditional CPAP machines or surgical interventions, offering potential benefits such as reduced snoring and improved quality of sleep.
Who will treat my obstructive sleep apnoea?
At Smile Solutions, every patient benefits from the collaborative expertise of our in-house team who all work collaboratively under one roof.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a mandibular advancement splint cost and will my private health insurance help?
During your consultation, your dentist will discuss a personalised treatment plan with you, including the cost of the overall treatment. You will also be provided with the relevant item numbers which allow you to take the quote to your health fund to determine your coverage.
My partner is finding it hard to deal with my snoring, does this mean I have obstructive sleep apnoea?
While snoring affects your quality of sleep, it can also affect the lives of those around you. Snoring, alone, does not indicate obstructive sleep apnoea, but a mandibular advancement splint may still be the answer. Snoring is often caused by a blockage in the airway and a mandibular advancement splint can help open your airway, reducing your chances of snoring and improving your quality of life and that of those close to you, including your partner or family.
Are there any side effects of having a mandibular advancement splint or other oral appliance?
- Tenderness or discomfort in teeth and jaw joints
- Excess saliva production
- Temporary or permanent changes to the position of teeth and occlusion (bite)
- Irritation of the soft tissue of the mouth
What alternatives treatments are available for obstructive sleep apnoea?
Continued Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)
Continued Positive Airway pressure involves wearing a mask attached to a unit that delivers air pumped under pressure forcing the airway open during sleep. CPAP is the treatment of choice in severe cases of obstructive sleep apnoea, however some may find it difficult to tolerate.
Surgery
A number of surgical procedures are sometimes considered, including surgery to open breathing passages in the nose, removal of tonsils or excess tissue at the back of the throat, reduction of tongue size, or surgery to bring the upper or lower jaw forward.
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