Snoring is very common and can be disruptive, both to the quality of sleep of the perpetrator as well as their partner. It can sometimes be associated with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), where the airway becomes obscured regularly throughout the night. This can lead to poor sleep quality and therefore a feeling of tiredness during the day. OSA also increases the risk of high blood pressure (hypertension), stroke, heart disease and type II diabetes.
At AMR Dental in Margaret River, we can help in the management of snoring and OSA. We start by arranging a sleep study to be completed at home. Depending on the results of the study and recommendations made by a sleep physician, it may be appropriate to consider a mandibular advancement splint. This is an oral appliance that holds the lower jaw fowards during sleep, opening up the airway. These appliances are well-researched and effective. Mandibular advancement splints are considered the first-line treatment for snoring, and an alternative option to CPAP for obstructive sleep apnea. These treatments aim to improve daytime sleepiness, mood, and disruption to sleep partners. This can have a significant impact on quality of life, productivity and mental health, and reduce the chance of motor vehicle accidents associated with fatigue. We can also help make any appropriate referrals if we decide you would be better suited to CPAP treatment.
While CPAP is the gold standard in treatment of moderate-severe sleep apnea, there are some reasons why patients might opt for a mandibular advancement appliance instead:
- Comfort- it is not unsual for patients to try CPAP but be unable to tolerate it, so opt for a mandibular advancement device instead
- Compliance- as an oral appliance is less obtrusive and more comfortable, patients tend to wear them more often and for longer periods through the night.
- Travel- mandibular advancement splints are small, light and do not require power. This makes them ideal for regular travellers, campers or FIFO workers.
- Silent operation- less disruption to partners
- Mild-moderate OSA- many patients do not necessarily need to go down the path of CPAP to be treated effectively if their sleep apnea is not severe. This will be based off recommendations by a sleep physician and the patient’s preference.
Our sleep studies use an unobtrusive device called the WatchPAT ONE- this was awarded the National Sleep Foundation’s 2020 SleepTech award. The device is mailed directly to your home address where you complete the study in the comfort of your own bed. After uploading the results, the unit is disposable and does not need to be cleaned or returned. The total cost is $325 for the study, which includes reporting by a sleep physician (a medical doctor specialising in sleep) and a telehealth consult with them if required.
If you have undertaken a sleep study already, feel free to bring a copy of the results along to your appointment.
For more information, book a consult or dental examiniation with Dr Tom Jardine here.