Having problems with snoring?

How is snoring associated with sleep apnoea ?

Snoring occurs during sleep due to the narrowing of the airway. It may be a sign of a serious condition – Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA).

OSA involves repeated episodes of a completely blocked airway during sleep where breathing stops momentarily. The brain detects the lack of oxygen and prompts the sleeper to rouse, gasp for air and drift off to sleep almost immediately.  Although this can happen hundreds of times each night, in most cases, OSA sufferers are unaware of their condition.

Around 9% of women and 25% of men in Australia have clinically significant OSA.

What are the symptoms of sleep apnoea?

• Snoring
• Day time tiredness
• Feeling unrefreshed upon waking
• Waking during the night choking or gasping for air
• Poor concentration

How is sleep apnoea treated?

Obstructive sleep apnoea has detrimental effects on sleep-quality and health, and increases the risk of obesity, high blood pressure, stroke, heart attack, type-2 diabetes, depression, impotence, mood disorders, and motor vehicle and industrial accidents.

I suspect I have OSA, what is the next step?

Visit your GP and request a sleep study. When you are diagnosed by a sleep physician, you may discuss your suitability for an appliance and see Forestville Dental Clinic for SomnoDent therapy.

What is a SomnoDent Appliance?

SomnoDent is an appliance consisting of two dental plates which looks like a mouthguard. The sleep apnea treatment SomnoDent is custom-made to fit your mouth and is worn during sleep.

How does SomnoDent work?

Using an adjusting key, the SomnoDent can be gradually adjusted to bring your lower jaw forward, opening up your airway. SomnoDent therapy can be used in conjunction with other treatment modalities such as a CPAP machine.

Is it comfortable?

SomnoDent treatment is painless and non-invasive. The SomnoDent allows you to open and close your mouth, which means you can talk or drink with the appliance in position. Most patients become accustomed to wearing the device after about a week.

Am I a suitable candidate for SomnoDent?

If you suffer from mild to moderate OSA, the SomnoDent should benefit you. It can also aid as an anti snoring device. If your OSA is classified as severe and you cannot tolerate other recommended treatments, please discuss this with your sleep physician.

Please contact us on (02) 9451 3668 for further information or to book a consultation appointment.