Snoring & Sleep Apnoea

Is snoring a problem for you or your partner? Or do you wake feeling unrefreshed? 

At our clinic we can help you discuss these issues which could potentially point to undiagnosed sleep apnoea which is a potentially serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. Or maybe you’re just snoring – this can be incredibly disruptive to your life and that of your partner.

Dentists now play an important role in the treatment of sleep apnoea as well as simple snoring. We can guide you to see a sleep physician so that you can have a sleep study done – these simple monitoring tests can now often be done from the comfort of your own home. 

The sleep physician may suggest a device worn in the mouth called a mandibular advancement splint (MAS). These have been shown to be very effective in reducing snoring and treating mild obstructive sleep apnoea. 

We can provide these MAS appliances without messy moulds or impressions. We use our iTero intraoral scanning device to create a record of your teeth. The MAS is then 3D printed using latest technology printed nylon which allows for a very thin material for optimal comfort. 

The device works by positioning your lower jaw slightly further forward during sleep which in turn opens up your airway by moving your tongue forward and out of the way of your breathing. It is a very simple solution to a complex issue and believe us when we say it has changed the lives of our patients. 

Occlusal Splints

Occlusal splints help to protect your teeth from the harmful effects of grinding or clenching. Unfortunately this subconscious action called bruxism usually occurs while we’re fast asleep – the only way to save your teeth from being ground down or worn away is to wear one of these night guards. Your dentist will pick up on the signs of tooth grinding if they are evident and discuss with you whether or not an occlusal splint might be the right step to take. 

If you proceed with having one made, the good news is that it will be made right here in Kilmore from our onsite lab. Our lab technician Arif works closely with our dentists to deliver these splints in quick time making sure your teeth are protected as soon as possible.