Trusted Independent Brisbane Dentists in Chermside

Snoring and Sleep Apnea Treatment in Chermside, Brisbane North

Up to 1 in 15 Australians suffers from obstructive sleep apnea. CPAP machines are the gold standard for sleep apnea treatment, however many patients simply don’t comply and use their CPAP. At Today's Dentistry, we offer alternative solutions, such as custom oral appliances, to help improve your sleep quality and overall health.

Let us guide you towards a better night's rest.
Call (07) 3263 2677
Sleep apnea mouth guard in Brisbane

How Can Dentists Help With Sleep Apnea And Snoring?

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What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a condition characterised by repeated pauses in breathing during sleep. These interruptions can last from a few seconds to minutes and may occur multiple times per hour. The most common form of sleep apnea, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), occurs when the airway becomes blocked during sleep, often due to relaxed throat muscles.

The muscles in your throat relax, causing the airway to close up. Because there’s not enough volume for the air to move in and out of the airway, it causes the back of the throat to vibrate – which causes the snoring noise.

There are 3 types of sleep apnea:

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) – absence of airflow but there’s continued respiratory effort; most common; ranges from mild to severe
Central – absence of both airflow and respiratory effort; less common
Mixed – combination between obstructive and central

A sleep study can determine which type you suffer from.

Sleep Apnea symptoms include:

loud snoring
Snorting, choking or gasping for air during sleep
Breathing through your mouth
Grinding your teeth at night
Waking up exhausted and/or daytime fatigue
Lack of concentration during the day
Feeling irritable

Let us help you get a better night’s rest:

Call (07) 3263 2677

How Do You Treat Sleep Apnea in Brisbane (and What Happens if You Don't Treat It?)

At Today's Dentistry, we provide custom-made oral appliances that can:

Reposition your jaw to help keep the airway more open
Help prevent your tongue from blocking your airway
Alleviate snoring and mild to moderate OSA symptoms

It's important to note that oral appliances may not be suitable for everyone, and consultation with both a dentist and a sleep specialist is essential to determine the best course of action for your unique needs.

Untreated sleep apnea can have serious consequences for your health and well-being, including:

Chronic fatigue and poor concentration
Increased risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke
Greater likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes
Impaired job performance and increased risk of accidents
Reduced quality of life

Sleep Apnea Brisbane: What To Expect At Your Consultation?

Sleep Apnea is an issue we can discuss in detail during an Active Maintenance Visit at Today’s Dentistry. In addition to our usual checks and a professional dental clean, we discuss the symptoms you’re experiencing and what you’ve already tried to diagnose or treat snoring or sleep apnea. At Today's Dentistry, we're committed to helping you find the right sleep apnea solution to suit your needs and lifestyle.

Please note that treating sleep apnea is a collaborative process with sleep medicine experts and may include referrals for sleep studies or to see sleep specialists. Our caring and professional team will work closely with you to ensure a comfortable and supportive experience.

Don't let sleep apnea compromise your health – contact us today to schedule a consultation!
Call (07) 3263 2677
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Frequently Asked Questions 
About Snoring And Sleep Apnea

General Info

What causes sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is caused by a partial or complete blockage of the airway during sleep, which leads to pauses in breathing. This can be due to obesity, genetics, alcohol consumption, smoking, or other factors. Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common type and is caused by the relaxation of throat muscles, while central sleep apnea is a result of the brain not sending proper signals to control breathing.

How is sleep apnea diagnosed?

Sleep apnea is diagnosed through a sleep study, which records your breathing, heart rate, oxygen levels, and other parameters while you sleep. This can be conducted in a sleep laboratory or at home using a portable sleep monitor, depending on the severity and specific circumstances.

When to see a dentist about sleep apnea?

You should see a dentist about sleep apnea if you experience symptoms such as loud snoring, gasping for air during sleep, waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat, and excessive daytime sleepiness. Dentists can assess your oral structures and may recommend dental appliances or treatments to help manage your sleep apnea.

Are sleep apnea and snoring the same thing?

Sleep apnea and snoring are not the same thing, but they are related. Snoring is a common symptom of sleep apnea, but not everyone who snores has sleep apnea. Snoring occurs when airflow is partially obstructed, while sleep apnea involves complete or near-complete blockage of the airway, leading to pauses in breathing during sleep.

Is snoring genetic?

Snoring can have a genetic component, as factors such as the size and shape of your airway, muscle tone, and susceptibility to obesity can be inherited. However, lifestyle factors such as weight, alcohol consumption, and sleep position also contribute to snoring.

Can snoring be cured?

Snoring can often be managed or reduced through lifestyle changes, such as weight loss, avoiding alcohol, and altering sleep positions. In some cases, dental appliances, nasal strips, or medical treatments may be necessary to address the underlying causes of snoring.

Can snoring cause sore throat?

Yes, snoring can cause a sore throat due to the vibration of throat tissues and the resulting dryness in the mouth and throat.

Can snoring cause headaches?

Snoring can potentially cause headaches due to the decreased oxygen levels and disrupted sleep patterns associated with the condition.

Can snoring kill you?

While snoring itself is not life-threatening, severe cases of sleep apnea, often accompanied by snoring, can lead to significant health risks, such as heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure.

Treatment

What are sleep apnea treatment options?

Sleep apnea treatment options include lifestyle changes, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, dental appliances, positional therapy, and surgery. The appropriate treatment depends on the severity and underlying cause of the condition.

Can a mouthguard treat sleep apnea?

While patients might think of them as mouthguards, the special dental devices that treat sleep apnea are actually called a mandibular advancement device. They can help treat mild to moderate sleep apnea by repositioning the jaw and tongue to maintain an open airway during sleep.

What is a sleep apnea dental appliance?

A sleep apnea dental appliance is a custom-made device worn during sleep to reposition the jaw and tongue, reducing airway obstruction and alleviating the symptoms of mild to moderate sleep apnea.

Are nasal strips effective for snoring?

Nasal strips can be effective for snoring caused by nasal congestion or other nasal obstructions, as they work to physically open the nostrils and improve airflow. However nasal strips do not treat sleep apnea.

CPAP for Sleep Apnea

What CPAP means

CPAP stands for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure. It is a common treatment for sleep apnea that uses a machine to deliver a steady stream of air through a mask or nasal pillows, keeping the airway open and preventing pauses in breathing during sleep.

How CPAP works

CPAP works by delivering a continuous flow of pressurised air through a mask or nasal pillows, which creates positive pressure in the airway. This pressure keeps the airway open and prevents the collapse of tissues, thus eliminating the pauses in breathing associated with sleep apnea.

Who needs CPAP machine

A CPAP machine is typically recommended for individuals with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea. A sleep specialist will determine the need for a CPAP machine based on the results of a sleep study and the severity of the individual's condition.

Will CPAP stop snoring

CPAP therapy can effectively stop snoring in many cases, as it keeps the airway open and prevents the vibrations of the throat tissues that cause snoring. However, the effectiveness of CPAP in stopping snoring depends on the proper fit of the mask and the individual's adherence to the therapy.

When CPAP doesn't work

If CPAP doesn't work or is not well-tolerated, there are alternative treatments available, such as dental appliances, positional therapy, BiPAP, or surgery. It is essential to work closely with a sleep specialist to determine the most appropriate treatment for your specific needs.

CPAP VS BiPap

CPAP and BiPAP (Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure) are both treatments for sleep apnea, but they work differently. CPAP provides a continuous, steady stream of air pressure, while BiPAP provides two distinct pressure levels: a higher pressure during inhalation and a lower pressure during exhalation. BiPAP is often recommended for individuals who have difficulty tolerating CPAP or those with certain medical conditions that require variable pressure settings.

What Our Patients Are Saying

"When you’re prepared to drive more than 2000km to visit the dentist

it says everything you need to know about the service from the incredible team at Today’s Dentistry!"
Ross McHutcheon

"After 30 years of being terrified and avoiding dentists I have finally found "the one".

I could not recommend this place more. From the staff to the facilities, I have absolutely nothing to fault. My phobia is
gone and I will go nowhere else."
Lauren West

"The interior of the dentist feels more like a 5 star hotel spa and provides a very comfortable,

almost luxurious experience.
I highly recommend this dentist, especially if you suffer with anxiety or a fear of dentistry."

Adele Rooney

Get A Custom Dental Roadmap

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Your first visit at Today’s Dentistry is all about creating a Dental Roadmap so you know exactly what condition your teeth and gums are in, and what your options are for treatment.

Your first appointment includes:

An Intraoral Scan displayed on our chair-side TV so you see what we’re seeing.
A review of your Dental Roadmap, including interest-free payment plan options.
Diagnostic X-Rays to spot any hidden issues.

Our Ratings

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Today's Dentistry Location Best in Chermside, Brisbane

Today's Dentistry
Is Located At

91 Kittyhawk Drive, Chermside

Opening Hours:

Mon - Thu 8.30am - 8pm

Fri 8.30am - 2pm

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