Sleep Apnoea Oral Devices in Ashburton

How an oral device works

An oral appliance holds the lower jaw slightly forward during sleep, which keeps the airway open and reduces the collapse that causes snoring and apnoea events. It’s worn like a mouthguard and travels easily.

It isn’t right for everyone. Severe sleep apnoea is generally better managed with CPAP, and any treatment should follow a proper sleep study and diagnosis — we work alongside your GP or sleep physician rather than diagnosing on our own.

What’s involved

Signs worth checking

Loud snoring, a partner noticing pauses in your breathing, waking unrefreshed, morning headaches or feeling sleepy during the day can all point to sleep apnoea.

Start with your GP, who can arrange a sleep study. If an oral device suits you, we make and fit it and stay in touch with your doctor. People who snore often grind too, and we check for that at the same time.

Snoring or sleep apnoea? A doctor needs to decide

Snoring on its own can be harmless. It can also be a sign of obstructive sleep apnoea, where breathing stops and starts during sleep. You cannot tell the difference by listening. Only a doctor, usually with a sleep study, can diagnose sleep apnoea and say how severe it is.

We do not diagnose sleep apnoea. We make a device for sleep apnoea only when your doctor has advised one may be suitable. Even if you think you only snore, see your GP first, as snoring can hide apnoea. If you feel sleepy while driving, talk to your doctor soon.

Is a device likely to suit you?

A device may be an option if:

• your doctor advises one for snoring or mild to moderate sleep apnoea, or you cannot manage CPAP
• you have enough healthy teeth on the top and bottom to hold it
• your gums are healthy. Gum disease should be treated first. See gum treatment.
• your jaw joints are comfortable. If you have jaw pain, see TMJ and jaw pain.

Step by step

• Bring your sleep study report or your doctor’s letter to your first visit.
• Your dentist checks your teeth, gums, jaw joints and bite. Decay is fixed first.
• Moulds are taken, along with a record of how far your lower jaw moves forward.
• At the fitting, you learn how to put the device in, take it out and clean it.
• Over the next few weeks it is moved forward in small steps until it is comfortable and you and your doctor are happy with the result.
• Your doctor may arrange a follow-up sleep study to check how well it is working.

More questions about sleep apnoea devices

Do I need a referral to get a device?

You do not need a referral to see a dentist. For sleep apnoea, though, we need a diagnosis and your doctor’s advice before we make a device. If you have not had a sleep study, start with your GP. Bring the report or letter to your first visit.

Can I stop using CPAP if I get a device?

Do not stop CPAP without talking to your doctor. Some people use a device instead of CPAP, and some use it only when travelling. That decision belongs to your doctor, based on your sleep study and how well each option works for you.

How long does a device last?

It varies. With good care, many devices last several years. Wear, cracks, new crowns or fillings, and changes in your teeth can all affect the fit. We check it at your regular visits and tell you when it may need repair or replacement.

What about snoring devices from the chemist or online?

Ready-made devices are not fitted or adjusted to your mouth, and they may not suit your teeth or jaw. More importantly, buying one can delay finding out whether you have sleep apnoea. Talk to your doctor first.