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Dr Jess Wong
Sleep plays a vital role in our overall health, but for many people, obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) can disrupt their rest and impact their well-being. Sleep appliances, such as mandibular advancement splints, are an effective treatment option for those who suffer from sleep-related breathing disorders. In this blog post, we’ll explore the 5 Ws of Sleep Appliances—What, Why, Who, Where, and When — to help you better understand their role in managing sleep apnoea.
What is Obstructive Sleep Apnoea?
Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a sleep disorder where the airway becomes partially or completely blocked during sleep, leading to pauses in breathing or shallow breathing episodes. These interruptions can occur many times per night, even per hour, preventing you from getting deep, restful sleep.
Common symptoms of OSA include:
- Loud snoring
- Choking or gasping for air during sleep
- Daytime sleepiness and fatigue
- Morning headaches
- Difficulty concentrating or memory problems
- Symptoms of night time teeth grinding/ bruxism
- Irritability and mood changes
OSA occurs when the muscles in the throat relax too much, causing the airway to collapse and obstruct airflow. Risk factors include obesity, a narrow airway, large tonsils, smoking, alcohol consumption, and certain genetic predispositions.
If left untreated, OSA can lead to serious health complications such as high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Fortunately, there are treatment options available, such as mandibular advancement splints or CPAP.
Why Use a Sleep Appliance?
A sleep appliance, specifically a mandibular advancement splint (MAS), is a custom-made oral device designed to keep the airway open during sleep. It works by gently repositioning your lower jaw (the mandible) forward, which prevents the collapse of soft tissues in the throat and allows for uninterrupted breathing.
Benefits of a Sleep Appliance:
- Non-invasive & Comfortable – Unlike CPAP machines, a sleep appliance is small, portable, and does not require a mask or tubing.
- Reduces Snoring – Helps prevent airway collapse, which decreases snoring significantly.
- Improves Sleep Quality – Allows for uninterrupted breathing, leading to better rest and reduced daytime fatigue.
- Easier to Use & Travel With – Unlike CPAP, there are no tubes, masks, or noisy machines.
- Lower Cost & Maintenance – A sleep appliance is a one-time investment that requires minimal upkeep.
Sleep appliances are a popular alternative to CPAP machines, especially for those with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnoea or those who struggle to tolerate CPAP therapy.
Who is Suitable for a Mandibular Advancement Splint?
A mandibular advancement splint (MAS) is suitable for certain individuals with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnoea and those who primarily suffer from snoring.
You may be a good candidate for a sleep appliance if:
- You have been diagnosed with mild to moderate OSA.
- You have trouble tolerating CPAP therapy.
- You are looking for a non-invasive treatment option.
- You experience frequent snoring that disrupts sleep.
- You do not have severe TMJ (jaw joint) issues or significant dental problems.
However, not everyone is suited to a sleep appliance. For individuals with severe OSA, a CPAP machine may be a more effective option. A consultation with a sleep specialist can determine the best treatment approach for you.
Where Do I Get an Appliance?
Step 1: Undergo a Sleep Study Before getting a sleep appliance, you will first need to undergo a sleep study to diagnose obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). This can be done in two ways:
- Home Sleep Study – A convenient at-home test where you wear a portable device overnight to monitor breathing, oxygen levels, and sleep patterns.
- In-Hospital Sleep Study (Polysomnography) – A more comprehensive overnight study performed in a sleep clinic, where a sleep specialist monitors your breathing, oxygen levels, and brain activity while you sleep.
A sleep study is crucial in determining the severity of your sleep apnoea and whether a sleep appliance or CPAP therapy is the best option for you.
Step 2: Discuss Treatment Options Once your sleep study results are available, your doctor or sleep specialist will recommend a treatment plan. If you have mild to moderate OSA, a mandibular advancement splint may be a suitable option. For severe cases, a CPAP machine may be more effective in keeping your airway open.
At Mascot Dental Clinic, we work with sleep specialists to assess your suitability for a sleep appliance and help guide you through the process of obtaining a custom-made device.
When Do I Get My Appliance?
Once you have been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnoea and a mandibular advancement splint has been recommended, the next steps are:
Step 1: Dental Check-Up Before getting your sleep appliance, a dental check-up is necessary to ensure:
- Your teeth and gums are healthy enough to support the appliance.
- You do not have untreated cavities or gum disease that could interfere with the fit.
- You have no significant jaw joint issues (TMJ disorder) that could make wearing an appliance uncomfortable.
Step 2: Scans & Custom Fitting If you are a good candidate for a mandibular advancement splint, we will take:
- Digital scans of your teeth to create a perfectly fitted appliance.
- Bite registration measurements to ensure correct jaw positioning.
Once the appliance is custom-made, you will return for a fitting to ensure it is comfortable and properly adjusted. Follow-up appointments may be needed to fine-tune the appliance and ensure it is working effectively.
Conclusion
If you or a loved one suffers from mild/ moderate obstructive sleep apnoea or loud snoring, a mandibular advancement splint may be an effective, non-invasive solution. However, before getting an appliance, it’s essential to:
1️⃣ Undergo a sleep study to confirm the diagnosis and determine the severity of OSA. 2️⃣ Consult with a sleep specialist and dentist to explore the best treatment options. 3️⃣ Complete a dental check-up and custom fitting to ensure the appliance is properly designed for your mouth.
At Mascot Dental Clinic, we work closely with sleep specialists to assess, fit, and monitor sleep appliances to ensure they provide maximum comfort and effectiveness. If you’re struggling with sleep apnoea or snoring, Contact Us today to schedule a consultation and start your journey towards better sleep!
Tags: #Bruxism