Sleep apnoea & snoring in Penrith.
Sleep apnoea and chronic snoring at Bella Dental Penrith are most often treated with a mandibular advancement splint (MAS) — a custom-fitted mouth device worn at night that holds the lower jaw forward to keep the airway open. The first step is a formal diagnosis by a GP or sleep physician, since sleep apnoea is a serious medical condition. For patients with diagnosed mild-to-moderate obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) or primary snoring, an MAS is a well-established treatment. CPAP remains the gold standard for moderate-to-severe OSA, and we will always recommend the right option for your case.
What is sleep apnoea?
Sleep apnoea (specifically obstructive sleep apnoea, or OSA) is a condition where the airway collapses or becomes blocked during sleep, causing pauses in breathing. Each pause (called an apnoea) can last 10 seconds or more, and the brain briefly wakes the person to restart breathing. Severe cases can have hundreds of these events per night.
The most common form is OSA. There is also central sleep apnoea (a different mechanism, related to how the brain controls breathing), which is less common and managed differently.
What is snoring?
Snoring is the sound of air passing through a partially blocked airway during sleep. Almost everyone snores occasionally, especially with a cold or after alcohol. Chronic snoring (more than 3 nights a week) can be a sign of OSA, or it can be primary snoring (snoring without apnoeas). Either way, it is worth investigating if it is loud, frequent, or affecting your (or your partner’s) sleep.
What are the symptoms of sleep apnoea?
The most common signs:
- Loud, chronic snoring (often the partner notices first)
- Witnessed pauses in breathing during sleep (the partner sees the person stop breathing, then gasp or choke)
- Waking up gasping or choking
- Excessive daytime sleepiness, even after a full night's sleep
- Morning headaches
- Dry mouth or sore throat on waking
- Difficulty concentrating during the day
- Mood changes, irritability, or depression
- Frequent night-time urination
Not everyone with OSA has all of these. Some people (especially women) have subtler symptoms.
What causes sleep apnoea?
The main cause is the collapse of the upper airway during sleep, when the muscles of the throat and tongue relax.
Risk factors include:
- Obesity. The single biggest risk factor. Fat around the neck narrows the airway.
- Large neck circumference. More than 40 cm for men, more than 37 cm for women.
- Anatomical factors. A retruded lower jaw, a large tongue, large tonsils, a deviated septum, or a narrow palate.
- Age. More common in middle age and older.
- Sex. More common in men, although the gap narrows after menopause.
- Alcohol and sedatives. Relax the airway muscles, making collapse more likely.
- Smoking. Causes inflammation and fluid retention in the airway.
- Family history.
- Nasal congestion.
How is sleep apnoea diagnosed?
Sleep apnoea is a medical diagnosis, made by a GP or a sleep physician. The process:
GP consultation.
Discuss symptoms, risk factors, and medical
history.
Screening questionnaire.
Such as the STOP-BANG questionnaire.
Sleep study.
Either a home sleep study (a small device worn for 1 to 3 nights at home) or an in-lab polysomnography (overnight in a sleep clinic). The study counts apnoeas and hypopnoeas per hour, and gives an AHI score (apnoea-hypopnoea index). AHI is the main measure of severity:
- Normal: AHI < 5
- Mild OSA: AHI 5 to 15
- Moderate OSA: AHI 15 to 30
- Severe OSA: AHI > 30
We will not provide an MAS without a confirmed diagnosis from a sleep physician. This is for your safety.
How is sleep apnoea treated?
Treatment depends on the severity:
- Lifestyle changes. Weight loss, reducing alcohol, quitting smoking, changing sleep position (off the back), and treating nasal congestion. Effective for mild cases, and supportive for all severities.
- CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure). The gold standard for moderate-to-severe OSA. A small machine blows air through a mask to keep the airway open. Highly effective, but some patients find it hard to tolerate.
- Mandibular advancement splint (MAS). A custom-fitted mouth device worn at night that holds the lower jaw forward, opening the airway. Effective for mild-to-moderate OSA and primary snoring. We provide MAS at our Penrith clinic for patients with a confirmed diagnosis.
- Surgery. For specific anatomical causes (e.g., large tonsils, deviated septum). Options include UPPP, septoplasty, turbinate reduction, and in some cases bariatric surgery for weight loss.
- Combination therapy. MAS plus lifestyle changes, or CPAP plus MAS, depending on the case.
We will work with your GP or sleep physician to make sure the right treatment is in place.
How does a mandibular advancement splint work?
An MAS has 2 parts (one for the upper teeth, one for the lower) connected by a mechanism that holds the lower jaw slightly forward. This tightens the soft tissue and muscles of the upper airway, preventing the collapse that causes apnoeas and snoring.
The process:
- Referral from GP or sleep physician with a confirmed diagnosis.
- Impressions or digital scans of the upper and lower teeth.
- Custom fabrication of the MAS (usually 2 to 4 weeks).
- Fitting and adjustment. We fit the device, adjust the jaw position for comfort and effectiveness, and review the bite.
- Review at 2 to 4 weeks to check comfort and effectiveness. Further adjustments, if needed.
- Follow-up sleep study (in some cases) to confirm the MAS is reducing the AHI to an acceptable level.
How much does a mandibular advancement splint cost in Penrith?
Custom MAS device
$1,500 to $3,000, depending on the type and complexity
Adjustments and follow-up appointments
usually included in the initial fee
Replacement
every 2 to 5 years, depending on wear and the device
Sleep study
external, GP or specialist referral. Cost varies by provider and insurance.
Private health funds cover part of the cost under “major dental” or “orthodontic” extras, depending on the fund and the policy. We provide a treatment plan with item numbers so you can confirm your rebate.
What are the alternatives to MAS?
CPAP. More effective for moderate-to-severe OSA. Some patients find it hard to tolerate long-term.
Positional therapy. For patients whose OSA is worse on their back. A special device or pillow keeps them on their side.
Surgery. For specific anatomical causes. Discussed with an ENT or oral surgeon.
Weight loss. Effective for many patients, especially when combined with other treatments.
Book a sleep apnoea consultation at Bella Dental Penrith
We are at Shop T12, Southlands Shopping Centre, 2 Birmingham Road, South Penrith NSW 2750. Phone (02) 4722 6300 to book, or send us a message through the contact form on this site. Open Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm, with extended hours to 6 pm on Wednesdays. Please bring a referral from your GP or sleep physician if you have one.
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Is snoring the same as sleep apnoea?
No. Snoring is a sound, often a sign of partial airway obstruction. Sleep apnoea is a condition with repeated pauses in breathing. Loud, chronic snoring is one of the most common signs of OSA, but many snorers do not have OSA.
How do I know if I have sleep apnoea?
The only way to know for sure is a sleep study. The main warning signs are loud snoring, witnessed pauses in breathing, excessive daytime sleepiness, and morning headaches. If any of these apply, see your GP.
Can a dentist treat sleep apnoea?
A dentist can provide a mandibular advancement splint (MAS) for patients with a confirmed diagnosis of mild-to-moderate OSA, or for primary snoring. Diagnosis and overall management stay with your GP or sleep physician. We work as part of the team.
Is MAS as effective as CPAP?
For mild-to-moderate OSA, an MAS is roughly comparable to CPAP in reducing AHI, and many patients find it easier to tolerate. For severe OSA, CPAP is more effective and is usually the first choice. Your sleep physician will recommend the right option for your case.
Does Medicare cover MAS for sleep apnoea?
MAS is not covered by Medicare. Most private health funds cover part of the cost under “major dental” or “orthodontic” extras. We provide a treatment plan with item numbers so you can confirm your rebate.
Can I get an MAS without a sleep study?
No. We only provide MAS for patients with a confirmed diagnosis from a GP or sleep physician. This is for your safety — sleep apnoea is a serious condition, and an MAS is not always the right treatment.
Will the MAS affect my bite?
Some patients notice minor bite changes over time, especially in the morning. We will monitor your bite at your review appointments, and most changes are minor and reversible.