Discover the Benefits of a Mandibular Advancement Splint in Melbourne
If you suffer from obstructive sleep apnoea or chronic snoring then the thought of CPAP treatment might not be for everyone. The mask can be bulky and being connected to a machine, isn’t always convenient. The good news is that there are other treatment options available.
We provide oral appliance therapy for Melbourne patients suffering from snoring, teeth grinding and sleep apnoea.
Our experienced team led by Dr Damian Teo uses oral appliances such as a mandibular advancement splint for Melbourne patients who cannot tolerate CPAP therapy.
Mandibular Advancement Splints (MAS)
These devices are considered more comfortable than wearing a mask, they are portable and can accompany you on your travels, and you can talk, drink water, yawn, and even kiss wearing one. Moreover, they don’t involve surgery.
Mandibular Advancement Splints (MAS) are only worn while you are sleeping and consist of a customised mouth guard. Our MAS are made from the latest 3D printed nylon using CAD/CAM technology, which is stronger and not as bulky as other acrylic dental splints.
How Do They Work?
Mandibular Advancement Splints work by keeping your jaw and tongue in a forward position so that they can’t block your airway even when your airway muscles are fully relaxed during deep sleep.
In turn, this promotes an adequate intake of oxygen which prevents the soft tissues at the back of your throat from vibrating (heard as a snore) and causing the possibility of obstructive sleep apnoea.
How Do They Work
Mandibular Advancement Splints work by keeping your jaw and tongue in a forward position so that they can’t block your airway even when your airway muscles are fully relaxed during deep sleep.
In turn, this promotes an adequate intake of oxygen which prevents the soft tissues at the back of your throat from vibrating (heard as a snore) and causing the possibility of obstructive sleep apnoea.
Customised and Adjustable
Over-the-counter mouthguards are generally bulky, ill-fitting, and rarely work properly so it is always advisable to opt for a customised oral appliance. Not only are our state-of-the-art oral appliances in our Melbourne clinic custom-made, but they can also be adjusted.
Adjustment mechanisms allow both you and your dentist to slowly advance your lower jaw to the most effective position to keep your airway open, even when you are asleep, and all of your muscles are fully relaxed.
How Oral Appliance Therapy treats Bruxism
Not only does a mandibular advancement splint help Melbourne patients suffering from sleep apnoea, but it also helps to prevent teeth grinding. When your airway becomes blocked and you stop breathing momentarily during an apnoea episode, grinding is an automatic instinct that kicks in.
The back and forth motion of grinding teeth re-opens a closed airway. Even though grinding effectively saves your life, it comes at a cost.
Not only does grinding gradually erode your teeth and your jaw joint, but during the process of grinding, you are woken from a deep sleep because you are struggling to breathe.
Therefore, by treating obstructive sleep apnoea, the idea is that there is no longer a need for the body to grind teeth.
Many of our patients are amazed that oral appliance therapy stops their teeth grinding and clenching. Previous patients have also suffered from TMD symptoms, headaches, neck aches, and clicking jaws, not due to stress as they probably thought, but because of a small airway.
How Oral Appliance Therapy treats Bruxism?
Not only does a mandibular advancement splint help Melbourne patients suffering from sleep apnoea, but it also helps to prevent teeth grinding. When your airway becomes blocked and you stop breathing momentarily during an apnoea episode, grinding is an automatic instinct that kicks in.
The back and forth motion of grinding teeth re-opens a closed airway. Even though grinding effectively saves your life, it comes at a cost.
Not only does grinding gradually erode your teeth and your jaw joint, but during the process of grinding, you are woken from a deep sleep because you are struggling to breathe.
Therefore, by treating obstructive sleep apnoea, the idea is that there is no longer a need for the body to grind teeth.
Many of our patients are amazed that oral appliance therapy stops their teeth grinding and clenching. Previous patients have also suffered from TMD symptoms, headaches, neck aches, and clicking jaws, not due to stress as they probably thought, but because of a small airway.
What Happens during the Initial Appointment?
During your initial appointment our dentist will:
- Review the history of your sleep condition.
- Carry out a thorough examination of your head, neck, TMJ, posture, airways, mouth and teeth to ensure you’re a suitable candidate for an oral appliance.
- Provide you with a thorough explanation of your presenting condition, what is causing your problem, and the ideal treatment plan and oral appliance for you.
This appointment takes around 60 minutes.
If you decide to go ahead with the oral appliance, dental impressions of your teeth and mouth can be taken on the same day, and sent to the laboratory where your device will be custom made for you.
Possible Side Effects
The mandibular advancement splint is custom made at our specialised Australian lab for maximum comfort. Provided it is fitted correctly, it is usually well-tolerated. However, like any oral appliance, there will be a short period of time while your mouth gets used to the sensation of the device.
Also with prolonged use, your bite may alter a little, which is why we monitor all our patients carefully.
Any side effects are minor and will either resolve themselves, or you may need slight adjustments made to your device.
It is always recommended that you seek a dentist, such as Dr Teo, who is highly experienced in the field of dental sleep medicine.
Possible Side Effects.
Any side effects are minor and will either resolve themselves, or you may need slight adjustments made to your device.
It is always recommended that you seek a dentist, such as Dr Teo, who is highly experienced in the field of dental sleep medicine.
If you’re interested in finding out how oral appliances in Melbourne can help you, then why not get in touch with the friendly and experienced team here at Melbourne Dental Sleep Clinic.