Sleep Apnoea Treatment
Sleep Apnoea Treatment at East Adelaide Dental Studio
What Is Sleep Apnoea and Why Does It Require Treatment?
Sleep apnoea is a medical condition characterised by repeated breathing pauses during sleep. These interruptions occur when the muscles in the back of the throat relax, causing the soft palate and tongue to collapse and physically block the upper airway. The brain detects the drop in oxygen and briefly wakes the body to restore breathing. This cycle disrupts restorative sleep and can cause daytime fatigue.
Treatment is vital to restore healthy oxygen flow and prevent long-term cardiovascular complications. A general practitioner provides a formal diagnosis using an overnight sleep study. Dental intervention specifically targets patients who do not require surgical intervention and prefer avoiding a CPAP machine. East Adelaide Dental Studio offers custom mandibular advancement devices in Adelaide to help maintain an open airway during sleep.
Patients can explore our broader range of general dentistry services to support overall oral health alongside sleep treatments.
- Loud, chronic snoring that disrupts a sleeping partner
- Gasping, choking, or snorting sounds during sleep
- Waking with a dry mouth or sore throat
- Persistent morning headaches
- Extreme daytime fatigue or difficulty staying awake
- Difficulty concentrating or experiencing short-term memory issues
How Does the Moses Oral Appliance Work for Sleep Apnoea?
The Moses oral appliance works by gently moving the lower jaw and tongue forward to enlarge the airway and prevent collapse. This forward movement physically prevents the tongue from falling back into the throat during sleep. Custom-fitted by the dental team at East Adelaide Dental Studio, the device is one option for managing diagnosed obstructive sleep apnoea in Adelaide.
The device features a two-part independent design. This structure allows total freedom of movement; patients can talk, drink water, close their mouth, and open wide while wearing it without dislodging the device.
Key features of the Moses appliance include:
- Moves the tongue forward to physically enlarge the airway space
- Features a two-part independent design for total freedom of movement
- Allows patients to talk, drink, and open their mouth naturally while wearing it
- May reduce grinding and clenching, helping limit further wear on the teeth
- Requires no titration and is fully adjustable for individual comfort
- Custom-manufactured under stringent quality control standards for each patient
Because the appliance naturally reduces bruxism, it serves a dual purpose similar to a protective night mouthguard. Patients receive a fully adjustable device that requires no complex titration protocol. Every appliance undergoes stringent quality control checks and is specifically designed for the unique dental structure of each patient.
What Happens If Sleep Apnoea Is Left Untreated?
Untreated sleep apnoea can affect your health and your fitness to drive. Your doctor will advise whether your condition needs to be reported to the licensing authority, and what that means for you.
Untreated sleep apnoea has been associated with a range of health conditions, including high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Your doctor is best placed to explain what this means in your case.
Managing sleep apnoea supports better sleep and general health. Your doctor will guide the treatment plan that suits your diagnosis.
Who Is a Suitable Candidate for a Dental Sleep Apnoea Device?
A suitable candidate is a patient formally diagnosed with sleep apnoea by a GP who wants a comfortable CPAP alternative. Dental sleep appliances specifically suit patients diagnosed with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnoea who do not require surgical intervention. Candidates for the Moses device often find CPAP masks claustrophobic, noisy, or disruptive to their sleep environment.
These individuals seek a quiet, comfortable alternative that effectively manages their condition without relying on cumbersome machinery or electrical power. Ideal candidates include:
- Patients who have completed a sleep study and received a formal GP diagnosis
- Individuals who cannot tolerate CPAP masks or frequently remove them during sleep
- People who travel frequently and need a portable, low-maintenance solution
- Patients whose partners are disturbed by noisy CPAP machines
- Individuals suffering from both sleep apnoea and bruxism
East Adelaide Dental Studio assesses each patient’s oral structure to check the Moses device is suitable, and reviews for jaw discomfort or bite changes.
What Payment Options Are Available for Sleep Apnoea Treatment?
East Adelaide Dental Studio accepts most major health funds and offers payment plans. We will give you a written quote and talk through the options available to you.
Patients can access coverage through recognised health fund providers. The clinic is a preferred provider for Bupa Members Choice, HCF Members Choice, and Medibank. This status often reduces out-of-pocket expenses for custom dental appliances.
For any remaining out-of-pocket expenses, the clinic offers several payment plans:
- Denticare
- Afterpay
- ZipPay
These payment options let you spread the cost of treatment over time. Read more about our comprehensive payment options. You can apply for Denticare or use Afterpay to finance your Moses oral appliance today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sleep apnoea is a sleep disorder that causes repeated interruptions to breathing during sleep. Treatment aims to improve airflow during sleep and reduce daytime fatigue. Your doctor will advise on any driving obligations that apply to you.
The Moses oral appliance is a comfortable, two-part device allowing total freedom of movement. Patients can talk, drink water, and open their mouths naturally while wearing it. The custom-fit design is intended to keep the device secure and comfortable overnight.-
A dentist can provide a custom mandibular advancement device as part of a treatment plan for diagnosed sleep apnoea. These oral appliances suit some patients diagnosed by a GP who prefer avoiding surgery or CPAP machinery. The appliance holds the lower jaw forward to support the airway. Learn more about our Adelaide dental care services.
The cost of a dental appliance varies based on the specific customisation required for the patient. East Adelaide Dental Studio accepts Medibank, Bupa, and HCF. We also offer flexible payment options through Denticare and Afterpay. Contact our clinic for a tailored quote.
Health funds provide cover depending on the patient’s specific policy limits and extras cover. East Adelaide Dental Studio is a preferred provider for Bupa Members Choice, HCF Members Choice, and Medibank. We help patients maximise their entitlements to reduce out-of-pocket costs.