4 ways to reclaim better sleep and health with oral appliance therapy

The Australian Journal of General Practice reports that sleep disorders are incredibly common in our country, with between 9% and 17% of the adult population presenting with at least moderate obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). The Journal also notes that many cases of OSA remain undiagnosed.

This condition is characterised by pauses in breathing during sleep. There are “classic” symptoms, such as very loud, habitual snoring. The health consequences of untreated OSA are also significant. With a focus on oral anatomy and function, Smile in Style may help you find the solution you need for effective sleep apnoea treatment with our rooms in Sunbury and Moonee Ponds, Victoria. Below are four ways that treatment can help you reclaim better sleep and health.

1 – Easing the symptoms

OSA is associated with numerous symptoms that can affect your quality of life, relationships, and well-being. By effectively treating OSA with custom-fit oral appliances, the following problems may be resolved:

• Snoring so loud that it affects others’ sleep in your household
• Persistent and unexplained fatigue despite going to sleep early
• Mood swings and increased irritability
• Poor quality sleep marked by tossing, turning, and insomnia
• Dry mouth
• Headaches, especially upon waking
• Poor concentration, memory impairment, and overall cognitive decline

2 – Keeping you safe

Australia’s Sleep Health Foundation reports that people with OSA are two and a half times more likely to be involved in motor vehicle accidents than those without this condition. When your sleep is continuously interrupted by pauses in breathing, you are less mentally alert, your reaction times slow, and there is a greater chance of falling asleep behind the wheel. OSA increases the risk of workplace accidents, particularly for employees in fields that use heavy machinery.

3 – Protecting you from serious health complications

When the tissues in your throat block your airway, breathing pauses can last anywhere from 10 to 60 seconds or longer. These interruptions occur over and over again during sleep. Each time your breathing stops, blood oxygen levels fall. The lack of healthy oxygenation can cause stress to your body’s organs. In fact, untreated OSA is a risk factor for cancer, hypertension, Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, strokes and heart attacks, major depression, loss of libido and more.

4 – Treating without the risk and hassle

Treatment for diagnosed OSA at Smile in Style generally involves providing a customised oral appliance, such as a mandibular advancement device (MAD). This device or splint advances or brings the mandible (lower jaw) forward. By repositioning the jaw, we reposition the tissues that become overly relaxed during sleep. As the tissues slacken, they may partially or fully block the airway. This category of oral appliances is also appropriate for individuals with disruptive snoring. As air passes through your airway, it vibrates against the relaxed tissues. This vibration produces that characteristic and persistent hoarse or harsh snoring sound. With these tissues out of the way and with more room in your throat, the air moves through effortlessly. It does not come in contact with and vibrate against surrounding tissues.

When compared to conventional CPAP therapy and invasive surgical interventions, oral appliance therapy is:

• Convenient
• There is no noise for you or your partner
• Highly portable
• Easy to maintain
• Not invasive
• Easy to adjust to and wear
• Effective for the right patients

If you have been diagnosed with OSA or suspect that it may be to blame for your distressing symptoms, phone Smile in Style to discuss next steps. Contact our offices in Sunbury 03 8001 6021 or Moonee Ponds, VIC 03 8400 4104 today to speak with a team member.