An Oral Appliance is a non invasive device used for the treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea. The device is worn during sleep to maintain the upper airway and prevent it from collapsing (obstructing). Oral Appliances are custom made and are comprised of upper and lower dental plates which when fitted correctly will project the lower jaw forward and prevent obstruction at the site of airway collapse.
Why use an Oral Appliance?
Most Oral Appliances allow you to open and close your mouth with ease, meaning you can talk or drink with the device in position. In most cases an oral appliance is incrementally adjustable. This feature permits a user to adjust the device for optimal comfort and effective treatment. An Oral Appliance can be used in conjunction with other treatment modalities for obstructive sleep apnoea; for example CPAP, where it may be more convenient for you to take a smaller device with you while travelling instead of your CPAP machine.
Can everyone use an Oral Appliance?
Most people with mild to moderate Obstructive Sleep Apnoea will find an Oral Appliance can reduce the number of obstructive events they are experiencing during the night. If the individual is diagnosed with moderate to severe Obstructive Sleep Apnoea, most Sleep Physicians (Specialists) and Orthodontists will recommend using CPAP over an Oral Appliance, as obstructive breathing events during the night may occur even with the use of an Oral Appliance. If you have trialled CPAP, accessed all the assistance available to you from our Sleep Health Centre staff to help with CPAP treatment but have found you are unable to tolerate the mask and machine during the night, your next option may be to use an Oral Appliance to ensure a safer and better nights sleep. We recommend you speak to your Respiratory and Sleep Physician if this sounds like you.
If you are a chronic snorer and do not have Obstructive Sleep Apnoea, you may also find an Oral Appliance beneficial for use during the night to prevent snoring.
How can we help?
To help enable you to select the correct treatment choice, we have 17 Respiratory and Sleep Physicians who can discuss your treatment options with you and if needed can refer you on to our own Oral Appliance Specialist or another Specialist Orthodontist who is qualified to custom make your device.
If you require any further assistance, information or would like to make an appointment with one of our Sleep Physicians please contact us on 1800 155 225 (freecall) Monday-Friday 8:30am - 5 pm.
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