Sleep Apnoea: How Your Dentist Can Help You Sleep Better
Learn how Dentistry on Merivale in Christchurch provides custom dental appliances for sleep apnoea treatment. Effective, comfortable alternatives to CPAP machines.
Sleep Apnoea: How Your Dentist Can Help You Sleep Better
If you wake up feeling exhausted despite a full night’s sleep, or your partner complains about loud snoring, you might be one of the many New Zealanders living with undiagnosed sleep apnoea. The good news? Your dentist may be able to help.
What Is Sleep Apnoea?
Sleep apnoea is a condition where your breathing repeatedly stops and restarts during sleep. These pauses can last from a few seconds to minutes and may occur 30 times or more per hour.
The most common form, obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), happens when your throat muscles relax during sleep, allowing soft tissue to block your airway.
Signs You Might Have Sleep Apnoea
- Loud, persistent snoring
- Waking with a dry mouth or sore throat
- Morning headaches
- Difficulty staying asleep
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Difficulty concentrating or memory problems
- Mood changes or irritability
If you experience several of these symptoms, it’s worth discussing with a healthcare provider.
How Dental Appliances Work
Dental appliances for sleep apnoea, known as mandibular advancement devices (MADs), work by gently repositioning your lower jaw and tongue forward during sleep. This keeps your airway open, preventing the collapse that causes apnoea episodes.
These custom-made devices offer several advantages over traditional CPAP machines:
- Comfortable — Custom-fitted to your mouth
- Portable — Small enough to travel with easily
- Silent — No noise or machinery
- Easy to use — Simply insert before sleep
- Effective — Clinically proven for mild to moderate OSA
Who Can Benefit?
Dental appliances are particularly effective for:
- Mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnoea
- Patients who can’t tolerate CPAP — Many people find CPAP masks uncomfortable
- Frequent travellers — Compact and portable
- Primary snoring — Even without diagnosed apnoea
- Combination therapy — Used alongside other treatments
The Holistic Connection
At Dentistry on Merivale, our interest in sleep apnoea aligns with our holistic philosophy. Quality sleep is fundamental to your overall health — affecting everything from heart health and immune function to mental clarity and emotional wellbeing.
By addressing sleep apnoea, we’re not just improving your sleep — we’re supporting your whole-body health.
What to Expect
If you’re concerned about sleep apnoea, here’s what the process looks like:
- Consultation — We discuss your symptoms and evaluate your oral anatomy
- Assessment — We may recommend a sleep study for definitive diagnosis
- Custom appliance — If appropriate, we create a device precisely fitted to your mouth
- Adjustment period — Most patients adjust within 1-2 weeks
- Follow-up care — Regular reviews to ensure optimal effectiveness
Don’t Ignore the Signs
Sleep apnoea is a serious condition that can significantly impact your quality of life and long-term health. If you suspect you might have it, don’t wait.
Book a consultation at Dentistry on Merivale by calling (03) 355-8297.
Part of Lumino The Dentists. Located at Merivale Mall, 193a Papanui Road, Christchurch.
Have Questions?
Contact us to learn more or book a consultation.