Sleep apnoea and sleep devices

Snoring is more than just a nighttime nuisance. For some people, it’s the reason their partner moves to another bedroom. For others, it’s a sign of a much more serious health condition—obstructive sleep apnoea

At Renew Dental Lounge in Upper Mount Gravatt, we see many patients who struggle with snoring, disrupted sleep, and fatigue. While CPAP therapy is a common treatment for sleep apnoea, not everyone finds it comfortable or practical. That’s where a custom-made dental appliance can make all the difference.

In this article, we’ll explore:

• The difference between snoring and sleep apnoea
• The risks of untreated OSA
• Why CPAP doesn’t work for everyone
• How dental appliances offer a comfortable alternative
• What to expect when seeking treatment at Renew Dental Lounge

Why Do We Snore?

Snoring happens when airflow is partially blocked while you sleep. As the muscles in the throat and jaw relax, the airway narrows. This causes the tissues of the mouth, tongue, and throat to vibrate, producing the familiar rumbling sound.

Several factors can increase the likelihood of snoring, including:

• Sleeping on your back
• Being overweight
• Alcohol consumption before bed
• Nasal congestion
• Relaxed throat muscles due to age

While occasional snoring may be harmless, persistent loud snoring can be a warning sign of obstructive sleep apnoea.

What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA)?

Unlike simple snoring, OSA is a medical condition where the airway becomes completely blocked. This prevents breathing for several seconds—or even minutes—at a time.

During an episode of OSA:

1. The airway collapses and airflow stops.
2. Oxygen levels in the blood drop.
3. The brain sends an emergency signal to wake up just enough to restore breathing.
4. The cycle repeats—sometimes dozens or even hundreds of times a night.

This constant disruption prevents patients from reaching REM sleep, the most restorative stage.

Symptoms and Risks of Sleep Apnoea

People with OSA often don’t realise how frequently they wake at night. Instead, they notice the effects during the day, such as:

• Morning headaches
• Excessive daytime fatigue
• Difficulty concentrating or memory lapses
• Irritability and mood swings
• Falling asleep at work, while reading, or even while driving

Beyond exhaustion, OSA is linked to serious health risks, including:

• Heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Stroke
• Type 2 diabetes
• Reduced life expectancy

If you or a loved one snores heavily, gasps for air during sleep, or experiences extreme daytime tiredness, it’s important to seek help.

CPAP Therapy: Effective But Not for Everyone

The CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine is often the first-line treatment for moderate to severe sleep apnoea. It works by delivering a steady flow of air through a mask, preventing airway collapse.

While highly effective, many patients struggle with CPAP because:

• The mask feels uncomfortable or claustrophobic
• The machine is noisy and disrupts sleep
• It’s inconvenient for travel
• Skin irritation occurs from the straps and mask

For patients with mild to moderate OSA—or for those who cannot tolerate CPAP—dental appliances offer a proven alternative.

Dental Appliances for Snoring and Sleep Apnoea

At Renew Dental Lounge, we provide custom-made oral appliances that help patients breathe easier at night.

How They Work

These appliances, sometimes called mandibular advancement splints, fit comfortably over the teeth. They gently reposition the lower jaw and tongue forward, preventing the airway from collapsing during sleep.

Benefits of Oral Appliances

• Comfortable and non-invasive – No mask, tubes, or machines.
• Discreet and portable – Easy to travel with.
• Silent – Unlike CPAP, there’s no noise.
• Effective – Proven to reduce snoring and treat mild to moderate sleep apnoea.

Many patients report better sleep, improved energy, and happier partners after switching to a dental appliance.

What to Expect at Renew Dental Lounge

If you’re considering treatment, here’s what the process looks like:

1. Initial Consultation – We discuss your symptoms, medical history, and any previous sleep studies.
2. Assessment – If OSA is suspected, we may recommend a sleep study referral for accurate diagnosis.
3. Custom Appliance Design – We take precise impressions and digital scans of your teeth to ensure a comfortable fit.
4. Fitting and Adjustment – The appliance is tailored to your bite and adjusted over time for maximum effectiveness.
5. – We monitor your progress to make sure you’re experiencing restful, snore-free sleep.

Why Choose Renew Dental Lounge?

At Renew Dental Lounge, we believe in Dentistry Done Differently. Our focus is not just on treating teeth but improving overall health and wellbeing. Snoring and sleep apnoea affect more than just sleep—they impact your daily life, relationships, and long-term health.

With a caring, personalised approach, we’ll help you find the right solution so you and your loved ones can finally enjoy restful nights again.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can a dentist really help with snoring?

Yes! Dentists trained in sleep medicine can provide oral appliances that reposition the jaw to keep airways open, reducing snoring and mild to moderate sleep apnoea.

2. Is an oral appliance as effective as CPAP?

For patients with mild to moderate OSA, oral appliances can be just as effective as CPAP. For severe cases, CPAP may still be the best option.

3. Will the appliance be uncomfortable to wear?

Most patients adjust quickly. Because the appliance is custom-made, it fits snugly and comfortably.

4. Do I need a sleep study before getting an oral appliance?

In most cases, yes. A sleep study confirms the diagnosis and helps determine the severity of sleep apnoea so we can recommend the most effective treatment.

5. Can I travel with the appliance?

Absolutely. Oral appliances are compact and discreet—much easier to travel with than CPAP machines.

Book an appointment today

At Renew Dental Lounge in Upper Mount Gravatt, we're redefining what it feels like to visit the dentist. If you're searching for a dentist in Mt Gravatt, we're here to help you feel at home in your smile. From gentle family dental check-ups, emergency dentist treatment, through to cosmetic dentistry like teeth whitening, veneers and dental implants, every visit is built on trust, compassion and excellence.

Patients looking for a dentist in Brisbane southside (Upper Mt Gravatt, Mount Gravatt, Mansfield and Mount Gravatt East) choose us for our spa-like environment, advanced technology and human-centred care that eases anxiety and transforms confidence. No matter where you're starting from, we'll meet you exactly where you are, supporting you with clear advice and personalised treatment options. Book an appointment today.