What is sleep apnoea and why does it matter?
Sleep apnoea is a condition that causes repeated interruptions to your breathing during sleep, often without you realising it. These pauses can affect your oxygen levels and disrupt your sleep cycle, leading to daytime tiredness, poor concentration, irritability, and long-term health issues such as high blood pressure or heart strain. The most common type, obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), occurs when airway muscles relax too much and block airflow. At Plaza Dental, we help manage mild to moderate OSA with custom-made mandibular advancement splints, which gently reposition your lower jaw to keep your airway open during sleep. This simple oral device can reduce snoring and breathing pauses, offering a comfortable and effective alternative to more invasive treatments.
How do I know if I might have sleep apnoea?
Sleep apnoea often goes unnoticed, especially if you sleep alone or assume tiredness is just part of daily life. But if you’re feeling drained despite getting a full night’s rest, or your partner mentions loud snoring or restless sleep, it may be worth looking deeper. Recognising the signs is the first step to improving your sleep and overall well-being.
Common signs and symptoms of sleep apnoea include:
- Loud snoring, often reported by a partner
- Waking up gasping or choking
- Daytime tiredness, even after a full night’s sleep
- Difficulty concentrating
- Morning headaches
- Dry mouth or sore throat on waking
- Poor sleep quality or frequent waking during the night
If these sound familiar, the next step is to speak with your GP or a sleep specialist for an official diagnosis. Should you be diagnosed with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnoea, we are here to help. At Plaza Dental, we work with your medical team to explore whether a custom-made mandibular advancement splint could be the right solution to help you breathe easier and sleep more deeply.
From restless nights to restful sleep
Your consultation
We will discuss your symptoms, medical history, and any sleep study results you may have. If a splint is appropriate, we will guide you through how it works and what to expect.
Creating your custom splint
We will take precise impressions of your teeth and bite to create a splint that fits your mouth comfortably. The splint is designed to hold your lower jaw slightly forward during sleep, helping to open your airway.
Fitting and adjustments
Once your mandibular advancement splint is ready, we will check that it fits properly and make any necessary adjustments. It should feel comfortable enough to wear nightly without disrupting your sleep.
Follow-up and ongoing care
We will review your progress after you start using the splint and make any further adjustments if needed. We also recommend regular check-ups to ensure the splint continues to fit well and remains effective.
Our goal is to help you achieve better sleep, improve your energy levels, and reduce the health risks linked to untreated sleep apnoea.
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Frequently asked questions
Can a dental splint replace a CPAP machine?
For many patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnoea, a mandibular advancement splint can be an effective alternative to a CPAP machine. While CPAP remains the gold standard for severe cases, splints offer a more comfortable and convenient option for those with less severe symptoms or who struggle with CPAP compliance.
Is the splint uncomfortable to wear?
Most patients adjust to the splint quickly. It is designed to be as comfortable as possible while still keeping the airway open. Some people may notice mild jaw tension during the first few nights, but this usually settles as you adapt to wearing it.
Will I need to wear the splint every night?
Yes, the splint is intended for nightly use to be effective. Consistent use helps reduce symptoms like snoring and breathing pauses. We will show you how to care for your splint properly to keep it in good condition for long-term use.
Why Mackay families choose Plaza Dental
A legacy of care
Founded in 1984, Plaza Dental began as a convenient branch for patients north of the Pioneer River and has served the Mt Pleasant community ever since.
More than 125 clinical years of experience
What started as a small practice has grown into a thriving team of 6 dentists, an Oral Health Therapist, and support staff, delivering care in a modern, friendly environment.
Prevention comes first
We believe in stopping problems before they start. Our focus on prevention helps patients protect their smiles for life.
Restoring long-term health
For patients with complex dental histories, our experienced team is here to restore health and help maintain it long term.
Complete care
From preventive care to full-mouth rehabilitation, we offer a wide range of treatments under one roof—including implants, Invisalign, and oral surgery.
Experience you can trust
With decades of experience and a commitment to high standards, Plaza Dental continues to deliver personalised care tailored to every stage of your dental journey.
Flexible payment plans for the whole family
We offer flexible payment options to make caring for your smile simpler and more manageable, no matter which treatment you choose.
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A simple, comfortable way to improve your sleep
At Plaza Dental, we are here to help you breathe easier and sleep more soundly. With a custom-made mandibular advancement splint, you may find relief from snoring and sleep apnoea symptoms without the need for bulky machines.
Our team will guide you through every step, ensuring your treatment is comfortable, effective, and tailored to you.
Disclaimer: The material posted is for informational purposes only and is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Results vary with each patient. Any dental procedure carries risks and benefits. If you have any specific questions about any dental and/or medical matter, you should consult your dentist, physician or other professional healthcare providers.
