Help you and your partner sleep better
If you snore while sleeping, you may experience it as a harmless nocturnal function. But if you are the partner of someone who snores, it can mean chronic insomnia or having to sleep on the sofa.
More than just a noisy nuisance, snoring can indicate a more serious condition called obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), with side effects like a sore throat or a dry mouth upon waking.
At our North Brisbane dental clinic, we can treat mild to moderate snoring with an oral appliance designed to reduce or eliminate snoring. Many patients find using a nightguard a convenient and affordable solution to snoring.
What Is MAS?
Anti-snoring mouthguards are also known as MAS (mandibular advancement splint). We use SomnoDent® appliances by SomnoMed®. These custom-made mouthguards keep your lower jaw slightly forward during sleep, which is an effective management method for certain types of sleep apnoea and snoring. These splints may require an adjustment period, but they have worked wonders for so many of our patients.
Should I Get CPAP or a MAS Nightguard?
If you're aware that you or your partner are snoring, it does not necessarily mean that you have sleep apnoea. Your doctor can refer you for a sleep study to confirm this. Once you receive a diagnosis, we can plan an appropriate treatment.
Treatment for obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) may sometimes involve CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) technology. While CPAP is an effective tool, many people struggle to sleep with masks on their faces. This is where the MAS comes in. If you think you would be more comfortable sleeping with a mouthguard than a mask, then the SomnoDent MAS could be an excellent solution for you.
These mouthguards, or splints, are not appropriate for everyone, so it's important to consult with your physician and dentist before making one. Diagnosis requires evaluation by a qualified sleep specialist.
What Causes Snoring?
Snoring can result from your body's anatomy, such as extra tissue at the back of the throat or extra weight. Instances of snoring also increase with age. Some lifestyle factors can impact snoring as well.
- Alcohol use
- Smoking
- Certain medications or drugs
- Sleep position
Occasional snoring due to nasal congestion or allergies is generally temporary and not cause for concern unless you have disrupted sleep.
Contact Our North Brisbane Dental Clinic to Learn More
If snoring is disrupting your quality of life, we welcome your call. We offer consultations with Dr Georgia Sheahan, Dr Brodie Hawker, and Dr Kirstie Malley for anyone who is interested in MAS.
