Your Questions Answered

1. Are Dental Sleep Appliances effective?

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the Australian Sleep Association now consider dental sleep appliances a first line treatment for snoring and mild to moderate sleep apnoea.  They are also ideal for patients with severe sleep apnoea who cannot use CPAP or as an alternative when traveling and there is no access to power.  Dental sleep appliances have been scientifically proven to be very effective with studies demonstrating – over 95% of people are satisfied with the level of improvement with their snoring.  The appliance will improve the quality of your sleep but it may take several nights of more refreshing sleep for the tiredness to go. In some cases, the improvement in health and tiredness may occur more gradually over weeks or months.

2. What is the best treatment for snoring?

Most sleep physicians consider dental sleep appliances as the most effective treatment for snoring - with the least side-effects. Studies demonstrate that dental sleep appliances are far more effective than surgical treatments. Surgery is only around 55% effective with significant potential side-effects, including severe post-operative pain and regurgitation of food through the nose. The April 2006 edition of Choice magazine reviewed most of the "over the counter treatments" for snoring. This review was conducted by a team, which included sleep physicians, and concluded that these treatments were unproven and mostly ineffective. The treatments included sprays, medications, and pillows. Breathing re-training such as Buteyko is another treatment lacking in any standard scientific evidence of effectiveness in the treatment of snoring and sleep apnoea. While weight loss, avoiding, caffeine, nicotine and alcohol prior to sleep can be very helpful, dental sleep appliances remain the gold standard for immediate elimination of snoring.

3. Are all Dental Sleep Appliances as good as each other?

Not at all. There are currently over 50 different dental sleep appliances throughout the world. Many of these appliances have not had studies to prove effectiveness, are not adjustable, and are "one size fits all". Such appliances have been demonstrated to be far less effective and comfortable compared to the custom made, adjustable appliances. While these appliances can be less expensive the fit is often a problem and most people find them difficult to wear. There are many companies marketing such appliances however they are specifically not recommended by the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine.  Dental Sleep Group utilizes five different types of appliances. Each appliance used is custom-made and easily adjusted by the patient. These appliances are government approved having scientific studies demonstrating effectiveness and comfort. It is important to note that there is no one appliance which is ideal for each and every situation. The choice of the ideal appliance for each person depends on factors such as the size, position and number of teeth as well as the size and position of the jaws.

4. Are Dental Sleep Appliances comfortable to wear?

Although the mouth is a very sensitive area the vast majority of people adapt within a night or two and find the appliance surprisingly comfortable. This is because the appliances we make are tailor made and very thin. Once the snoring stops and they are feeling more refreshed, and have adapted to the appliance, most people would much rather have it in during sleep than out.

5. How much does a Dental Sleep Appliance cost?

The initial consultation is $125 and includes a thorough assessment of your snoring or possible sleep apnoea. Our dentists will also assess the health of the mouth and the suitability for a dental sleep appliance. This visit is an opportunity to see several of the state of the art appliances and to discuss all aspects of dental sleep appliances. The treatments available range from $1290 to $1790 and depend on the type of appliance. State of the art appliances are in the upper range but the choice of appliance depends on several individual factors including the shape, health and configuration of your teeth and jaws. This is assessed at the initial consultation.

Private Health Cover
Treatment with dental sleep appliances do attract private health insurance rebates, although it depends on your level of cover.  Please check with your own fund as to the amount rebatable.  Contact Dental Sleep Group for a full list of the items numbers used for treatment. 

6. What is included in the treatment fee?

  • A clinical visit in which the health of the teeth and mouth are assessed.
  • Any radiographs (X Rays) which may be required.
  • An assessment is done for the possible presence of sleep apnoea.
  • High level of support including any adjustment visits should they be required.
  • A follow up assessment visit approximately 6 weeks after fitting the appliance.
  • A 12 month Guarantee that covers any faults, repairs, or maintenance with the appliance.
  • Letters written to your GP or referring health professional

7. How long does a Dental Sleep Appliance last?

If you don't clench or grind your teeth a dental sleep appliance can last for many years - four or five and often many more years. Even if you do clench and grind your teeth the appliance can still last for years and has the added benefit of protecting your teeth and dental work. All patients receiving treatment are given Professor Henry Clarke's powerful Hypnorelaxation CD which has been proven to prevent clenching and grinding, headaches, and maximize sleep quality. If the appliance needs to be replaced after several years this is usually done at a reduction of 50% off the original cost.

8. What if I am missing teeth or have a bridge or denture?

There are new appliances which can be successfully used in many different situations - even if all the upper teeth are missing. You will need to have at least a total of six to eight teeth to be able to utilize a conventional dental sleep appliance. The tongue retaining device is an appliance specifically designed for people who are missing all their teeth. It is important to have a thorough assessment of the teeth, gums and jaws to ensure predictable, successful results with minimal problems long term.

9. I don't want to use the CPAP machine - is the dental sleep appliance an alternative?

While CPAP is regarded as gold standard treatment for severe sleep apnoea, based on many scientific studies dental sleep appliances are now regarded by sleep specialists as a viable alternative to CPAP. The experience of CPAP users who have made the change is invariably that dental sleep appliances are much more comfortable than CPAP. Many people with severe sleep apnoea might continue to use their CPAP and use a dental sleep appliances when travelling or times where there is no access to power. The possibility of changing to a dental sleep appliances can be determined at the initial consultation.

10. Do I have to wear the Dental Sleep Appliance forever?

No. There may be other methods which you can do for your self that can help overcome the problem. This is very individual and assessed and discussed in the first consultation. For many people weight loss, exercise or changing body position during sleep can go a long way to overcoming snoring and sleep apnoea. This can be difficult to achieve if you are sleepy and tired. The use of a dental appliance can result in a boost in energy levels through better quality sleep and hence the impetus to make lifestyle changes.

11. Are there any side-effects?

The vast majority of people have little or no side effects. A small percentage of people have minor side-effects such as excessive saliva, jaw tenderness, pressure on teeth and bite changes. Most side effects are temporary and disappear after a day or two or with a simple adjustment.

12. How does the Dental Sleep Appliance work?

Dental sleep appliances  work by holding the lower jaw slightly forward during sleep thereby opening the airway at the back of the throat which is responsible for the snoring and obstruction. The tongue is attached to the lower jaw, and with the jaw held forward the tongue is prevented from collapsing back.

13. Does Medident Sleep Clinic provide general dentistry?

No. The patient is referred back to their dentist for any general dental treatment that may be required. Medident Sleep Clinic works exclusively in the dental management of snoring and sleep apnoea.