If you’ve been diagnosed with sleep apnoea and CPAP hasn’t worked for you, you’re not alone. As your local sleep apnoea dentist in Blacktown, we provide custom oral appliances as part of your wider sleep team. We work alongside your GP and sleep physician, so your care stays joined up from diagnosis to follow-up.
Works with your GP & sleep physician
Care joined up from diagnosis to follow-up
Custom oral appliances
Mandibular advancement splints
Payment plans available
Extras cover may contribute
Understanding Obstructive Sleep Apnoea
Obstructive sleep apnoea happens when the airway at the back of the throat repeatedly narrows or closes during sleep. Each time, breathing slows or stops briefly, and the brain partly wakes you to restart it. Most people don’t remember these moments, but they break up sleep and can leave you exhausted.
Left untreated, sleep apnoea can affect your energy, mood and general health. The Sleep Health Foundation notes there’s no single treatment that suits everyone, which is why a team approach matters.
Recognising the Signs of Sleep Apnoea
Signs in Adults
- Pauses in breathing, gasping or choking during sleep, often noticed by a partner
- Loud, regular snoring
- Waking up unrefreshed, even after a full night in bed
- Feeling sleepy or nodding off during the day
- Morning headaches
Signs in Children
Sleep apnoea in children can look different from adults. Signs may include snoring most nights, mouth breathing, restless sleep, and tiredness or poor focus during the day. In some children, a narrow palate can play a part. If you're worried, your GP is the best first stop.
A Medical Diagnosis Comes First
We never diagnose sleep apnoea ourselves. A diagnosis comes from a sleep physician after a sleep study, which is often arranged through your GP. Some studies are done at home, while others take place overnight in a sleep clinic.
If you haven’t had a sleep study yet, we’ll help you start that process with a referral letter to your GP. Once you have a diagnosis, your sleep physician can advise if an oral appliance suits your situation.
Custom Mandibular Advancement Splints for Sleep Apnoea
A mandibular advancement splint is the most widely used oral appliance for sleep apnoea. It’s custom-made to fit your teeth and worn only while you sleep.
How a Mandibular Advancement Device Works
A mandibular advancement device has two linked trays, one for your upper teeth and one for your lower teeth. It holds your lower jaw slightly forward, which helps keep the airway at the back of the throat more open. We adjust it gradually to find a position that's effective and comfortable.
Some people notice mild jaw or tooth tenderness, or extra saliva, while they adjust. We monitor your bite at regular reviews, because long-term use can change how your teeth meet.
Who a Mandibular Advancement Splint May Suit
An oral appliance may suit you if you have:
- Diagnosed mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnoea
- Tried CPAP and found it hard to tolerate
- Travel or camping needs where a CPAP machine isn't practical
- Enough healthy teeth to hold the appliance securely
Mandibular Advancement Splint vs CPAP
| Mandibular advancement splint | CPAP | |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Holds the lower jaw slightly forward | Air pressure through a mask keeps the airway open |
| Effectiveness | Generally works best for mild to moderate sleep apnoea | Generally considered the most effective treatment |
| Comfort | Small and quiet, with no mask or hose | Some people find the mask hard to get used to |
| Portability | Fits in a small case | Needs a machine and power |
| Who provides it | Your dentist, guided by your sleep physician | Your sleep physician or CPAP provider |
Sleep Apnoea Treatment Without CPAP
If CPAP isn’t for you, there are other options worth discussing. Honest sleep apnoea treatment without CPAP usually combines a few approaches, and each is managed by a different member of your team.
An oral appliance, which we make, fit and adjust
Sleeping position changes, as apnoea is often worse on your back
Lifestyle changes such as reducing alcohol, guided by your GP
ENT assessment for a blocked nose, large tonsils or other airway problems
Your sleep physician will help you weigh these up. For many people, a sleep apnoea mouth guard is the most practical place to start.
Gentle Airway Care for Children
For children, our role is to spot the signs and work with your GP. If your child’s upper jaw is narrow, palate expansion may be suitable and can help create more room in the mouth. You can learn more about this on our kids braces page.
Enlarged tonsils and adenoids are a common cause of sleep apnoea in children. Your GP may refer your child to an ENT, and the Sleep Health Foundation has helpful information for parents.
Clear Pricing for Your Mandibular Advancement Splint
Your mandibular advancement splint cost includes your scans, fitting, adjustments and follow-up visits. We’ll give you an itemised quote before anything starts. Many extras policies contribute to the cost, so check with your health fund. Our payment plans can also help you spread the cost.
Working Closely With Your Sleep Team
Good sleep apnoea care is a team effort. Your GP coordinates your care, your sleep physician diagnoses and guides treatment, and an ENT may assess your nose and throat. We provide the dental part, then keep your team updated as your appliance is adjusted.
Once your appliance is settled, your sleep physician will usually arrange a follow-up sleep study with it in place. This confirms how well it’s working for you.
Book a Sleep Apnoea Consultation in Blacktown
If CPAP hasn’t worked for you and you’d like to explore sleep apnoea treatment without CPAP, our Blacktown sleep apnoea dentist team is here to help. Visit us at 22 Main Street, Blacktown, an easy trip from Seven Hills, Doonside, Marayong, Quakers Hill and across Western Sydney.
Bring your sleep study results if you have them, and our team will talk you through your options for a mandibular advancement splint.
Request a call back
FAQs
A dentist can provide part of the treatment, usually an oral appliance for sleep apnoea. After a sleep physician has diagnosed you, a sleep apnoea dentist can make and adjust it as part of your care team.
Yes. A sleep study confirms if you have sleep apnoea and shows how severe it is. This helps your sleep physician decide if a sleep apnoea mouth guard is suitable.
It depends on the appliance and the adjustments you need. You’ll receive an itemised quote, and payment plans are available.
CPAP is generally the most effective treatment, but some people struggle to use it every night. A mandibular advancement device can work well for mild to moderate sleep apnoea. A follow-up sleep study shows how well it’s working for you.
Yes. Children can have sleep apnoea, often linked to large tonsils and adenoids. If your child snores most nights or seems tired during the day, start with your GP.
We don’t recommend it. Over-the-counter guards aren’t made or adjusted for your bite, and they don’t come with the follow-up needed to treat a medical condition. For simple snoring, see our teeth grinding & snoring page.
Nervous Patient?
We cater to patients with dental anxiety as we understand that visiting us can be a scary experience (especially if there is past trauma!).
From extended appointments (no extra charge) to sedation options, we are here to help.
What Our Patients Say
- 236 Ratings
- 200 Likes
Interest-Free Payment Plans
AfterPay
✓ Interest-Free
✓ No Deposit
✓ Pay it in 4 Equal Fortnightly Instalments
✓ Up to $1500
SuperCare
✓ Lump Sum Payment
✓ No Limit to Amount
✓ We Will Assist with Process!
✓ Guaranteed Success!