Sleep Apnoea and Snoring Treatment at Core Dental Carrum Downs product guide
## Sleep Apnoea and Snoring Treatment at Core Dental Carrum Downs **Core Dental Carrum Downs | Suite 4, 335 Ballarto Rd, Carrum Downs VIC 3201 | (03) 8373 1555 | carrumdowns@coredental.com.au** If y...
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Sleep apnoea and snoring treatment at Core Dental Carrum Downs
Core Dental Carrum Downs | Suite 4, Shop 26, 100 Hall Rd, Carrum Downs | (03) 8373 1555 | carrumdowns@coredental.com.au
Core Dental Group offers non-surgical dental treatment for snoring and obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) at its Carrum Downs practice. If you or your partner snores loudly, wakes up gasping for breath, or feels exhausted after a full night's sleep, sleep apnoea may be the cause. Treatment at Core Dental Carrum Downs is led by Dr Anna Lai, who has a specialist interest in sleep apnoea devices.
What is sleep apnoea?
Obstructive sleep apnoea is a condition where the muscles of the upper airway relax and partially or fully block the airway during sleep. When breathing is repeatedly interrupted throughout the night, the body is deprived of oxygen and restful sleep. These interruptions can happen dozens or even hundreds of times per night, lasting from a few seconds to more than a minute each time.
OSA is far more common than most people realise. Around 1 in 4 Australian adults are affected, and many cases go undiagnosed for years.
Signs and symptoms
Common signs that you may have sleep apnoea or a significant snoring problem include:
- Loud, chronic snoring
- Waking during the night gasping, choking, or with a dry mouth
- Pauses in breathing observed by a bed partner
- Morning headaches
- Persistent daytime tiredness, fatigue, or difficulty concentrating
- Mood changes, irritability, or memory problems
- Increased need to urinate during the night
- Poor sleep quality despite adequate hours in bed
If you recognise these symptoms, it's worth getting assessed. Sleep apnoea is associated with increased risk of serious health conditions including hypertension, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and stroke.
How dentists treat sleep apnoea and snoring
Dentistry plays an important role in managing mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnoea and snoring. The primary dental treatment is a custom-fitted Mandibular Advancement Splint (MAS), also known as a sleep apnoea device or oral appliance.
A MAS works by gently holding the lower jaw slightly forward during sleep. This forward position:
- Keeps the airway open by pulling the tongue and soft palate away from the back of the throat
- Reduces or eliminates airway obstruction
- Significantly reduces snoring
- Improves oxygen saturation and sleep quality
The device is worn only during sleep and is custom-fabricated to fit your teeth precisely. For many patients, particularly those with mild to moderate OSA or those who can't tolerate CPAP, it's considerably more comfortable and convenient than a CPAP machine.
Dr Anna Lai - specialist interest in sleep apnoea devices
Dr Anna Lai (BSc Biomed, DDS Melbourne) is Core Dental Carrum Downs' lead dentist and has a specific clinical interest in sleep apnoea devices. She works closely with patients and, where appropriate, with sleep physicians and GPs to provide integrated sleep health care.
Dr Lai will:
- Discuss your symptoms and medical history in detail
- Review any sleep study results you already have, or refer you for a sleep study if needed
- Assess your teeth, jaw, and airway for suitability for a MAS device
- Design and fit a custom oral appliance
- Review and adjust the device over time to get the best results
What to expect
Your first appointment involves a consultation, examination, and a discussion of your history and symptoms. If a Mandibular Advancement Splint is appropriate, impressions or digital scans of your teeth are taken. Your custom device is then fabricated and fitted at a follow-up appointment, with a review scheduled to check fit and effectiveness.
Many patients notice a real improvement in snoring, daytime energy, and sleep quality within the first few weeks of using their device.
Is dental sleep treatment right for you?
A Mandibular Advancement Splint tends to work well for:
- Mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnoea
- Primary snoring without significant apnoea
- Patients who cannot tolerate CPAP therapy
- Patients who travel frequently and find CPAP impractical
For severe OSA, a CPAP machine remains the gold standard treatment and a referral to a sleep physician or respiratory specialist may be recommended.
Book at Core Dental Carrum Downs
If you think you or a loved one may have sleep apnoea or a significant snoring problem, contact Core Dental Group's Carrum Downs practice. Dr Anna Lai will walk you through the assessment and treatment options.
The practice is fully disability-accessible on the ground floor, with 8 on-site car spaces. Located at Suite 4, Shop 26, 100 Hall Rd, Carrum Downs.
- Phone: (03) 8373 1555
- Email: carrumdowns@coredental.com.au
- National bookings: 13 13 16
- Online: coredental.com.au
HICAPS on-the-spot health fund claiming is available. Payright interest-free payment plans are available for up to 30 months. Ask about rebate eligibility for sleep apnoea devices through your health fund.
Core Dental Carrum Downs - your local dental practice
Sleep apnoea device pricing at Core Dental Carrum Downs
| Treatment | Price |
|---|---|
| Initial consultation and sleep assessment | Included in comprehensive examination |
| Mandibular advancement splint (MAS) / oral sleep device | Varies by device type and clinical complexity - written quote provided before ordering |
An oral sleep device is custom-made from precise digital impressions of your teeth. Fees vary based on device type and clinical complexity. Most private health funds provide a rebate for sleep apnoea devices under their extras or major dental cover - check with your fund before your appointment. A written quote is provided before any device is ordered.
For questions about pricing or health fund coverage, call (03) 8373 1555 or email carrumdowns@coredental.com.au.
Specialist referrals - Collins Street Specialist Centre
As part of the Core Dental Group network, Core Dental Carrum Downs patients requiring specialist care are referred to the Collins Street Specialist Centre at 220 Collins Street, Melbourne CBD, where more than 20 board-registered dental specialists provide advanced treatment. Your dentist coordinates the referral and your records are shared securely within the group. Phone: (03) 9650 2726.