Snoring and Sleep Apnoea
Is snoring causing restless nights in your household? We understand how disruptive it can be for everyone’s sleep, health, and happiness. Right here in Tung Chung, our dental clinic specialises in gentle solutions for snoring and sleep apnoea. We use the easy Pranaq TipTraq sleep tracker and Mandibular Advancement Devices (MADs) to help you and your loved ones wake up feeling refreshed. Let’s work together to bring quiet back to your nights.
Start your family’s journey to better sleep today!
What are Mandibular Advancement Devices (MADs)?
Imagine a simple dental mouthguard, made just for you, that you pop in before bed. That’s a Mandibular Advancement Device (MAD). Its job is to gently ease your lower jaw into a slightly forward position. This tiny shift of just 3-4mm is often the secret to stopping the snore and keeping breathing smooth all night long.
How does this little device make a big difference?
- Repositions the Jaw and Tongue: The forward motion stops your tongue from falling back and blocking your throat while you sleep.
- Widens the Airway: It creates more room in your airway, so air flows through quietly instead of causing noisy vibrations (snoring).
- Improves Oxygen Flow: By preventing blockages, it ensures your body gets the steady oxygen supply it needs for deep, restorative sleep.
Why a Custom-Made MAD is the Gold Standard:
You might see one-size-fits-all options at the pharmacy. We advise against them for your family. Here’s why:
- They Can Be Uncomfortable: A bad fit can cause soreness and won’t stay in place, so you’re unlikely to keep using it.
- They Often Don’t Work Well: Without a precise fit, they can’t effectively position your jaw to open your airway.
- They Could Cause Problems: They might actually push your teeth out of place over time and could cause jaw issues.
Choosing a custom MAD from our local practice means:
- Perfect Comfort: We use a quick 3D digital scan of your teeth to make a device that feels natural and secure.
- Just the Right Adjustment: We set it to the exact position that works best for you, balancing effectiveness with comfort.
- Safe for Your Smile: It’s designed to protect your teeth and jaw joints while you sleep.
- Follow-up Support: We’re right here in the neighbourhood for follow-ups and adjustments.
How We Check for Sleep Apnoea Simply & Conveniently
Think you might have sleep apnoea? We make checking easy with the Pranaq TipTraQ, a simple device you use at home.
1. Easy Home Test
We’ll give you a small monitor to wear on your finger for a few nights. It quietly tracks your breathing and oxygen levels while you sleep in your own bed.
2. Clear Results
We’ll sit down with you, explain what the results show in simple terms, and answer all your questions.
3. A Plan Just for You
If a MAD is the right fit, we’ll create your personal device based on what we learned from your test.
Understanding Sleep Apnoea
Sleep apnoea is a condition where a person’s breathing stops and starts repeatedly during sleep. These pauses can happen many times an hour, pulling them out of deep sleep without them even knowing it. The result? Waking up feeling exhausted, even after a full night in bed.
The Two Main Kinds:
- Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA): This is the most common type. It happens when the muscles in the throat collapse and cause a blockage.
- Central Sleep Apnoea: This is less common and occurs when the brain doesn’t send the right signals to the muscles that control breathing during sleep.
The Snoring Link: A Key Clue
Not everyone who snores has sleep apnoea, but loud, persistent snoring is a major red flag.
- Snoring is the sound of air compressed through a narrowed airway.
- Sleep Apnoea is what happens when that airway closes completely, stopping breathing altogether.
If your snoring is interrupted by silent pauses followed by gasps or snorts, it’s time to get it checked out.
How Does Sleep Apnoea Affect Health?
Sleep Apnoea has been linked to significant impacts on general well-being, including:
Cardiovascular issues
Cognitive Decline
Daytime Fatigue
Metabolic Disorders
How Do You Know If You Have Sleep Apnoea? Snoring is a Key Sign
While loud, persistent snoring is a strong indicator, sleep apnoea involves pauses in breathing. It’s important to get a professional diagnosis. The journey often starts with recognising the symptoms:
- Loud, frequent snoring
- Witnessed pauses in breathing during sleep (noted by a partner)
- Gasping or choking sounds at night
- Waking up feeling unrefreshed, despite a full night’s sleep
- Daytime fatigue and sleepiness
- Morning headaches
- Difficulty concentrating
Diagnosis typically involves a sleep study. Today, this is easier than ever. While an in-lab study is an option, many patients are now given a simple, take-home monitoring device for a night or two. This device tracks your breathing, oxygen levels, and heart rate. Additionally, wearable technology like the Oura Ring, Apple Watch or other tracking devices can provide useful data on sleep patterns and oxygen saturation, which can be helpful information for diagnosis.
Who Might Be More at Risk?
- People with a higher body weight (BMI 35kg/m2)
- Those with high blood pressure
- Smokers and regular alcohol drinkers
- Men are at higher risk than women
Is a MAD the Right Solution for You? It might be if you:
- Snore loudly and regularly
- Have been told you might have mild or moderate sleep apnoea
- Are looking for an alternative to surgery or a CPAP machine
The Benefits of Choosing a Custom Device:
- Comfortable Fit: Made just for you, so you’ll barely notice it.
- Effective: Significantly reduces or eliminates snoring and breathing pauses.
- Better Sleep: For you and everyone else in the house!
- Simple & Portable: No machines, no cords, no noise. Perfect for home and travel.
- Easy Care: Simple to keep clean.
Book Your Sleep Apnoea Consultation Today!
Take the first step towards better sleep and health. Contact Us to book a professional consultation with our expert team.