Snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Dentist Bellarine
Snoring and obstructive sleep apnoea treatment on the Bellarine using mandibular advancement splint (oral appliance) therapy.
Oral appliance therapy may be recommended for snoring and obstructive sleep apnoea where clinically appropriate. This involves a custom-made dental device worn during sleep to help maintain an open airway and support breathing.
Mandibular advancement splints work by gently positioning the lower jaw forward to reduce airway collapse during sleep.
Care is provided in coordination with your medical team, with diagnosis and treatment recommendations guided by a sleep physician
When an Oral Appliance May Be Suitable
Oral appliance therapy may be appropriate for individuals who snore or who have been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnoea, particularly in mild to moderate cases or where other treatments are not well tolerated.
This treatment may be considered for people who:
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Have been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnoea following a sleep study
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Snore regularly and experience disrupted sleep
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Have difficulty tolerating CPAP therapy
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Prefer a custom dental device as part of their treatment plan
A diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnoea is typically made following a sleep study, with results reviewed and reported by a sleep physician. This information helps guide treatment recommendations, including whether an oral appliance may be appropriate.
If you have not yet had a sleep study, I can assist in coordinating a home sleep study, with results reviewed and reported by a sleep physician. If you already have a sleep study report, we can review it together before considering whether an oral appliance is appropriate.
Suitability for a mandibular advancement splint depends on your individual diagnosis, oral health, and medical history. A comprehensive assessment is required, and treatment is typically provided following recommendation from a sleep physician.
A sleep physician may recommend a mandibular advancement splint as part of managing snoring or obstructive sleep apnoea. As a general dentist, I provide this treatment where appropriate and within my scope of practice. For more complex cases, referral to a practitioner with additional experience in dental sleep medicine may be considered as part of your ongoing care.
Diagnosis & Sleep Physician Advice
Dental Assessment
Ongoing Review & Follow-Up
What To Expect At Your Appointment
1. Clinical Assessment
At your initial appointment, we will discuss your symptoms, sleep history and any previous investigations, including sleep study results where available. A dental examination will also be carried out to assess your oral health and suitability for oral appliance therapy.
2. Custom Appliance
If appropriate, and following recommendation from your sleep physician, a custom mandibular advancement splint may be considered. This involves taking digital scans of your teeth so that a device can be individually fabricated.
3. Fitting & Adjustment
Once fitted, the appliance is gradually adjusted to optimise comfort and airway support during sleep. Follow-up appointments are important to monitor your response to treatment and ensure the device remains appropriate over time.
4. Coordinated Care
Care is provided in coordination with your medical team, and ongoing review may include repeat sleep studies where indicated.
If you would like to explore whether this approach may be suitable, an appointment can help guide the next steps.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a sleep study before treatment?
Yes. A diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnoea is typically made following a sleep study, with results reviewed by a sleep physician. Oral appliance therapy is generally provided following medical assessment and recommendation.
Is oral appliance therapy an alternative to CPAP?
Oral appliance therapy may be considered in certain cases, particularly where obstructive sleep apnoea is mild to moderate or where CPAP therapy is not well tolerated. Suitability depends on individual assessment and medical advice.
How does a mandibular advancement splint work?
A mandibular advancement splint is a custom-made dental device worn during sleep. It works by positioning the lower jaw forward to help maintain an open airway and support breathing.
Will I need follow-up appointments?
Yes. Follow-up appointments are important to adjust the appliance, monitor comfort, and ensure it remains appropriate over time.
Sleep Studies and Sleep Physician Advice
A sleep study monitors your breathing and sleep patterns overnight. The results are then reviewed by a sleep physician to help diagnose snoring or obstructive sleep apnoea and guide treatment recommendations.
Snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnoea
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Possible signs
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Snoring
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Disturbed or irregular breathing during sleep
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Possible effects
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Daytime tiredness
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Reduced daytime functioning
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Disturbed sleep for partners or others in the household
Next steps
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Book an appointment to discuss your symptoms and have a dental examination
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I can help coordinate a home sleep study, with the results reviewed and reported by a sleep physician
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Consider whether a mandibular advancement splint may be appropriate based on your sleep study, dental assessment and the recommendation of your sleep physician.
If you have already had a sleep study
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If you have already had a sleep study, you are welcome to book an appointment so we can review your report, carry out a dental examination, and discuss whether a mandibular advancement splint is appropriate for you.
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3D Printed Nylon Mandibular Advancement Splint
3D printed nylon is a newer material option for oral appliances used in the management of sleep‑disordered breathing and bruxism. Using digital design and 3D printing, these appliances can be made with a slim profile and a smooth, polished surface.
Compared with many traditional acrylic or dual‑laminate devices, 3D printed nylon appliances can be made lighter and less bulky while still feeling firm in the mouth. In this design, the upper and lower parts of the appliance are not joined together, allowing some natural jaw movement while the appliance is in place. The choice of appliance type and material is made on an individual basis after assessment and discussion of options.
Dr Lindsay Hamilton
I am a general dentist based in Ocean Grove on the Bellarine Peninsula. I qualified in 2006 with a BDS (Hons) from the University of Dundee, Scotland, and gained MFDS RCSEd from the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh. I have undertaken additional training in providing custom-made oral appliances for snoring and obstructive sleep apnoea. These services are provided in collaboration with medical sleep specialists and GPs, supported by mentoring and case discussion where appropriate, so that oral appliance therapy forms part of a medically guided treatment plan.
Booking Your Appointment
Sleep appliance consultations are provided by Dr Lindsay Hamilton at Ocean Breeze Dental in Ocean Grove. To arrange your visit, please follow the steps below:
