SOMNOMED
With Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) the soft tissues at the back of your throat can sag, narrowing and constricting your airways. OSA can lead to symptoms such as snoring, excessive daytime sleepiness, and disruption in breathing or teeth grinding while sleeping, behavioural problems, irritability and mood swings. Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) has also been linked to hypertension; diabetes, heart disease, work and driving related accidents as well as stroke.
Treatment of sleep apnoea
After an initial screening and evaluation, your clinician will determine which test is appropriate for you. There are two types of tests for Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA):
- Overnight Sleep Study Polysomnogram or
- Home Sleep Test
These tests are used to measure Apnoea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) during your sleep study. Your sleep physician may recommend lifestyle changes, surgery, CPAP – Continuous Positive Airway Pressure, maxillary expander, Mandibular Advancement appliance or Tongue Stabilising Device. We will liaise with your Sleep Physician, ENT surgeon to ensure you receive the right treatment for you. For patients with mild to moderate Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) Continuous Open Airway Therapy is the first line of treatment. It has two components, which fit over the upper and lower teeth. The SomnoDent appliance treats OSA by stabilising and/or moving the lower jaw slightly forward. This optimal position of the jaw prevents the patient’s airway from collapsing during sleep. These oral devices are comfortable and simple for patients to use, which is why many patients prefer it to other options.
Ready for the smile you deserve?
The team at Fox Orthodontics are ready to get you smiling with confidence.
Ready for the smile you deserve?
The team at Fox Orthodontics are ready to get you smiling with confidence.
