Persistent snoring is not just a nuisance for the person sharing your bed — it can be a sign of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), a condition where the airway partially or fully collapses during sleep, interrupting breathing and preventing restful sleep. Many people are surprised to learn that their dentist can play a role in managing snoring and mild to moderate sleep apnoea using custom-fitted oral appliances. At Divine Dental Care on Wicklow Ave in Croydon, our team works alongside GPs and sleep specialists across the eastern suburbs to help patients explore whether a dental approach may be suitable for their situation.
Obstructive sleep apnoea occurs when the muscles and soft tissues at the back of the throat relax during sleep and temporarily collapse inward, narrowing or completely blocking the airway. When this happens, breathing is interrupted — sometimes for 10 seconds or more — until the brain detects the drop in oxygen and briefly rouses the sleeper to reopen the airway. Most people have no memory of these micro-awakenings, but they prevent the deep, restorative stages of sleep the body needs.
OSA exists on a spectrum:
It is estimated that a significant proportion of Australian adults may have some degree of OSA, with many cases undiagnosed. The condition is more common in men, in people who are overweight, and in those over 50 — though it can affect anyone, including younger adults and even children.
Dentists are uniquely positioned to identify signs of sleep-disordered breathing because they regularly examine the mouth, jaw, and throat structures. During a routine check-up at our Croydon practice, your dentist may notice indicators such as tooth grinding (bruxism), a scalloped tongue (impressions from pressing against the teeth), or a narrow airway — all of which can be associated with sleep apnoea.
For patients with mild to moderate OSA — or for those who cannot tolerate CPAP therapy — a custom-fitted oral appliance can be an effective alternative. The most common type is a mandibular advancement device (MAD), which gently holds the lower jaw in a slightly forward position during sleep. This repositioning helps keep the airway more open by preventing the soft tissues at the back of the throat from collapsing as readily.
There are several types of oral devices your dentist may discuss with you, depending on your anatomy, the severity of your condition, and your comfort preferences:
It is important to understand that oral appliances are generally recommended for mild to moderate sleep apnoea, or as a secondary option for patients with severe OSA who are unable to use CPAP. Their suitability varies from person to person, and a proper diagnosis — usually through a sleep study — should always precede treatment.
Getting a dental sleep appliance is not a same-day process. It involves collaboration between your dentist, your GP, and often a sleep specialist. Here is what the pathway typically looks like:
Many people live with snoring or sleep apnoea symptoms for years before seeking help, often because they assume it is just a normal part of ageing or something they have to live with. If you or your partner have noticed any of the following, it is worth mentioning at your next appointment — or booking a dedicated consultation:
These symptoms do not automatically mean you have sleep apnoea, but they do warrant investigation. For residents across Croydon, Ringwood, Mooroolbark, Bayswater, and the surrounding eastern suburbs, your dentist can be the first step in identifying whether further assessment is needed.
If snoring or poor sleep quality is affecting your life — or your partner's — we encourage you to raise it at your next visit to Divine Dental Care, or to book a consultation specifically to discuss sleep concerns. Our Croydon practice on Wicklow Ave is convenient to reach from Heathmont, Croydon Hills, Kilsyth, and Croydon North, and we are open Saturdays for patients who cannot attend during the week.
As a QIP accredited practice, we follow structured assessment protocols and work collaboratively with local GPs and sleep physicians to ensure you receive a coordinated approach to diagnosis and management. With 10 dentists on our team, we can often accommodate consultations at short notice.
While you do not technically need a GP referral to see your dentist about snoring, a confirmed diagnosis of sleep apnoea — typically through a sleep study — is generally required before a dental appliance is prescribed. Your dentist can refer you for a sleep study, or you can arrange one through your GP.
Some private health funds provide partial coverage for mandibular advancement splints under their major dental or appliance benefits. Coverage varies between funds and policy levels, so we recommend checking with your fund before proceeding. Our team can provide the relevant item numbers to help you confirm your entitlements.
For mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnoea, research suggests that custom-fitted oral appliances can be an effective treatment option. CPAP is generally considered more effective for severe cases. However, an oral appliance that is worn consistently every night may, in practice, deliver comparable outcomes to a CPAP machine that is used intermittently due to comfort issues. Your sleep physician and dentist can help you weigh the options.
Yes. Sleep-disordered breathing can occur in children, often related to enlarged tonsils and adenoids, allergies, or jaw development issues. Signs in children may include snoring, restless sleep, mouth breathing, bedwetting, and difficulty concentrating at school. If you are concerned about your child's breathing during sleep, raise it with your dentist or GP.
With proper care, a well-made mandibular advancement device can last several years. However, it should be checked regularly by your dentist to ensure the fit remains accurate and that no changes to your teeth or bite have occurred. The device may need adjustment or replacement over time as your dental situation evolves.
Some patients notice minor changes to their bite when using a mandibular advancement device over an extended period. This is one of the reasons regular follow-up appointments are important — your dentist can monitor for any changes and take appropriate action if needed. Morning jaw exercises, which your dentist can demonstrate, may help minimise bite changes.