What are sleep apnea mouth guards?
Sleep apnea mouth guards are appliances, similar to a mouthguard, that are worn at night. It positions the lower jaw forward and is effective at treating mild and moderate obstructive sleep apnea. It is also effective at treating snoring.
How do they work?
By pushing your lower jaw forwards, it opens your airway. This reduces the chance of you having obstructions (sleep apnea) and reduces snoring. The oral appliance will work best if you have mild to moderate sleep apnea, if your sleep apnoea is a lot better when you lie on your side than when you lie on your back and if you are not overweight. Individual results vary.
How well do they work compared to CPAP?
CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) will stop sleep apnea straight away in almost all people who use it. CPAP is the gold standard, but for those who travel or who cannot tolerate it, an oral appliance is effective. Research shows that an Oral Appliance is just as effective in mild-moderate sleep apnea.
How can I get one?
We recommend having a sleep study first. Your GP can refer you to a sleep specialist who will work out how bad your sleep apnea is through a sleep study. You can do this either at home or in a sleep lab. Once this is done, Dr. Gary will be able to measure you up for a custom sleep appliance device.
Can it be used to stop snoring?
Yes, it often works well for snoring.
Where can I find further information?
Here is a link for some more information. We would recommend contacting us to organise a consultation with Dr. Gary to discuss the ins and outs of this treatment option.
Any questions? Please reach out
Sleep apnea focused dentists
Dr Gary Chun
Dr Gary Chun
Senior Dentist | BDSc (UQ)
Dr Gary is the most senior associate dentist at Chermside Dental with over 18 years tenure. Gary is a wealth of dental knowledge and a calming presence at the practice. Moreover, Gary is well known for his sense of humour and gentle touch. To our other dentists, Gary is admired for having excellent clinical hands, achieving beautiful outcomes for his patients.
Over such a long career in Dentistry, its hard to think of something Gary doesn’t do. Experience and quality dental care is what Gary provides for all of his patients. Gary’s skills in the area of aesthetic and cosmetic dentistry is second to none, regularly giving patients beautiful new smiles through veneers and invisalign. Gary has been a past University of Queensland clinical supervisor for dentistry.
Gary also has a keen interest in dental sleep appliances including SomnoMed (platinum provider). Gary also provides sedation dentistry using happy gas for his more anxious patients.
Gary is a dedicated family man, with a lovely wife and two children, spending the majority of his time outside of work with his family.
Dr Stephanie Chin
Dr Stephanie Chin
Senior Dentist | BDS, Grad Cert Dent Sleep Medicine
Stephanie is a valued dentist within our team who is known for her great bedside manner, easy-going personality and commitment to further learning.
Stephanie has considerable experience working with children and enjoys paediatric dentistry.
Stephanie has completed a post graduate certificate in dental sleep medicine. She has a keen interest in a dentist’s role within a multidisciplinary team to manage sleep apnoea and improve a patient’s sleep quality.
Outside of dentistry, Stephanie loves being active, listening to podcasts and catching up with friends and family.
