Sleep Apnoea Solutions
A Better Life Starts with Better Sleep
One in ten Australians suffer sleep apnoea, a sleep disorder that causes pauses in breathing or short and shallow breaths during sleep. Both adults and children can suffer sleep apnoea, which is why South Coast Orthodontics is dedicated to examining, diagnosing and solving this critical medical condition.
Beyond breathing difficulties caused by the constant obstruction of the airway, sleep apnoea causes snoring, waking up at night choking or gasping, as well as lethargy and tiredness in the morning. Sleep apnoea can impact how you or your children function throughout the day as it affects your energy, mood and concentration.
Whatever age, the first step is to consult your local general practitioner or sleep physician. South Coast Orthodontics will then partner with your doctor to determine the best treatment for you. We will assess and propose different recommendations which may or may not include an orthodontic appliance. This depends on the nature and severity of the case.
How does South Coast Orthodontics treat sleep apnoea for kids?
Children who wake up tired, lethargic, irritated and even angry have a disposition to underperform in school, sports and general life. Whilst many adults, teachers and coaches are quick to point the finger at attitudinal issues, it could simply be that the child is not getting solid hours of nightly deep sleep because of apnoea. Amongst many issues, it could be caused by small or under-developed jawbone structures, resulting in little room to breathe. As part of your child’s sleep improvement team, Dr Kamal may propose a jaw expander to open your child’s narrow and constricted airway.
How does South Coast Orthodontics treat sleep apnoea for adults?
Whilst adults no longer endure growing pains, sleep apnoea can cause many other health complications such as heart attacks, high blood pressure, abnormal heart beat, strokes, type 2 diabetes, liver disease fatigue and even relationship issues resulting from sleep deprived partners.
South Coast Orthodontics are specialists in treating new and unresolved apnoea-related orthodontic problems. In fact, Dr Kamal’s clinical work includes being part of Australia’s first multidisciplinary sleep apnoea team. Collaborating with other medical, dental and allied health professionals, Dr Kamal has significantly improved the lives of many patients suffering major snoring and sleep apnoea complexities.
Whilst there are many techniques and devices to help solve sleep apnoea problems, South Coast Orthodontics may recommend the Mandibular Advancement Device (MAD). This inexpensive, small, discreet and unobtrusive oral device is worn during sleep, keeping the airway open by advancing the lower jaw (mandible) slightly forward. By repositioning the jaw, the MAD prevents the collapse of soft tissues at the back of the throat, which causes breathing obstructions and interruptions during sleep.
Safe and effective in reducing snoring and sleep apnoea, MADs are approved by the Australian government. Dr Kamal is fully qualified to customise and perfectly fit the MAD to the unique shape of your mouth, even if you have crowns or bridges. Essentially, MADs require no needles or surgery and is akin to wearing a mouthguard or orthodontic plate. You can even travel with it anywhere around the world, unlike Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines which are more expensive and usually stationed at one location, your home.
South Coast Orthodontics is dedicated to improving everybody’s sleep. Our internationally-accredited knowledge, expertise, practical experience and involvement in sleep apnoea research means that we’re way ahead of the field in recommending and installing the perfect solution for you. Take the first step today and contact us or your GP. We’ll guide and problem-solve your way towards better sleep for the rest of your life.
