Do you snore?
Does your partner frequently tell you that you stop breathing in your sleep, or that your snoring is keeping them awake?
If the answer is yes, it might be more than just an annoying habit. It could be a sign of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) — a common but often undiagnosed condition that affects millions of Australians and can have serious consequences for your health.
The good news? There are simple steps to find out, and your dentist can play a key role in your treatment.
What Is Sleep Apnoea?
Obstructive sleep apnoea occurs when the muscles and soft tissues at the back of your throat relax during sleep, causing your airway to partially or fully collapse. This leads to repeated pauses in breathing throughout the night, sometimes hundreds of times, often without you even knowing it.
Common signs include:
If left untreated, OSA is linked to serious health issues such as high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. It can also significantly impact your quality of life and your relationships.
Could You Have It? Here’s What to Do
Step 1: Talk to Your GP
The first step is a conversation with your GP. They will ask about your symptoms, sleep habits, and general health. Simple screening tools such as questionnaires about your sleepiness and snoring patterns can help determine your risk level. Our dentists can help with these questionnaires as well. See the end of this blog for links on screening.
Step 2: A Home Sleep Study
You do not need to spend the night in a hospital to get answers. Many Australians are now diagnosed through a home sleep study, which is a more convenient test you can do in your own bed.
Your GP can refer you for a home-based sleep study if your screening suggests you may have OSA. Medicare rebates may be available for eligible patients.
The process is straightforward:
Most patients have their results within days — far quicker than waiting for an in-lab sleep study.
If your home study comes back negative but your symptoms are strong, your GP or specialist may recommend an in-laboratory study for a more comprehensive assessment.
Step 3: Explore Your Treatment Options
If you are diagnosed with OSA, treatment options include CPAP therapy, lifestyle changes, or a Mandibular Advancement Splint (MAS) fitted by your dentist.
How Your Dentist Can Help
Many people are surprised to learn that their dentist can play a central role in treating sleep apnoea. A Mandibular Advancement Splint is a custom-fitted oral device worn during sleep that gently moves your lower jaw forward, opening up the airway and reducing breathing obstructions.
For patients with mild to moderate OSA, and for those who struggle to tolerate a CPAP machine — a MAS is a clinically recognised and well-supported alternative.
Why patients love them:
At our clinic, we fabricate our splints from medical-grade nylon, which is a stronger, more flexible, and more comfortable material than traditional acrylic devices.
Ready to Find Out More?
If snoring or poor sleep is affecting your life, do not ignore it. A simple conversation with our dentists or your GP could make a world of difference to how you sleep, feel, and function every day. It could even improve your relationship with your partner or family, as everyone can sleep better!
Contact our clinic today to find out if a Mandibular Advancement Splint is right for you.
In the meantime, click the below links to screen for your likelihood of OSA
https://www.sleepprimarycareresources.org.au/questionnaires/ess
https://www.sleepprimarycareresources.org.au/questionnaires/stop-bang
https://www.sleepprimarycareresources.org.au/questionnaires/osa50
If you score higher on these tests, the more likely you are eligible for a medicare rebate on your home sleep study.
This blog is for general information purposes. Please consult your GP or a qualified health professional for personalised advice regarding sleep apnoea diagnosis and treatment.
WESTFIELD KNOX
Westfield Knox Shopping Centre (Walk through from Priceline Pharmacy or MedCentral Knox) 1060/425 Burwood Hwy Wantirna South VIC 3152
OPENING HOURS
Weekdays: 9am to 5pm
Open Saturday: 9am to 3pm
Principal Dentist
Speaks English and Vietnamese
Born and raised in Melbourne, Dr Raymond has spent several years working across both private and public practices in metropolitan Melbourne and rural Victoria. This diverse experience has strengthened his ability to connect with individuals and families from all walks of life, allowing him to deliver care that feels both personalised and accessible.
With a strong focus on family dentistry, Dr Raymond is experienced in both general and cosmetic dentistry, supporting patients at every stage of life. He is particularly proficient in wisdom teeth extractions, and has a special interest in clear aligner treatment and smile makeovers – including porcelain veneers, crowns and bridges.
Known for his calm and reassuring manner, Dr Raymond is especially attentive to patients who may feel anxious about dental visits. He creates a relaxed, supportive environment designed to ease concerns and build trust over time. His goal is to make every appointment a positive experience and believes that visiting the dentist should feel comfortable, not confronting.
Outside the practice, he enjoys travelling, playing tennis, and spending quality time with family and friends.
Dr Emily was born in Melbourne and was raised in the local Knox area. She previously worked in private practices across Melbourne, and has worked for the public sector at the Royal Dental Hospital of Melbourne.
She also gained a significant amount of experience working previously as the Hospital Dental Officer at Monash Medical Centre where she treated medically compromised, special needs and cancer patients.
She enjoys most aspects of dentistry including cosmetic dentistry and working with children. She has a special interest in the area of orthodontics (braces, clear aligners and early intervention) and can provide Myobrace treatment.
Dr Emily is currently undergoing a Post Graduate Diploma in Orthodontics to further her passion in this area.
She loves helping her patients with clear aligner treatment so that they can smile confidently.
In her spare time, Dr Emily enjoys going out for good food, spending time with family and going on nature walks with her dog Chino.
Dr Lilian Phu graduated from the University of Melbourne with a Bachelor of Biomedicine (Honours) and Doctor of Dental Surgery. Her passion for helping people achieve their dental and oral health goals is reflected by the quality, care and attention she gives to each patient she encounters. Additionally, her friendly and bubbly nature will be sure to bring a smile on anyone’s face.
Dr Lilian is also a preclinical supervisor for dental students at Melbourne University, sharing her knowledge with the future generation of dentists.
In order to deliver the best dental care to her patients, she regularly attends continuing education courses and is currently undertaking a two-year postgraduate course in orthodontics. Dr Lilian has a special interest in implants and clear aligner treatment, and can talk to you about how you can improve your smile.
Outside of dentistry, she enjoys digital drawing and spending time with her loved ones including a dog and three cats.
Speaks English
Edward is a kind and caring dentist who is dedicated to providing his patients with high quality dental care while prioritizing patient comfort to ensure that his patients have a positive experience.
Edward believes in taking a more patient-centered approach to dental care, whether it be by providing information to patients about prevention of dental disease, or by providing and explaining all available treatment options so that patients can be fully informed about their oral healthcare.
Outside of work, you’ll find Edward playing volleyball or in the kitchen as he enjoys cooking dishes from many different cuisines from around the world.
