Sleep Dentistry

Specialising in Sleep Dentistry, Temporomandibular Disorder and Occlusal Splints.

Sleep disorders are a major health problem for many people, young and old alike.
We at Kingsgrove Dental have the expertise to help you with this.

Depending on the nature of your sleep disorder, we can either refer you to a hospital-based clinic for an overnight study or arrange for an in-home sleep study using equipment that is provided for you.

sleep-dentistry

Snoring Prevention / Improved Breathing

Snoring can be the result of several factors. Typically, snoring is caused by the relaxing of the muscles and soft tissue in the throat and mouth, making the air passage smaller. The decrease in space through the airway makes it harder for each breath to get through, and when it does get through, it moves over the soft tissue in the mouth and throat and causes a vibration that results in the snoring sound.

Other causes of snoring may include:

  • Excess body weight
  • Alcohol consumption
  • Certain sleep aides or sedatives
  • Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA)

What is a Mandibular Advancement Device (MAD)?

If you snore at night, then a mandibular advancement device (MAD) may represent a solution for a better night’s sleep. The MAD is a specially designed dental device that gently helps keep the lower jaw (mandible) in a forward position, thus increasing the airway space and helping you to breathe better so you can get a full, quiet night’s sleep.

Is a MAD Comfortable?

The answer is simple – yes! A mandibular advancement device is made to be comfortable, so that you can sleep without even noticing you are wearing it. It does not prevent you from breathing with your mouth open and will even reduce or eliminate snoring for patients with sinus congestion or allergies.

You may experience some slight stiffness of the jaw for the first few mornings after wearing the device, but this feeling is only temporary, and will resolve after you wake up and remove the device.

Temporomandibular Disorder

A large percentage of the population suffer from chronic facial and neck pain as well as recurring headaches. In some cases, this pain is due to Temporomandibular disorder, or TMD.
Your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your lower jaw to your skull. These joints get a lot of use throughout the day as you speak, chew, swallow and yawn. Pain in and around these joints can be unpleasant and may even restrict movement.
Symptoms:

  • Pain in the jaw area.
  • Pain, ringing or stiffness in the ear.
  • Frequent headaches or neck aches.
  • Clicking or popping sound when the jaws move.
  • Swelling on the sides of the face.
  • Muscle spasms in the jaw area.
occlusal-splint

Occlusal Splint

An occlusal splint is a slim hard acrylic guard fitted to the upper jaw and covering the biting surfaces of your upper teeth. It is designed to be worn at night.

An occlusal splint will not stop you from grinding or clenching, however, it relieves the pressure on the jaw joints and very effectively protects the teeth against the destructive forces of grinding (bruxism).

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