Sleep Apnoea & Snoring Solutions
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Sleep Apnoea & Snoring Solutions
Customised Sleep Apnoea & Snoring Solutions
Do you wake up tired and feel sleepy all day? Are concentration issues affecting your work? Do you or your partner deal with snoring or gasping for air at night? These could be signs of poor sleep quality, possibly linked to Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA).
At DP Dental, we collaborate closely with our medical colleagues, including ENTs and cardiologists, to ensure comprehensive care. We refer patients to these specialists for necessary tests and diagnoses, supporting the resolution of sleep-related breathing disorders.
Our skilled dentists, trained in dental sleep medicine, manage patients in consultation with the prescriptions of medical colleagues. We offer personalised, non-invasive solutions for sleep apnoea and snoring using oral appliances, also known as mandibular advancement devices. These appliances are an effective alternative to CPAP in mild to moderate cases and protect teeth during sleep bruxism.
Contact us and our team of doctors and dentists will assess you with a thorough sleep test and dental structure and functional evaluation. Explore our tailored solutions for a more restful night’s sleep.
Not getting enough quality sleep on a regular basis can pose these risks to our physical and mental health:
Weakened immunity
Greater risk of accident/injury
Cardiovascular Disease
Diabetes
Poor mental health
What is Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA)?
Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is the most common sleep-related breathing disorder. It causes you to repeatedly stop and start breathing while you sleep, causing loud snoring and daytime tiredness, even with a full night’s sleep. OSA has been linked to a number of health problems like hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, work and driving-related accidents and even stroke.
What Causes OSA?
All of the muscles in the body relax during sleep. In people without obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), the throat muscles relax but do not block the airways. In patients with OSA, the airways become temporarily blocked or narrowed during sleep, which can lower the oxygen level in your blood.
Your brain senses this impaired breathing and briefly wakes you up from sleep so that you can reopen your airway. This awakening is usually so brief that you don’t remember it. You might snort, choke or gasp.
Most of the time, the person sleeping is not aware of the breathing stoppages, but their body is, causing them to be tired during the day.
DID YOU KNOW?
1 in 3 Singaporeans suffers from moderate to severe sleep apnoea*, and 1 in 10 suffers from severe sleep apnoea.
*Tan A, Cheung YY, Yin J, Lim WY, Tan LW, Lee CH. Prevalence of sleep-disordered breathing in a multiethnic Asian population in Singapore: A community-based study. Respirology. 2016 Jul;21(5):943-50. doi: 10.1111/resp.12747. Epub 2016 Feb 29. PMID: 26929251.
Signs & Symptoms of OSA
Screening tools for Obstructive Sleep Apnoea
Sleep Screening Questionnaires
Are you at risk for sleep apnoea? Try our sleep questionnaires
Sleep Apnoea & Snoring Solutions @ DP Dental
Mandibular Advancement Device (MADs):Oral Appliances For Sleep Apnoea & Snoring
Mandibular Advancement Devices (MADs) are custom-fitted oral appliances designed to address issues like snoring and obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). If you find CPAP uncomfortable due to its mask, air pressure, or noise, MADs offer a non-invasive, portable, and comfortable solution. Worn during sleep, MADs gently advance the lower jaw, helping to open the airway at the back of the throat. This repositioning prevents airway collapse and promotes uninterrupted breathing, effectively reducing snoring and alleviating sleep apnoea symptoms.
MADs are supported by scientific evidence and endorsed by reputable organisations like the American Dental Association (ADA). As a more comfortable alternative to CPAP, MADs are gaining popularity among individuals seeking a solution that is easy to use, effective, and CPAP-free.
ProSomnus EVO™
ProSomnus Sleep and Snore Devices are custom-fitted to your mouth, making them highly comfortable for sleep. These devices gently hold the lower jaw forward, keeping the airway open in the back of your throat. This helps reduce snoring and improves airflow, making breathing smoother during sleep. ProSomnus EVO™ is a highly effective solution for both sleep apnoea and snoring, and a great alternative for those who find CPAP therapy difficult.
SomnoDent Avant™
The SomnoDent Avant™ oral appliance treats obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) by advancing the lower jaw to keep the airways open. This custom-made appliance fits your mouth with upper and lower splints that gradually move the jaw forward. The result: better airflow, reduced snoring, and the ability to reach deeper REM sleep, leading to better sleep quality and more restorative rest.
Aligner Treatment
When faced with issues like misaligned teeth and narrow jaws, aligner treatment emerges as a solution. Our method focuses on alleviating strain, reducing grinding and clenching, and addressing sleep apnoea. This is achieved through jaw expansion and ensuring proper teeth alignment.
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Adjunctive Myofunctional Therapy
Myofunctional therapy is a non-invasive, evidence-based approach to address snoring and sleep apnoea by focusing on the muscles involved in breathing and swallowing. This therapy aims to promote proper tongue position, improve breathing patterns, and reduce airway obstruction during sleep.
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Invisalign
Invisalign is used to treat patients who may have mildly crooked or protruding teeth to severe dental problems involving severe crowding, spacing, overbite or an underbite.
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Oral Appliance Therapy
Involves Mandibular Advancement Devices (MAD), which advance the lower jaw and tongue away from the throat to keep the airways open.
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Myofunctional Therapy
Aims to encourage nasal breathing, strengthen tongue muscles and encourage proper tongue swallowing and resting position.
According to the American Dental Association, “Oral appliance therapy is an appropriate treatment for mild and moderate sleep apnoea, and for severe sleep apnoea when a CPAP is not tolerated by the patient.”
Benefits of Oral appliances for Sleep Apnoea and Snoring
Light weight and portable – you don’t have to worry about carrying around big bulky devices when travelling.
Easy to maintain, custom-fit and adaptable. They are made using dental impressions of your teeth ensuring a fit that is unique to your mouth.
Silent, comfortable and easy to use. They don’t come with the masks, hoses, and machines that CPAPs do. They are easy to clean too.
Able to prevent snoring and teeth grinding. These oral appliances are also made of high-quality material that ensures durability.
Resources/related reads
News & research on OSA
Dr. Yue Weng Cheu
Founder and Clinical Director of DP Dental
Dr Yue Weng Cheu is the Founder and Clinical Director of DP Dental, which currently operates two branches in Orchard and Katong. He takes a functional and integrative approach to dentistry that promotes health and wellness of the whole person, and focuses on the root causes of oral disease.
Dr Yue graduated from NUS Dentistry with The Pierre Fauchard Academy Foundation Annual Scholarship Award. He has given lectures locally and internationally on topics of Clinical Digital Photography, CAD-CAM Digital Dentistry, Laser Dentistry, TMD, Ankyloglossia, Myofunctional Therapy, Invisalign and Sleep Medicine.
Aside from his various accreditations, he has completed the full TMD continuum at Occlusion Connections in USA, and finished his mini-residency on Dental Sleep Medicine with TUFTS University School of Medicine.
Through modern, evidence-based approaches, Dr Yue has treated various cases of TMD and teeth misalignment, WITHOUT EXTRACTION. Dr Yue also works with various other health practitioners to restore tongue, breathing and sleep functions to effect multi-systems recovery for patients of all ages.
Dr Loh Ee Tyug
Senior Associate Dentist and Clinical Director, DP Dental Katong
Dr Loh Ee Tyug received her Bachelor of Dental Surgery from National University of Singapore in 2001, where she received numerous awards, including the FAC Ohlers Award for the Best Clinical Student.
Through years of practice, Dr Loh keeps herself updated by continually upgrading her skills and knowledge both locally and overseas in the fields of implantology, CAD/CAM (CEREC), TMD, Occlusion and Gnathology, Invisalign, Aesthetic Dentistry, Myobrace, Myofunctional habit corrections and Dental Sleep Medicine.
Being a firm believer in the philosophy that “Prevention is better than Cure”, in 2015 Dr Loh attended Myobrace Training in Australia alongside DP Dental’s directors to learn and train in myofunctional habit corrections and early intervention.
Dr Loh now pioneers the Myofunctional Therapy treatment at DP Dental.
Book a Consult with Our Sleep Dentist
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Our representative will reach out to you within 2 working days to confirm your booking.
How Sleep Apnoea Affects Your Overall Health
Sleep apnoea is not just a sleep disorder; it can affect multiple aspects of your physical and mental health. Many individuals with sleep apnoea experience a wide range of symptoms that can influence their daily life, including fatigue, poor concentration, and irritability. These effects go beyond the obvious sleep disturbances and can have serious long-term consequences if not addressed.
Impact on Mental Health
Chronic sleep deprivation caused by sleep apnoea has been linked to various mental health issues. Studies have shown that individuals with sleep apnoea are at a higher risk of developing anxiety and depression. The frequent interruptions in sleep affect the balance of chemicals in the brain, which in turn influences mood regulation and cognitive function.
Increased Risk of Cardiovascular Disease
Untreated sleep apnoea is one of the leading contributors to heart-related conditions. Research has shown that OSA (Obstructive Sleep Apnoea) can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and even arrhythmias. The consistent reduction of oxygen levels during sleep forces the heart to work harder, putting a strain on the cardiovascular system.
Why Early Treatment for Sleep Apnoea is Essential
While sleep apnoea is often diagnosed in individuals experiencing chronic fatigue and loud snoring, early detection is key to preventing long-term health issues. DP Dental recommends a proactive approach to managing sleep apnoea, even in its mildest forms, as this can help mitigate the risk of more severe health complications down the line.
Untreated Sleep Apnoea and its Long-Term Effects
Cognitive Impairment
Sleep apnoea leads to insufficient oxygen supply to the brain, which can impair cognitive functions. Over time, this can contribute to memory loss, lack of focus, and poor decision-making skills.
Metabolic Disorders
Studies have linked OSA to metabolic issues, including insulin resistance, which is a precursor to diabetes. The body’s inability to get restful sleep affects hormone regulation, increasing hunger and cravings, which can lead to weight gain.
Work-Related Issues
Sleep apnoea can cause severe daytime drowsiness, impairing productivity, and making it dangerous to operate vehicles or machinery at work.
Why Choose DP Dental for Sleep Apnoea and Snoring Management?
With a focus on providing comfortable and effective solutions for sleep-related breathing disorders, at DP Dental we stand apart by offering evidence-based treatment options tailored to your specific needs. We use the latest in dental technology and are committed to helping you achieve the best possible outcome through:
Untreated Sleep Apnoea and its Long-Term Effects
Personalised, Non-Invasive Solutions
For those who can't tolerate CPAP, we provide comfortable alternatives like mandibular advancement devices (MADs) and oral appliance therapy, which reposition the jaw to keep your airway open while you sleep. These devices are non-invasive, easy to wear, and have been shown to effectively reduce symptoms like snoring and teeth grinding, helping you achieve a more restful, uninterrupted sleep without the discomfort of CPAP machines or more invasive procedures. Supported by scientific evidence and endorsed by reputable organisations such as the American Dental Association (ADA) for mild to moderate sleep apnoea, MADs offer a comfortable, noise-free, and portable alternative to traditional CPAP machines. They are increasingly popular for individuals seeking effective and convenient solutions for sleep-related breathing disorders, offering significant improvements in sleep quality without the bulk or discomfort of CPAP devices.
Holistic Approach
We go a step further with myofunctional therapy, a physical therapy that strengthens the muscles around your mouth, tongue and face to improve your sleep quality and enable proper breathing, chewing, and swallowing habits.
Collaborative Care
Our team includes dentists who work closely with ENT doctors, cardiologists, and other medical professionals. This ensures a well-rounded treatment plan that addresses both the symptoms and underlying causes of sleep apnoea.
How Snoring Treatment Improves Sleep Quality
Many people believe snoring is just a harmless nuisance, but it can be a sign of underlying health conditions such as sleep apnoea. Snoring occurs when the airway is partially blocked, leading to vibrations as air struggles to pass through. At DP Dental, we take snoring seriously as it often signals obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), which can have detrimental long-term effects if untreated.
Snoring Solutions: Our Approach
Our approach starts with a thorough assessment of your airway, jaw, tongue posture, and breathing habits. Snoring is often linked to restricted airflow, weak oral muscles, or poor tongue positioning. By identifying the root cause, we can recommend solutions that are comfortable, effective, and tailored to you.
Depending on your needs, this may include:
- Oral appliances or Mandibular Advancement Devices (MADs) that gently reposition the jaw to keep your airway open at night.
- Myofunctional therapy to retrain the tongue and throat muscles for healthier breathing.
- Collaborative care with physicians if further testing or support is needed.
Understanding the Role of Myofunctional Therapy in Managing Sleep Apnoea & Snoring
Myofunctional therapy is a lesser-known but highly effective treatment for sleep apnoea and snoring. This therapy focuses on strengthening the muscles of the face, tongue, lips, and throat to improve airway function during sleep. It is an excellent adjunct to oral appliance therapy, as it targets the root causes of airway obstruction.
Studies show myofunctional therapy can reduce sleep apnoea events by about 50% in adults and up to 62% in children.
How Myofunctional Therapy Works
- Improves tongue posture – The tongue is trained to rest against the roof of the mouth, preventing it from falling back and blocking the airway.
- Encourages nasal breathing – Therapy shifts patients from mouth breathing to nose breathing, which keeps the airway more stable.
- Strengthens oral and throat muscles – Exercises target the tongue, lips, soft palate, and throat so they don’t collapse easily during sleep.
- Reduces snoring and apnoeas – With better muscle tone and breathing patterns, the airway stays open longer, leading to fewer interruptions in sleep.
Combining myofunctional therapy with oral appliances offers a holistic approach to managing sleep apnoea and snoring, ensuring long-lasting improvements in sleep quality.
Book Your Appointment with DP Dental Today!
Don’t let sleep apnoea or snoring control your life any longer. DP Dental offers personalised, effective solutions tailored to your needs. Book an appointment today and take the first step towards better sleep and improved health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a dentist treat snoring or sleep apnoea?
Yes, for many cases. Dentists trained in dental sleep medicine can treat snoring and mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnoea with custom oral appliances, working alongside your doctor. DP Dental collaborates with ENTs and cardiologists for the necessary tests and diagnosis.
What is obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA)?
Obstructive sleep apnoea is a common sleep-related breathing disorder where the airway repeatedly narrows or closes during sleep, briefly interrupting breathing. It can cause loud snoring and daytime tiredness, and is linked to high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes.
What is the alternative to a CPAP machine?
For people who find CPAP hard to tolerate, a custom oral appliance called a mandibular advancement device is a common alternative for mild to moderate sleep apnoea, and for severe cases when CPAP is not tolerated. The American Dental Association recognises oral appliance therapy in these situations.
How does an oral appliance (MAD) work?
A mandibular advancement device is a custom-fitted appliance worn during sleep that gently holds the lower jaw forward. This helps keep the airway at the back of the throat open, which can reduce snoring and breathing interruptions. DP Dental uses devices such as ProSomnus EVO and SomnoDent Avant.
How do I know if my snoring is sleep apnoea?
Snoring on its own is common, but snoring with gasping or choking at night, daytime sleepiness, morning headaches, or frequent night-time waking can point to sleep apnoea. A screening questionnaire such as STOP-BANG, followed by a sleep test, helps tell the difference.
What are the signs of sleep apnoea?
Common signs include loud snoring, gasping for air at night, waking unrefreshed, daytime sleepiness, poor concentration, and morning headaches. If you notice these, it is worth being assessed, since untreated sleep apnoea is linked to longer-term health risks.