Dental Sleep Medicine addresses the oral and craniofacial management of sleep-disordered breathing, particularly obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). OSA is characterised by repeated upper airway obstruction during sleep, leading to fragmented sleep, oxygen desaturation, and increased cardiovascular and metabolic risk.
Care is delivered through a multidisciplinary model, with close collaboration between dental practitioners, sleep physicians, general practitioners, and other healthcare providers. Oral appliance therapy is an evidence-based treatment option for selected patients with mild to moderate OSA or for those unable to tolerate CPAP therapy.
Custom-made oral appliances are designed to reposition the jaw and surrounding structures to maintain airway patency during sleep. Appliances are carefully selected, fitted, and progressively adjusted under specialist supervision. Accurate titration is essential to optimise therapeutic effectiveness while minimising adverse effects.
Ongoing monitoring and follow-up are integral to care and include regular clinical reviews, symptom assessment, and coordination with objective sleep testing when required. Occlusal changes, tooth movement, jaw comfort, and temporomandibular joint health are closely monitored to ensure long-term safety.
Treatment planning is individualised, taking into account airway anatomy, sleep study findings, medical history, and patient-specific factors. Education and structured follow-up support long-term adherence and successful outcomes.
Referrals are encouraged for patients with diagnosed or suspected OSA, CPAP intolerance, or those seeking oral appliance therapy. Referring clinicians receive clear communication regarding treatment progress, titration outcomes, and long-term monitoring, with shared care supported.
Summary of the services, but are not limited to:
- OSA assessment for oral appliance therapy
- Multidisciplinary sleep care
- Long-term dental/TMJ monitoring
- Shared-care models with sleep physicians
