Sleep Apnoea: How Your Dentist Can Help

Treatments for Sleep Apnoea

Many people with sleep apnoea are treated with a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine. This is an effective treatment for moderate to severe OSA.  A CPAP machine works by gently delivering a steady stream of pressurised air into your airway via a mask. This keeps your airway open throughout the night so you can breathe normally and enjoy uninterrupted sleep. It may also help reduce those health risks associated with sleep apnoea, including high blood pressure.

To get the most benefit, a CPAP machine should be used every time you sleep – including naps.

Dentists’ Alternative to CPAP

While CPAP is highly effective, many people find it uncomfortable, disruptive or inconvenient. That can lead to lower long-term use: approximately 50% of users stop within the first year, and around 8% give up after the very first night. Not ideal to help deal with sleep apnoea!

If this is the case, your dental team can offer a Mandibular Advancement Splint (MAS) – a custom device that gently repositions the lower jaw to keep the airway open during sleep. These appliances are especially suitable for those with mild-to-moderate OSA or who can’t tolerate or manage CPAP.

Clinical evidence shows oral appliances can:

• Improve sleep quality
• Reduce snoring
• Sometimes lower blood pressure.

And for many people, results are comparable to CPAP, especially when CPAP isn’t used as prescribed.

How Dentists and Holland Park Dental Support Patients Alongside CPAP

Early Identification & Referral

Dentists – like our team at Holland Park – can often detect subtle signs such as tooth grinding (bruxism), a scalloped tongue or airway concerns during routine check-ups. This can prompt referrals to sleep specialists or for CPAP assessment.

Guidance & Shared Care

If CPAP is prescribed by a sleep specialist, dentists can provide advice on use and comfort strategies, and even coordinate with sleep clinicians to monitor treatment effectiveness.

Alternative Treatment with Oral Appliances

For patients struggling with CPAP, we have two sleep apnoea specialists in our team, Dr. Shan Lam and Professor Michael Fenlon. They design and fit bespoke oral appliances in-clinic, with follow-up support to ensure comfort and effectiveness.

Meet Your Sleep Health Team at Holland Park Dental

• Dr Shan Lam offers attentive screening and personally guides patients through CPAP, alternative devices, or onward referrals.
• Professor Michael Fenlon brings advanced expertise, empowering patients with evidence-based choices, whether that means starting CPAP or fitting a custom oral appliance.

Together, they ensure:

1. Early detection during routine check-ups.
2. Collaborative referral for medical evaluation or CPAP prescription.
3. Expert appliance solutions when CPAP isn’t tolerated.
4. Ongoing monitoring and support for lasting results and oral health.

Benefits of Dental Support for Sleep Apnoea

CPAP remains the most effective treatment for moderate to severe OSA – but long-term success relies on comfort, support and consistency. That’s where the caring dental expertise at Holland Park shines: recognising when CPAP is right, guiding use and offering tailored alternatives when needed.

With the right dental support, treatment can be:

• More comfortable and non-invasive
• Custom-made for maximum effectiveness
• Portable and quiet – easy to take anywhere
• Regularly reviewed to check fit, manage any side effects and protect your oral health

Does any of this sound familiar?

If you – or someone you care about – are struggling with snoring, restless nights or daytime drowsiness, please contact us. Whether you’re exploring CPAP, curious about oral appliances or simply need advice, Dr. Lam and Professor Fenlon are here to help you breathe better – and rest better.