The Sleep Dentistry Pathway

Oral appliances are a successful and accepted first line treatment for mild - moderate OSA, as well as an alternative where CPAP is not tolerated for severe OSA.They work by holding the lower jaw forward, preventing the tongue and tissue at the back of the throat from closing the airway, helping you breathe and sleep better. 

When made and fitted by a sleep dentist they are effective, comfortable, quiet, discrete and convenient for travel and can reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes and other health conditions. 

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Dr Li will spend 45-60minutes with you assessing your sleep condition, examining your teeth, mouth, head and neck. Should you wish to proceed a digital scan of your mouth and jaw registration will be taken and sent to an Australian run specialist sleep lab. 

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Prior to your appointment you will be provided with a referral for some dental xrays, it is important you have this completed and bring it with you to your appointment.  

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3 weeks later, the appliance will be fitted. You will be reviewed approximately every 6 weeks during the process of gently bringing the jaw forward until the device is effective. This is included in the fee for the device. A follow up sleep study may be required and/or requested by your referring practitioner. Dr Li will discuss this and the fee associated with you. 

You will then be reviewed annually to ensure the device remains effective and side effects are managed. 

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Most of our patients will be referred by a health professional following sleep study. Dr Li accepts patients who do not have a referral and can arrange a private (non medicare) sleep study for those patients. You need a recent sleep study to have an oral appliance.