Snoring and Sleep Apnoea

Snoring and sleep apnoea are common sleep-related breathing disorders that can significantly impact your quality of life. While snoring may seem harmless, it can be a sign of a more serious condition known as Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) — where the airway becomes partially or completely blocked during sleep, leading to repeated interruptions in breathing.

What Is Snoring and Sleep Apnoea?

Snoring occurs when the soft tissues at the back of the throat vibrate as air passes over them during sleep. Persistent or loud snoring can disrupt sleep for both you and your partner and may indicate an underlying breathing issue.

Sleep Apnoea — particularly Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) — happens when the muscles in the throat relax excessively during sleep, causing the airway to collapse or narrow. This results in repeated pauses in breathing throughout the night.

Common signs and symptoms include:

In adults: 

  • Loud or frequent snoring

  • Gasping, choking or interrupted breathing during sleep

  • Waking feeling unrefreshed

  • Daytime fatigue, sleepiness or difficulty concentrating

  • Morning headaches or dry mouth on waking

  • Observed breathing pauses by a partner or family member

In children:

  • Open-mouth breathing
  • Restless sleep, sweating, or bed wetting
  • Poor concentration or attention span
  • Behavioural issues (irritability, hyperactivity)
  • Poor school performance
  • Growth delays
  • Facial development issues due to poor breathing

Untreated sleep apnoea in children may affect not only physical growth but also emotional well-being and cognitive development.

Why It Matters

At Park St Dental Practice, we take a collaborative and evidence-based approach to sleep-related breathing disorders. Our dental team works with you — and your sleep physician when required — to assess your symptoms and determine the most appropriate treatment pathway.

One of the most effective and non-invasive treatments we offer is custom-made oral appliance therapy. These appliances are designed to:

  • Gently reposition the lower jaw and tongue forward

  • Maintain an open airway throughout sleep

  • Reduce snoring and improve breathing patterns

  • Offer a comfortable, portable alternative to bulky sleep machines

Oral appliances are particularly suitable for patients with mild to moderate sleep apnoea, or those who struggle with Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy. Each device is personalised for comfort and function.

Your Treatment Journey

Initial Consultation

We discuss your symptoms, medical history and sleep patterns.

Assessment

This may include questionnaires or a referral for a sleep study with a specialist sleep physician, where required.

Custom Appliance Design

If appropriate, we create a precision-fit oral device tailored to your jaw anatomy.

Fitting and Follow-Up

We ensure the appliance fits comfortably and monitor your progress over time.

Improve Your Sleep, Enhance Your Health

Getting quality sleep is foundational to your overall health. Whether you’re experiencing disruptive snoring or have been diagnosed with sleep apnoea, our dental team is here to support you with effective treatment options and compassionate care.

Our Holistic Approach

At Park St Dental Practice, we take a comprehensive and conservative approach to treating sleep-disordered breathing. We assess each patient individually and recommend tailored solutions to ensure the best outcomes with minimal invasiveness.

We are passionate about improving not only your sleep but also your overall health and quality of lifeand that of your family.

 

If you or your child experience loud snoring, restless sleep, or unexplained fatigue, don’t ignore the signs. Early diagnosis and treatment can make a lasting difference.

Contact Park St Dental Practice

today to book a veneers consultation and take the first step toward a brighter, more confident smile.

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