Dr Ben Abbott
DENTIST & SLEEP DENTIST
Dr Ben Abbott is a highly experienced dental practitioner with more than a decade of experience using mandibular advancement splints to help patients experiencing snoring and obstructive sleep apnoea.
Before practicing in Australia, Ben spent 10 years working at Sleep Wise Clinic in the UK, where he developed extensive experience in dental sleep medicine and the use of mandibular advancement splints.
Ben finds sleep dentistry an incredibly rewarding area of practice, particularly because effective treatment can have a meaningful impact not only on a patient’s sleep and quality of life, but also on those they share their lives with.
Sleep Dentistry for Snoring & Obstructive Sleep Apnoea
Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and snoring are common and often under-diagnosed conditions that can have a significant impact on sleep, daytime wellbeing and quality of life for both patients and those close to them.
Snoring occurs when airflow causes tissues in the upper airway to vibrate during sleep. While snoring alone does not necessarily mean you have sleep apnoea, persistent or disruptive snoring can sometimes be a sign that the airway is becoming narrowed during sleep.
OSA occurs when the airway repeatedly narrows or closes during sleep, causing breathing to reduce or temporarily stop. These interruptions can occur many times throughout the night, disrupting normal sleep and reducing oxygen levels.
People with OSA may experience loud snoring, waking or gasping during the night, morning headaches, dry mouth, poor concentration and excessive daytime tiredness. Some people have few obvious symptoms and may only become aware of the problem when a partner notices changes in their breathing while they sleep.
Identifying and appropriately managing OSA is important, as untreated sleep apnoea is associated with broader health risks as well as its effects on sleep, energy and day-to-day wellbeing.
Mandibular Advancement Splints for Better Sleep
Mandibular advancement splints (MAS) are custom-made dental appliances used in the management of snoring and obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA).
Worn while you sleep, an MAS gently holds the lower jaw in a forward position, helping to keep the airway open and improve airflow. They have a strong evidence base and a long history of clinical use, and can be an effective treatment option for appropriately selected patients.
Modern mandibular advancement splints are compact, portable and easy to use, with high rates of patient acceptance. Advances in digital scanning and 3D manufacturing also mean appliances can be precisely fitted without the need for traditional dental impressions.
Our sleep dentistry service provides assessment, custom fitting and ongoing management of mandibular advancement splints, with a focus on evidence-based care and making the process as straightforward and comfortable as possible.
