Custom fit
The appliance is made from dental records of your teeth and bite rather than a one-size product.
Dental sleep medicine at Ivy Dental uses custom mandibular advancement devices for selected patients with medically assessed snoring or obstructive sleep apnoea. A current sleep study and medical diagnosis are required. Ivy Dental does not diagnose sleep apnoea and this service is not sedation dentistry.
Dental sleep medicine
Medical diagnosis first. Dental appliance second.
For selected patients, a custom mandibular advancement device may help manage snoring or obstructive sleep apnoea. We assess the teeth, bite, and jaw after a current sleep study and medical diagnosis.
This is not sedation dentistry. A sleep appliance is worn at night. Ivy Dental does not provide medication-based sedation for dental treatment.
Sleep studyFrom $1,600Shared care
Clinical team
Dental sleep medicine with relevant clinical experience.
Treatment planning starts with assessment. The profiles below are a starting point if you would like to read more about clinicians involved in this area of care. The right appointment depends on location, timing, and clinical need.
The clinical boundary
A dentist does not diagnose sleep apnoea.
Obstructive sleep apnoea is a medical condition. Your GP or sleep physician arranges the investigation, makes the diagnosis, and directs the medical treatment pathway. Ivy Dental's role is limited to dental suitability, device fitting, titration, and oral review.
- 01Start with a GP or sleep physician and a current sleep study.
- 02Bring the report and medical recommendation to the dental assessment.
- 03Confirm effectiveness medically when your sleep physician recommends it.
The appliance
A custom device worn during sleep.
A mandibular advancement device holds the lower jaw forward. This may increase airway space for selected patients, but it is not suitable for every type or severity of sleep-related breathing disorder.
Adjustable position
The lower-jaw position can be advanced gradually to balance comfort and the prescribed therapeutic goal.
Dental monitoring
Reviews check fit, tooth and gum health, jaw comfort, wear, and any bite change.
Medical confirmation
Symptom improvement alone does not prove that obstructive sleep apnoea is controlled. Medical follow-up may include repeat testing.
Suitability
Diagnosis is only one part of the decision.
The sleep result, medical recommendation, teeth, gums, jaw joints, bite, and ability to maintain the device all affect suitability.
May be considered for
- Selected mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnoea
- Selected patients who cannot tolerate CPAP
- Medically assessed primary snoring after OSA is considered
- People with enough healthy teeth or other suitable support
May not be suitable for
- Severe OSA when the medical team recommends CPAP or another pathway
- No current sleep study or diagnosis
- Central sleep apnoea
- Active dental disease, limited support, or jaw-joint problems that make advancement inappropriate
Your sleep physician directs medical treatment. The dentist assesses whether the mouth and jaw can safely support the prescribed appliance pathway.
The Ivy standard
One pathway, two clinical roles.
Sleep medicine works best when the medical and dental responsibilities stay clear and the information moves between them.
- 01Medical diagnosis
Your GP or sleep physician diagnoses the condition and directs the medical plan.
- 02Dental suitability
Ivy Dental assesses whether a mandibular advancement device is safe and practical for your mouth and jaw.
- 03Measured follow-up
Dental reviews monitor oral effects, while medical follow-up assesses the sleep disorder.
Shared-care process
From sleep study to measured review.
The sequence matters because an appliance should follow diagnosis, not substitute for it.
GP or sleep physician
MedicalA current sleep study is arranged and interpreted. The diagnosis, severity, and medical treatment options are discussed.
Dental assessment
Ivy DentalWe review the report and assess teeth, gums, jaw joints, bite, and dental suitability.
Records and fabrication
If suitableDigital scans or impressions and a bite record are used to prescribe the custom device.
Fitting and titration
DentalWe check fit, explain insertion and cleaning, and adjust the position gradually as appropriate.
Dental and medical review
OngoingIvy Dental monitors oral effects. Your medical practitioner may arrange follow-up testing to assess effectiveness.
Ongoing review
Comfort is not the only outcome.
A useful review looks at both oral health and whether the medical condition is being managed as intended.
Jaw comfort
Stiffness, pain, clicking, restricted movement, and morning symptoms are reviewed.
Teeth and gums
We monitor pressure points, looseness, sensitivity, gum irritation, and cleaning.
Bite position
Morning bite changes can occur, and longer-term tooth movement or occlusal change is possible.
Sleep outcome
Your sleep physician decides whether symptoms, device data, or repeat sleep testing are needed to confirm effectiveness.
Indicative fees
Separate the dental and medical costs.
The Ivy Dental fee covers the custom device pathway described below. Sleep studies, medical appointments, and external provider fees are arranged separately.
Custom mandibular advancement device
From $1,600Includes the device, fitting, and initial titration adjustments.
Sleep study
Via your medical providerArranged and billed separately through your GP, sleep physician, or sleep service.
Initial titration
IncludedDental adjustments during the initial fitting pathway.
What can change the quote
- Device prescription and laboratory requirements
- Dental treatment needed before a device is suitable
- Additional reviews, repairs, or replacement
- Medical investigation and follow-up outside Ivy Dental
Payment context
Some health funds may rebate a mandibular advancement device under extras cover. Benefits depend on the fund, policy, item number, waiting periods, and limits.
Payment plans may be available to approved applicants. They do not change clinical suitability.
Before booking
No sleep study yet? Start with your GP.
If you already have a current report and medical diagnosis, book a dental sleep assessment and bring the documents with you.
- 01Bring the sleep study report and any recommendation from your GP or sleep physician.
- 02Bring your CPAP or previous appliance history if relevant.
- 03Tell us about jaw pain, dental concerns, medicines, and relevant medical conditions.
- 04Expect a dental suitability assessment, not a new medical diagnosis.
Honest expectations
An appliance has benefits, side effects, and limits.
It may be a useful treatment for selected patients, but it does not cure every cause of snoring and it should not replace medically recommended care without medical review.
Possible side effects
- Jaw stiffness, tenderness, or joint symptoms
- Tooth sensitivity, gum irritation, dry mouth, or excess saliva
- Morning bite change and possible longer-term tooth movement
- Device wear, breakage, fit change, or need for adjustment
Important limits
- Ivy Dental does not diagnose obstructive sleep apnoea
- The device is not appropriate for every severity or type of sleep disorder
- Symptom improvement does not confirm control of OSA
- Severe OSA may require CPAP or another medical pathway
Common questions
Answers before you book.
These are general answers. Advice and treatment depend on an individual assessment.
What is dental sleep medicine?
At Ivy Dental, dental sleep medicine means assessing and fitting a custom mandibular advancement device for selected patients with a medically assessed sleep-related breathing problem. The appliance holds the lower jaw forward during sleep and may reduce airway obstruction or snoring.
Is this sedation dentistry?
No. Dental sleep medicine and sedation dentistry are unrelated. A sleep appliance is worn at night to help manage a sleep-related breathing disorder. Sedation uses medication during a procedure. Ivy Dental does not offer sedation dentistry.
Do I need a sleep study first?
Yes. Ivy Dental requires a current sleep study and medical diagnosis before assessing oral-appliance suitability for obstructive sleep apnoea. Your GP or sleep physician arranges and interprets the medical investigation. Ivy Dental does not diagnose sleep apnoea.
Can an oral appliance replace CPAP?
That decision belongs with your treating medical practitioner or sleep physician. Oral appliances may be considered for selected mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnoea, or when CPAP is not tolerated. CPAP remains standard treatment for many people with severe OSA.
How much does a mandibular advancement device cost?
Custom oral-appliance therapy at Ivy Dental starts from $1,600. This includes the device, fitting, and initial titration. Medical consultations, sleep studies, and any external provider fees are separate.
What side effects are possible?
Jaw stiffness, tooth tenderness, salivation changes, dry mouth, gum irritation, and morning bite changes can occur, especially early on. Longer-term tooth movement or bite change is possible. Reviews help monitor comfort, jaw health, fit, and occlusion.
How do we know whether it is working?
Symptoms and comfort are reviewed at Ivy Dental, but effectiveness for obstructive sleep apnoea should be confirmed medically. Your sleep physician may recommend a repeat sleep study with the appliance in place.
Choose a clinic
Available at Everton Park and Nundah.
Both clinics are open 7 days. Choose the location that works best for your assessment and follow-up care.
Ivy Dental Brisbane
Everton Park
471 South Pine Road
Mon to Fri 8am to 5pm · Sat and Sun 9am to 5pmBook at Everton ParkIvy Dental Brisbane
Nundah
20 Nellie Street
Mon to Fri 8am to 5pm · Sat and Sun 9am to 5pmBook at NundahA clearer first step
Bring the medical answer to the dental assessment.
If you have a current sleep study and diagnosis, we can assess whether your teeth, bite, and jaw are suitable for a custom oral appliance.
Have results? Book assessmentCall (07) 3266 7120No current sleep study? Start with your GP or sleep physician.