Sleep Apnoea and Snoring Treatment in Caboolture: Dental Solutions That Work.

If you snore loudly, wake up feeling exhausted despite a full night's sleep, or your partner has noticed you stop breathing during the night, you may have obstructive sleep apnoea; and your dentist may be able to help more than you realise.

At McCloy Dental, Dr Karen McCloy holds a Masters of Science in Sleep Medicine and is one of a small number of dentists in Queensland with the specialist knowledge to provide dental treatment for sleep-related breathing disorders. We work alongside sleep physicians to provide oral appliance therapy as an effective, non-invasive alternative to CPAP for suitable patients.

What is Sleep Apnoea?

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) occurs when the muscles at the back of the throat relax during sleep, causing the airway to narrow or close completely. This repeatedly interrupts your breathing, sometimes hundreds of times a night, preventing you from reaching deep, restorative sleep.

Left untreated, sleep apnoea is linked to a significantly higher risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, Type 2 diabetes, and mood disorders. It's a serious health condition, not just a snoring problem.

Signs You Might Have Sleep Apnoea 

•       Loud, persistent snoring

•       Waking with a dry mouth or sore throat

•       Waking with a headache

•       Excessive daytime tiredness or difficulty concentrating

•       Irritability or low mood

•       Partner reports pauses in your breathing during sleep

•       Frequent trips to the bathroom at night

•       Teeth grinding (bruxism)

You don't need to have every symptom. If two or three of these sound familiar, it's worth discussing with us.

Come and see us at McCloy Dental to learn more about how dental treatment can help you with

How can a dentist help?

The most common dental treatment for sleep apnoea is a Mandibular Advancement Device (MAD); a custom-fitted oral appliance worn during sleep that gently repositions the lower jaw forward to keep the airway open.

MADs are an evidence-based alternative to CPAP (the machine with the mask) for patients with mild to moderate OSA, or for patients who can't tolerate CPAP. Many patients find them far more comfortable and easier to travel with.

Because Dr Karen's expertise spans both sleep medicine and TMJ, she's also able to identify and treat cases where jaw structure or position is contributing to the airway problem; something most dentists and even many sleep physicians miss.

Our Process

Step 1 — Initial Consultation

We discuss your symptoms, sleep history, and any previous diagnosis. If you haven't yet had a sleep study, we can refer you to a sleep physician to get one done.

Step 2 — Assessment

We examine your jaw, airway, bite, and teeth to determine whether a MAD is appropriate for you and whether any underlying TMJ issues need to be addressed first.

Step 3 — Custom Appliance

Your device is custom-made to fit your teeth precisely — not a generic off-the-shelf solution. Fit and jaw position are carefully calibrated.

Step 4 — Follow-Up and Adjustment

We review your progress, adjust the device as needed, and liaise with your sleep physician or GP to track outcomes.

We Accept GP and Specialist Referrals 

If you're a GP, sleep physician, or specialist referring patients for dental management of sleep apnoea or bruxism, we welcome referrals. Dr Karen's postgraduate qualifications and active PhD research in orofacial pain make McCloy Dental a strong choice for complex or treatment-resistant cases.

Think you might have sleep apnoea? You don’t have to just put up with it.

Call us on 07 5495 7988 or book a consultation online. Patients travel from across Queensland, Sunshine Coast, and Brisbane for Dr Karen's specialist care.