An effective alternative to mask treatment for sleep apnoea and snoring — so you (and your partner) can finally get a good night's sleep.
Dr Quill has extensive experience in dental sleep medicine. He understands the nuances of airway anatomy, jaw positioning, and how to create appliances that work effectively without causing jaw problems.
We work collaboratively with sleep physicians, ensuring you receive comprehensive care that addresses both the medical and dental aspects of treatment.
Our approach is thorough, patient-centred, and focused on long-term success. We won't rush you through fittings or leave you to figure things out on your own — we're with you throughout the process, making adjustments and ensuring the treatment is actually improving your sleep and health.
If you snore loudly, wake up gasping for air, or feel exhausted despite spending 8 hours in bed, you might have obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) — a serious condition where your airway repeatedly collapses during sleep, cutting off your oxygen supply.
Sleep apnoea isn't just about snoring or disturbing your partner. Left untreated, it significantly increases your risk of:
The good news? Effective treatment exists, and it doesn't necessarily mean sleeping with a CPAP machine.
Dr Brendan Quill specialises in oral appliance therapy — a proven, comfortable alternative to CPAP that many patients find easier to use consistently. After years of helping Eastern Suburbs patients reclaim restful sleep, he's seen firsthand how life-changing proper treatment can be.
Oral appliance therapy uses a custom-fitted dental device (similar to a mouthguard or retainer) that you wear while sleeping. The appliance works by gently holding your lower jaw forward, which keeps your airway open and prevents the collapse that causes apnoea and snoring.
Think of it as creating a clear path for air to flow — no mask, no hose, no electricity required.
Why patients prefer oral appliances:
CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) is the gold standard treatment for severe sleep apnoea, and it works extremely well — when people actually use it. The problem? Many patients find CPAP masks uncomfortable, claustrophobic, or impractical, leading to poor compliance.
Oral appliances are ideal if you:
For severe sleep apnoea, CPAP is often still the most effective option. But for many patients with mild to moderate OSA, oral appliances deliver comparable results with much better compliance — and consistent treatment is what actually improves your health.
We're not here to talk you out of CPAP if it's working for you. But if you've struggled with it or never wanted to try it in the first place, oral appliance therapy might be exactly what you need.
You might be a good candidate if you:
Oral appliances work best for patients who:
During your consultation, we'll assess whether oral appliance therapy is right for your specific situation.
1. Initial consultation & assessment — We'll review your sleep study results (if you have one), discuss your symptoms, and examine your teeth, jaw, and airway. If you haven't had a sleep study, we can refer you to a sleep specialist for proper diagnosis — oral appliances are prescription devices that require a sleep apnoea diagnosis.
2. Custom device fitting — If you're a good candidate, we'll take detailed impressions or digital scans of your teeth to create a custom-fitted appliance. Unlike over-the-counter devices, custom appliances are precisely fitted to your mouth for maximum comfort and effectiveness.
3. Adjustment & calibration — At your fitting appointment, we'll ensure the appliance fits comfortably and adjust the jaw position to optimise airway opening. Fine-tuning is normal — we'll schedule follow-up visits to make adjustments as needed.
4. Follow-up & monitoring — After you've been using the appliance for a few months, we'll coordinate with your sleep physician for a follow-up sleep study to confirm the device is working effectively. We'll continue to monitor your progress and make adjustments to ensure optimal results.
5. Ongoing care — We'll see you periodically to check the appliance's condition, assess your bite and jaw health, and make sure the device continues working properly. With good care, oral appliances typically last 3–5 years before needing replacement.
You might have seen cheaper "boil and bite" snoring mouthpieces advertised online or in pharmacies. While these might reduce snoring in some people, they're not effective for treating sleep apnoea and often lead to jaw discomfort or tooth movement.
Custom-fitted oral appliances made by a dentist experienced in sleep medicine are:
This isn't just a snoring solution — it's medical treatment for a serious condition. Getting it right matters.
Most patients adjust to their oral appliance within a week or two. You might experience:
These effects typically resolve as you get used to the device. If discomfort persists, we'll adjust the appliance to improve comfort. The key is communication — let us know what you're experiencing so we can fine-tune the fit.
The vast majority of our patients find oral appliances far more comfortable than CPAP masks and actually look forward to better sleep rather than dreading bedtime.
When sleep apnoea is properly treated, patients notice:
One of Dr Quill's favourite moments is when patients return for follow-ups and report how much better they feel — partners are often equally thrilled.
We never want cost to stand between you and the care you need. We accept all health funds, with HICAPS claiming on the day so you only pay the balance — and flexible payment plans are available, just ask our team. CBHS members can also ask about in-practice claiming for routine exams, cleans and X-rays.
If you're tired of feeling tired — or if your partner is tired of your snoring — book a sleep apnoea consultation to discuss whether oral appliance therapy is right for you.
Practical, honest guidance from Dr Brendan Quill on the topics that matter for your care.
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