Dr Jason Pang from Cosmic Smile Laser Dental in Neutral Bay is the first dentist in NSW trained to perform a revolutionary new laser dental technique that can stop snoring and lessen the effects of sleep apnoea.

Snoring is a common problem affecting around 40 per cent of men and 30 per cent of women, according to Australia’s Sleep Health Foundation.

Some 50% of the patients that have come in for the snoring treatment were sleeping in separate rooms for at least part of the night. Apart from the negative effect it has on relationships, snoring can lead to fatigue, irritability and increased health problems.

Called NightLase, the laser treatment is performed in the dental chair with no downtime and no side effects. Used effectively and safely in Europe for many years, it has a high success rate in producing a positive change in sleep patterns.

Pierre du Plessis came to Cosmic Smile Laser Dental struggling with snoring, sleep apnoea and sleepless nights. He is already seeing results after just one NightLase treatment.

“I’m actually sleeping through the night now and waking up full of energy”, says Pierre. “My wife is over the moon as she is getting her first good night’s sleep in years”, he says.

The treatment works by using a laser light to tighten the bulky tissue at the roof of the mouth and near the tonsils, allowing the air to flow more freely, which in turn decreases snoring and sleep apnoea problems.

“NightLase brings about long term improvements in snoring without the need to wear a mouthpiece or any other device. There is no pain and no anaesthesia required. For the average patient we halve the snoring volume after one treatment, but in a few cases it has stopped altogether! I’ve been called a ‘miracle worker’ by my patient’s wife!”, says Dr Pang. “My patients simply walk-in, have the procedure and walk-out again, returning to their normal routine straight away”, he says.

Although benefits can be felt after the first treatment, the full effect is said to occur after the third treatment, where studies report a definite and long lasting improvement to snoring and sleep apnoea.