Mandibular advancement devices or anti-snoring appliances are dental devices worn to treat snoring disorders such as sleep apnoea.

What is sleep apnoea?

Sleep apnoea is a potentially serious sleep disorder that is caused by either blockages or narrowing of your airway or because your brain is not controlling your breathing properly by sending signals needed to breathe. Breathing is interrupted and restarted at various times during the night.

The lack of oxygen activates a survival reflex that makes you wake up just enough to breathe but interrupts your sleep cycle making you feel tired and putting stress on the heart potentially leading to serious problems.

If you snore loudly and feel tired after a night’s sleep, you might have sleep apnea.

What are the causes?

Obesity, changes in hormones, large tonsils and anything that could narrow and or block your airway can increase your risk of having sleep apnea.

What are the symptoms?

• Loud snoring
• Gasping, choking noises
• Waking up a lot during the night
• Episodes of stopped breathing during sleep
• Waking up with sore throat or dry mouth
• Headache in the morning
• Tiredness even after a suitable period of sleep

Is sleep apnoea a serious problem?

Sleep apnoea, if left untreated, can lead to serious medical conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and even glaucoma, and it may also increase your risk of death.

As a good night’s sleep is essential to restore our health, the lack of it can lead to severe drowsiness during the day, irritability, fatigue and poor concentration.

Treating Sleep Apnoea with Mandibular Advancement Devices

A mandibular advancement device (MAD) or snoring appliance is a custom-made dentist device worn in the mouth used to treat sleep-related breathing disorders including obstructive sleep apnoea, snoring, and TMJ disorders.

It works by moving the jaw and tongue forward only when using the device and that increases airway space and reduces throat constriction, preventing sleep apnea and snoring.

The mandibular advancement appliance is worn in the mouth during sleep and is designed to advance the lower jaw forward (mandibular advancement) to increase the space at the back of the throat, reducing snoring and improving airflow.

They are typically custom-made and fitted by a dentist specializing in sleep disorders or a sleep specialist.

After a consultation with one of our specialists, an intra oral scan of your mouth will be made and sent to the lab and the anti snoring device is usually ready within 2 weeks.

Effectiveness

• Snoring appliances are effective for individuals with snoring or mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnoea.
• They are a less invasive alternative to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines, the standard treatment for sleep apnoea.

Benefits of Dental Anti-Snoring Devices

• Improved sleep quality for both the individual and their sleep partner by reducing or eliminating snoring.
• Easier to use and more comfortable compared to CPAP machines, making compliance with treatment more likely.

Enquire below for more information on mandibular advancement devices and to arrange a consultation at our practice in Kensington. Or discover the other advanced dentistry services that we offer.