Anti-Snoring Device (Mandibular Advancement Device)
Snoring and obstructive sleep apnoea are sleep-related breathing conditions that can affect your overall wellbeing. It can deteriorate physical and mental health if left untreated.
Snoring occurs when air can’t flow easily through your nose or mouth during sleep. The blockage in the upper airway causes soft tissues to vibrate as air passes through. While mild or occasional snoring isn’t a cause for concern, chronic snoring can be a warning sign of sleep apnoea.
Sleep Apnoea or Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) is a medical sleep disorder that occurs when people stop breathing during sleep due to airway obstruction in the airway caused by collapsing muscles. Each pause in breathing causes brief awakenings throughout the night. This cycle can repeat multiple times, resulting in poor sleep quality, daytime tiredness and other health concerns. A sleep study done by a health care provider determines the severity of apnoea from mild , moderate or severe.
Snoring and mild to moderate sleep apnoea can be treated using a Mandibular Advancement Splint, also called as Mandibular Advancement Device or OralAppliance
Mandibular Advancement Splint (MAS) or Mandibular Advancement Devices (MAD)
A mandibular advancement splint (MAS) is a dental device worn at night to reduce or eliminate snoring and to treat mild to moderate sleep apnoea.It works by repositioning the lower jaw (mandible) and tongue forward and maintains this posture overnight, which in turn helps to keep the upper airway open and prevent collapse. These devices can effectively reduce loud snoring by reducing the vibrations that occur due to collapsed airwayto ensure comfortable and quality sleep.
For management of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea, dentist in Hope Island recommend combination therapy in conjunction with your GP or Sleep specialist to achieve the best treatment outcome.
Custom-made vs Over The Counter Device
The main difference between custom-made and over the counter, also called Boil and Bite device is comfort and precision. Our dentist in Hope Island will perform a 3D scan of the mouth using the latest scanning technology and devices are made in lab to fit the mouth accurately. This increases the comfort and efficacy of the device and hence compliance from the patient.
Procedure to make the Mandibular Advancement Device/Anti-snoring Device
- 1) Examining the patient to check if they are a suitable candidate for the oral appliance.
- 2) Discussing benefits and risks of using the appliance.
- 3) If patient and dentist agree to go ahead with making the device, performing a 3D scan, which is sent to the lab to make a custom built appliance, for a better fit and comfort as compared to over the counter products.
- 4) Fitting the appliance after 2-3 weeks and providing usage instructions.
- 5) Recalls to monitor the progress and efficiency of the device.
If you are seeking a non-invasive and effective solution to snoring and mild to moderate sleep apnoea, MAS/MAD can be a perfect option. Make sure you consult with your dentist in Hope Island or a sleep specialist to explore the suitability of these devices for a quality and quieter sleep.
