DENTAL SLEEP MEDICINE
Mandibular Advancement Devices: A Patient Guide
A customised mandibular advancement device (MAD), also called a mandibular advancement splint, is worn during sleep to hold the lower jaw forward. It may be appropriate for selected people with snoring or medically diagnosed obstructive sleep apnoea.
Before an appliance
A GP or sleep service should assess suspected obstructive sleep apnoea and agree the treatment pathway. Dental assessment then checks teeth, gums, restorations, jaw joints, bite and whether the appliance can retain safely. A dentist does not independently diagnose sleep apnoea.
Fitting, adjustment and review
Scans or impressions and a jaw record are used to make the device. At fitting, retention and comfort are checked. Advancement is adjusted gradually, balancing tolerance and response. The sleep team may arrange repeat objective testing; less snoring alone does not show that apnoea is controlled.
Possible effects
Temporary salivation, dry mouth, tooth tenderness and jaw discomfort can occur. Over time teeth and the bite can change, sometimes persistently. Regular dental review and ongoing sleep-service follow-up matter.