Mandibular Advancement Splint (MAS) for Sleep Apnoea
A Mandibular Advancement Splint (MAS) is a custom-made dental appliance designed to help people with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and snoring. Worn while you sleep, it gently moves your lower jaw forward to keep your airway open, allowing you to breathe more easily throughout the night.
What is Obstructive Sleep Apnoea?
Obstructive Sleep apnoea is a condition where your breathing repeatedly stops and starts while you are asleep. These interruptions can occur dozens or even hundreds of times each night, reducing the amount of oxygen your body receives.
Untreated sleep apnoea can contribute to a range of health problems, including:
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Type 2 diabetes
- Daytime fatigue
- Poor concentration
- Increased risk of motor vehicle accidents
Many people with sleep apnoea are unaware they have the condition until a partner notices loud snoring or pauses in breathing. Not everyone with sleep apnoea snores or has obvious symptoms so it is important to get assessed properly.
Risk Factors for Sleep Apnoea
Several factors can increase your risk of developing obstructive sleep apnoea, including:
- Being overweight or obese
- A narrow airway or small jaws
- A retruded (set-back) lower jaw
- A large tongue
- Smoking
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Nasal obstruction or difficulty breathing through the nose
- Family history of sleep apnoea
What is a Mandibular Advancement Splint?
A Mandibular Advancement Splint (MAS) is a custom-made dental device worn every night while sleeping.
It consists of two precisely fitted trays that fit over your upper and lower teeth. The appliance holds your lower jaw in a forward position, which helps:
- Keep your airway open
- Prevent your tongue from falling backwards
- Reduce snoring
- Improve airflow while sleeping
- Reduce episodes of obstructive sleep apnoea
Because every mouth is different, each MAS is individually designed for a precise fit and maximum comfort.
Am I Suitable for a Mandibular Advancement Splint?
Before having a mandibular advancement splint made, you’ll first need a sleep assessment and sleep study. Your dental professional can refer you for a sleep study and this sleep study will be reported on by a Sleep Physician as well.
A specialist Sleep Physician will review your results and determine:
- Whether you have sleep apnoea
- The severity of your condition
- The most appropriate treatment option
If your sleep physician recommends a mandibular advancement splint, your dentist can then assess whether you are dentally suitable for treatment.
What is the Process of Getting a Mandibular Advancement Splint?
Comprehensive Dental Examination
Your dentist will perform a thorough examination, including X-rays if required, to ensure your teeth and gums are healthy. Your dentist will also need to ensure that you do not have any jaw dysfunction or pain.
Any dental problems such as jaw dysfunction/pain, cavities, infections or gum disease should be treated before making your appliance.
Digital Scans or Dental Impressions
Once your mouth is healthy, digital scans or impressions of your teeth are taken.
Your dentist will also record your bite in several positions to determine the ideal amount of jaw advancement.
Manufacture of Your Custom Snoring Guard
Your records are sent to a specialised dental laboratory where your custom mandibular advancement splint is carefully fabricated. Our preferred material of choice is 3D-printed Nylon.
Fitting and Adjustments
Once your sleep apnoea appliance is ready, your dentist will fit it and ensure it is comfortable.
Several review appointments may be needed to gradually adjust the jaw position until the best balance between comfort and effectiveness is achieved.
It is important to wear your splint every night. Teeth naturally move over time, and long periods without wearing the appliance may affect its fit.
Are There Any Risks or Side Effects?
Most patients adapt well to wearing a mandibular advancement splint.
Some temporary side effects may include:
- Jaw stiffness
- Jaw muscle soreness
- Increased saliva
- Dry mouth
- Mild tooth discomfort
Long-term use may slowly change your bite by moving the lower jaw and teeth. This can occasionally result in an open bite affecting the back teeth.
Although this is a recognised risk, the health benefits of treating obstructive sleep apnoea generally outweigh the potential changes to your bite. Your dentist will monitor your teeth and jaw during regular reviews.
What Are the Alternatives to a Mandibular Advancement Splint?
Depending on the severity of your sleep apnoea, alternative treatments may include:
- CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure)
- Weight loss
- Sleeping position therapy
- Surgery
- Treatment of nasal obstruction by an ENT specialist
- Lifestyle changes such as reducing alcohol intake and quitting smoking
Your Sleep Physician will recommend the treatment that best suits your individual condition.
Are Snoring guards Effective?
For patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnoea, mandibular advancement splints are often highly effective provided their mouth/jaw is also suitable for it.
They can:
- Reduce snoring
- Improve sleep quality
- Reduce daytime tiredness
- Improve oxygen levels during sleep
- Be more comfortable than CPAP for many patients
The key to successful treatment is ensuring the appliance is professionally made, correctly fitted and regularly reviewed.
Book a consultation today to find out whether a mandibular advancement splint is the right treatment for your sleep apnoea.
*Please note: All MAS treatments are currently performed by Dr Daniella Lim.
We look after more than teeth!
Common Dental Problems
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Mandibular Advancement device cost?
The cost of a mandibular advancement splint varies depending on the type of appliance, the complexity of the case and number of adjustment appointments. In most cases, treatment is upwards of $2,000. We can provide a personalised quote following your consultation.
Do I need a sleep study before getting a mandibular advancement splint?
Yes. A sleep study and assessment by a Sleep Physician are essential before treatment. This confirms the diagnosis and determines whether a mandibular advancement splint is appropriate.
Can a dentist diagnose sleep apnoea?
Dentists are very well placed to recognise signs and symptoms of sleep apnoea, but the diagnosis must be made by a Sleep Physician after a sleep study.
Is a mandibular advancement splint better than CPAP?
For mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnoea, many patients find a mandibular advancement splint easier to wear than CPAP. However, CPAP remains the gold standard for severe sleep apnoea.
How long does a mandibular advancement splint last?
With proper care and regular dental reviews, a custom mandibular advancement splint typically lasts several years.
