FAQs

What is an oral appliance for snoring or obstructive sleep apnoea?

The most common type of oral appliance used to treat snoring and obstructive sleep apnoea is known as a mandibular advancement splint (MAS). The MAS is comprised of two separate parts - one part fits over the top teeth, the other over the lower teeth - and an adjustable connector that joins these two parts together. They are worn in the mouth during sleep.

How do they work?

Mandibular advancement splints support breathing by holding the lower jaw, tongue and soft palate in a forward position during sleep. This keeps the airway space in the back of the throat open which decreases the vibrations that cause snoring and prevents the airway from collapsing. By keeping the airway open, the MAS will reduce or eliminate snoring and obstructive sleep apnoea.

What are the benefits to a MAS?

Mandibular advancement splints are small, portable devices which make no noise, are not reliant on a power source and often more acceptable to patients and their families. After an initial acclimatisation period the majority of people can use their MAS for the whole duration of their sleep and find them very comfortable.

What are the side effects of MAS therapy?

Mandibular advancement splints are generally a low risk device with minimal side effects. Initially there may be excessive or low saliva production, sensitivity around teeth and gums and tenderness from the jaw joint and muscles. There may also be some slight changes in the way your teeth fit together. In the majority of cases these bite changes go unnoticed and do not cause any issues with chewing, swallowing or speech. Over the longer term there may be a greater change in your bite, with the lower jaw coming more forward and the teeth sitting further apart. Certain face and jaw shapes are more prone to bite changes. This will be discussed during your initial consultation appointment. At Custom Sleep Solutions we provide you with a custom made morning repositioner which helps to avoid these bite changes.

Why choose a custom made device?

Just like your finger prints, no two mouths are the same. There are many different types of mandibular advancement splints and careful selection of appliance design is essential to suit the individual. There is no "one size fits all" appliance with studies consistently showing that a custom made, adjustable MAS is more successful than an over the counter appliance.

The recommendation from the Royal Australian College of GPs(1), the Australasian Sleep Association(2,3) and American Academy of Sleep Medicine(4) is to use this type of device for the treatment of snoring and OSA due to the comfort and compliance associated with a custom made, titratable MAS. Over the counter options may not be as effective and can cause severe jaw pain, damage to your gums and teeth, greater change in the position of your teeth and/or jaw and poorer sleep if not well fitted to your mouth.

At Custom Sleep Solutions we will assess the size, shape and position of your teeth and jaw and work with you to choose the optimal type of custom made, fully adjustable MAS for your needs.

Does MAS therapy work for everyone?

Studies have shown that MAS therapy is successful in 50%-80% of cases. MAS success is often increased when used in combination with other therapies. Due to the MAS fitting over the teeth it is essential to have sufficient teeth and good dental health to hold the MAS in position. At Custom Sleep Solutions we screen your oral health, jaw and airway and organise radiographs of your teeth and jaws to assess your suitability for an MAS prior to commencing any treatment.

Why choose Custom Sleep Solutions?

The Royal Australian College of GPs recommends that MAS appliances be fabricated by an experienced sleep medicine dentist with a Fellowship of Dental Sleep Medicine postgraduate qualification(1).

Dr Neela Nath - the director of Custom Sleep Solutions - has over 30 years of experience as a general dentist and more than 10 years of experience as a sleep medicine dentist She also holds a Fellowship in Dental Sleep Medicine making her one of the most knowledgeable and experienced dental professionals in this field.