Are you tired of restless nights and the constant disruption of snoring? At Thames Street Dental, we understand the importance of quality sleep and offer effective solutions tailored to your needs. One such solution is the mandibular advancement device (MAD), a comfortable and convenient oral appliance designed to improve your sleep and overall well-being. In this post we explain how a MAD can help you achieve a more peaceful and rejuvenating night’s sleep.
A mandibular advancement device, often referred to as a MAD, is a dental appliance designed to treat snoring and sleep apnoea. This oral device fits comfortably in your mouth, much like a sports mouthpiece, and gently repositions your lower jaw forward during sleep. By bringing the lower jaw forward, the MAD increases the space in your upper airway. This increase in space helps to reduce the collapse that can happen, preventing the throat from narrowing and causing the snoring and sleep apnoea episodes. It is one of many dental devices used to treat sleep and sleep-related issues.
Our Kingston dental team provides custom-fitted MADs, designed for both comfort and effectiveness, ensuring a snug fit and optimal jaw position. Visit our dental treatments page to explore how our expertise can support your sleep health.
The way a MAD works is by gently moving the lower jaw forward, which, in turn, moves the tongue forward as well. This mandibular repositioning action helps to keep the airway open throughout the night, ensuring a more consistent airflow. By preventing the airway from collapsing, the MAD significantly reduces snoring and sleep apnoea episodes, allowing for deeper, more restful sleep. This improved breathing can lead to better oxygen levels and a decrease in daytime fatigue, improving overall health and well-being. A healthcare professional can help you decide if a MAD is right for you.
There are generally two types of MADs available:
| Type of MAD | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Custom-made MADs | Created from an impression of your teeth, ensuring a precise fit. Often recommended by a sleep specialist or dentist. |
| Adjustable MADs | Allow for incremental adjustments, enabling you to fine-tune the device. Some models have interchangeable parts or screws for adjustment. |
Our dentists offer professional fitting and regular dental check-ups to fine-tune your MAD for long-term success.
Snoring can significantly impact the quality of your sleep, affecting both you and your partner. Frequent snoring disrupts sleep cycles, preventing you from reaching the deeper, more restorative stages of sleep. This sleep deprivation can lead to daytime fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and irritability. In addition, chronic snoring can contribute to more severe health issues. A mandibular advancement device can improve sleep quality by keeping the airway open, allowing for more restful sleep throughout the night, and help you improve your sleep cycle. Consult a sleep specialist or a dentist to check for sleep apnoea and snoring.
If your partner complains of your snoring or you wake up feeling tired, it could be time to explore a snoring treatment in Kingston. Book a consultation today to see how a MAD can help.
Snoring is often associated with sleep apnoea, particularly obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a condition characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep. When the airway becomes blocked, it leads to reduced oxygen levels and frequent awakenings. A mandibular advancement device (MAD) can be an effective treatment option for mild to moderate OSA by moving the lower jaw forward, which helps to keep the airway open and reduce episodes of apnea. If left untreated, OSA can lead to high blood pressure and heart disease. Anti-snoring devices can help improve your sleep.
Diagnosing sleep disorders like sleep apnoea typically involves a comprehensive evaluation by a sleep specialist. This may include a review of your medical history, a physical examination, and a sleep study, also known as polysomnography. During a sleep study, your breathing, heart rate, brain activity, and oxygen levels are monitored throughout the night. Based on the results, the sleep specialist can determine the severity of your condition and recommend the most appropriate treatment options, which may include a mandibular advancement device (MAD), CPAP therapy, or other interventions. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional to ensure you receive an accurate diagnosis.
Choosing a mandibular advancement device (MAD) as a treatment for snoring and sleep apnoea offers several advantages. MADs are non-invasive, easy to wear, and can significantly improve your sleep quality. Unlike CPAP masks, MADs are compact and portable, making them convenient for travel. Many patients find MADs more comfortable than other treatment options because they are custom-made to fit your mouth and allow for natural movement. They reduce snoring and treat obstructive sleep apnea, leading to better oxygen levels and decreased daytime fatigue. A consultation with a sleep specialist or dentist can help you determine if a MAD is the right choice for you.
MADs are discreet, travel-friendly, and custom-fitted by your local Kingston dentist. Learn more about our gentle dentistry approach and why patients across KT1, KT2, Surbiton, and Hampton Wick trust us with their oral and sleep health.
When considering treatment options for snoring and sleep apnoea, it’s essential to compare MADs with other methods like CPAP therapy and surgery. CPAP machines are highly effective for treating obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), but some patients find the mask uncomfortable and cumbersome. Surgery is typically reserved for severe cases and carries inherent risks. MADs offer a less invasive alternative, treating mild to moderate OSA by moving the lower jaw forward and keeping the airway open. While CPAP is often the gold standard, MADs are a comfortable and effective option for many, especially those who find CPAP intolerable. We can help find the best results for you.
Before using a mandibular advancement device (MAD), it’s important to consider your tooth and jaw health. Dental devices like MADs can sometimes cause discomfort or changes in your bite. It’s essential to have a thorough dental examination to ensure your teeth and gums are healthy. In some cases, MADs can lead to temporomandibular joint (jaw) muscle soreness. Regular checkup appointments with your dentist are crucial to monitor any side effects and make necessary adjustments. Your dentist can improve the fit and effectiveness of the device, ensuring it doesn’t negatively impact your dental health.
To maximise the benefits of your mandibular advancement device (MAD), it’s crucial to wear it properly. Follow your dentist’s instructions carefully when inserting and removing the device. The MAD should comfortably fit in your mouth without causing excessive discomfort. Initially, you may experience some soreness or increased salivation, but this usually subsides with time. Gradually adjust the device as directed by your dentist to achieve the optimal lower jaw forward position. Wearing your MAD throughout the night is essential for it to effectively treat snoring and sleep apnoea. If you have any concerns or questions, consult your dentist or sleep specialist.
Proper care and maintenance of your oral appliance are essential to ensure its longevity and effectiveness. Here’s a summary of key maintenance steps:
| Action | Details |
|---|---|
| Cleaning | Clean your mandibular advancement device (MAD) daily using a soft toothbrush and mild soap. Avoid using hot water. |
| Storage | Store your MAD in a clean, dry case when not in use to prevent damage. |
Regularly inspect your device for any signs of wear and tear, such as cracks or breaks. Depending on the material and usage, your MAD may need replacement after one to two years. Following these guidelines will help you maintain your device and continue to improve your sleep quality.
Visit our dental hygiene and scale & polish page to keep your mouth in top condition for oral appliances.
Achieving the right fit and making necessary adjustments are crucial for the effectiveness of your mandibular advancement device (MAD). Your dentist will take an impression of your teeth to create a custom-made device. During follow-up appointments, your dentist will assess the fit and make incremental adjustments to optimise its performance. Some adjustable MADs have screws or interchangeable parts that allow for precise mandibular repositioning. The goal is to find the most comfortable and effective position for your lower jaw forward, maximizing airflow and reducing snoring and sleep apnoea episodes. Don’t hesitate to communicate any discomfort or concerns to your dentist during the fitting process.
At Thames Street Dental, we support patients suffering from snoring, poor sleep, or mild sleep apnoea with dental devices that make a real difference. If you’re seeking a snoring solution near Kingston or a non-invasive alternative to CPAP, a custom MAD could be your answer.
📍 Conveniently located in the heart of Kingston upon Thames, we welcome patients from Surbiton, Hampton, New Malden, and all across the KT1–KT6 areas.
➡️ Book your appointment now or learn more about our dental team.
0208 546 6 546
