Mandibular Advancement Device

Quick answer

What is a mandibular advancement device?

A mandibular advancement device is a custom oral appliance worn at night. It holds the lower jaw slightly forward to help keep the airway open during sleep. It is made from dental impressions and adjusted over the course of follow-up.

• No electricity, no mask and no noise; it travels in a small case.
• It is recommended based on the diagnosis established by a physician.
• Follow-up visits adjust the advancement and check comfort.

oral appliance for the treatment of sleep apnea and snoring

Discover

the mandibular advancement device

Small / effective / custom-made / adjustable / discreet / silent

Here is an example of a mandibular advancement device (MAD), the Somnodent AVANT, which we often use to manage snoring and sleep apnea. This device consists of two "trays" molded for each dental arch, connected by a strap that passively holds the lower arch in an advanced position. Thus, by pushing the lower tray forward, the lower jaw is advanced, and in doing so, the upper airways behind the tongue are cleared, allowing air to pass through and preventing the occurrence of apnea or hypopnea during sleep. A set of straps of different sizes allows for very precise adjustment of the advancement amount.

Jaw Advancement

Jaw advancement gradually moves the lower jaw (mandible) and tongue forward to clear the upper airway and facilitate airflow by eliminating obstruction caused by the tongue.

Custom-made

The device is custom-made from models of your dentition. It consists of splints fitted to the teeth of each arch and articulated by a mechanism that allows for precise and progressive advancement of the mandible until a comfortable position that reduces apneas is achieved.

Mild or Moderate Apnea

These devices are primarily indicated for individuals with mild or moderate apnea. The treatment of choice for severe sleep apnea patients remains CPAP, but an advancement appliance can serve as a complement in certain cases.

Less Adjustment Effort

MADs are not as effective as CPAP, but they require less adjustment effort and can be useful for people who have difficulty tolerating CPAP.

A Complement

A MAD does not replace CPAP but can serve as a complement in the treatment of sleep apnea. It is important to remember that sleep apnea cannot be cured but can be treated.

Practical

MADs are also ideal when a person suffering from OSA cannot use a CPAP, such as when travelling (work, trips, etc.), or finds it impossible to adapt to wearing a CPAP . Some patients experience difficulty using CPAP consistently. Anyone having trouble tolerating treatment should discuss the situation with their physician or sleep professional before making changes.

Sleep Test

Once an OAM has been used for a period of time, another polysomnography (sleep test) will check if this device is effective for treating your apneas.

Consult your professionals

The dentist or orthodontist will determine if your dentition and bite allow for the use of an OAM, but it will be the sleep specialist physician (often a pulmonologist) who will diagnose sleep apnea and confirm that your case would benefit from the use of a mandibular advancement device.