Do you snore regularly, wake during the night, or still feel tired after what should have been a full night’s sleep?

There can be many reasons for disrupted sleep, so symptoms like these don’t necessarily mean you have sleep apnoea. If you’re concerned about your sleep, getting the right assessment is an important place to start.

For people who have been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnoea, there are different ways the condition can be managed. While CPAP is an effective and important treatment for many people, a dental sleep appliance may be another option for some patients.

One of these appliances is called a Mandibular Advancement Splint (MAS).

What Is a Mandibular Advancement Splint?

A Mandibular Advancement Splint is a custom-made dental appliance worn while you sleep. You may also hear it called a sleep splint or dental sleep appliance.

It works by gently holding your lower jaw in a forward position, helping to keep your airway more open while you sleep.

Unlike CPAP, there’s no mask, tubing or machine. The appliance sits inside your mouth and is custom-made to fit your teeth.

For some people, its compact size can also make it a convenient option when travelling.

Who Might a Sleep Appliance Be Suitable For?

A MAS may be considered for some people diagnosed with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnoea.

It may also be an option in some circumstances for people who have had difficulty using CPAP.

That doesn’t mean a MAS is the right choice for everyone. The best approach depends on your diagnosis and individual circumstances, which is why an appropriate assessment is important.

If you’ve been searching for a mandibular advancement splint in Canberra, speaking with a professional is a good first step towards understanding whether this type of appliance may be suitable for you.

Do You Need a Sleep Study?

Ideally, a sleep study forms part of the process.

Some patients visit Mawson Dental Care after already having a sleep study organised through their doctor. Others come to us first, and we can help organise a sleep study where appropriate.

A sleep study helps provide a clearer picture of what’s happening while you’re asleep and whether sleep apnoea is present.

This is particularly important because symptoms such as snoring, waking frequently and daytime tiredness can have many different causes.

What Happens If a MAS Is Suitable for You?

If a Mandibular Advancement Splint is considered appropriate, the process is relatively straightforward.

At Mawson Dental Care, we take a digital scan of your teeth to create your custom appliance.

Their MAS appliances are made from nylon rather than the bulkier acrylic traditionally used for many sleep splints. This allows the appliance to be smaller and less bulky while remaining strong.

Once your appliance is fitted, we don’t simply send you on your way.

The MAS can be adjusted gradually to suit your individual needs, with follow-up appointments allowing us to check how you’re progressing.

In some cases, another sleep study may also be recommended to help assess how effectively the appliance is managing your sleep apnoea.

MAS or CPAP?

If you’re researching sleep apnoea treatment in Canberra, you may be wondering whether a dental appliance can replace a CPAP machine.

The answer depends on the individual.

CPAP remains an important and highly effective treatment for sleep apnoea and may be the most appropriate option for many people.

A MAS may be considered for some people with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnoea or in certain situations where someone has been unable to adapt to CPAP.

Some people who normally use CPAP may also discuss using a MAS for specific situations, such as travelling.

It’s not about one option being ‘better’ than the other. It’s about finding an appropriate approach based on your diagnosis and individual needs.

Want to Know More About Dental Sleep Appliances?

If you’ve been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnoea, have found CPAP difficult to use, or simply want to understand more about dental sleep appliances, we’re happy to have a conversation.

And if you’re concerned about your sleep but haven’t had a sleep study, you don’t need to work out the cause or treatment yourself. We can explain the process and help you understand the appropriate next steps.

At Mawson Dental Care, we provide custom-made mandibular advancement splints in Canberra, supported by digital scanning and ongoing care from our team.

Book a consultation to talk with the Mawson Dental Care team about sleep appliances and whether further assessment may be appropriate for you.

This article provides general information only and is not intended to diagnose a condition or recommend treatment for an individual. The suitability of a mandibular advancement splint depends on individual circumstances and appropriate professional assessment.