Anti-Snoring Devices in Dentistry: How Mandibular Advancement Devices May Help

Snoring is common. It may affect your sleep, your partner’s sleep, and how rested you feel during the day. For some people, a dental device may help reduce snoring by gently changing the position of the lower jaw while they sleep.

This is part one of our four-article health series, built around a simple message: understand your health, act early, get clear advice.

If you are looking for an anti-snoring device in Rugby, it is helpful to understand what these devices do, when they may be suitable, and when snoring could be a sign of something that needs medical assessment.

What is a mandibular advancement device?

A mandibular advancement device, often shortened to MAD, is a custom-made mouthpiece worn at night.

It fits over your teeth and holds your lower jaw slightly forward while you sleep. This may help create more space at the back of your mouth and throat, making the airway less likely to narrow.

When the airway becomes narrower during sleep, the surrounding tissues can vibrate as air passes through. This vibration is the sound we know as snoring. By supporting the jaw in a forward position, a MAD may reduce this vibration.

“Simple idea, carefully fitted for your needs.”

A mandibular advancement device is not the same as a standard sports mouthguard or an over-the-counter gum shield. A dental professional assesses whether your teeth, gums and jaw are suitable before arranging a device.

How may a MAD help with snoring?

During sleep, the muscles in your throat naturally relax. In some people, this allows the airway to become narrower. Sleeping on your back, drinking alcohol before bed, nasal congestion, weight changes and other factors may also affect snoring.

A MAD gently holds the lower jaw forward. This can also help keep the tongue from falling backwards towards the throat. The aim is to support a more open airway and reduce the amount of soft tissue vibration.

The experience is different for every person. Some people notice a clear reduction in snoring. Others may notice only a small change, or may find that a different approach is needed.

A MAD does not guarantee that snoring will stop. Its effectiveness varies from person to person.

Ordinary snoring or possible sleep apnoea?

Not all snoring means that you have sleep apnoea. Ordinary snoring can be disruptive, but breathing usually continues.

Sleep apnoea is different. The most common form, obstructive sleep apnoea, happens when breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. It may affect your sleep quality and your health if it is not diagnosed and treated.

Please speak to your GP or another qualified healthcare professional if you, or someone who sleeps near you, notices:

• Pauses in breathing during sleep.

• Gasping, snorting or choking noises.

• Waking frequently during the night.

• Very loud or disruptive snoring.

• Excessive daytime sleepiness.

• Difficulty concentrating.

• Morning headaches or waking feeling unrefreshed.

It can be difficult to notice these signs yourself. A partner, family member or friend may be the first person to mention them.

If sleep apnoea is suspected, your GP may arrange further assessment, which can include an overnight sleep test. This helps identify whether sleep apnoea is present and how severe it may be.

An anti-snoring device is not a cure for sleep apnoea. It should not replace diagnosis, medical advice or recommended treatment.

A mandibular advancement device may be considered as part of sleep apnoea care for some patients, but this decision should be made after appropriate assessment. Other treatments, including CPAP, may be recommended depending on your circumstances.

For general information, you can read the NHS guidance on sleep apnoea.

How dentistry can contribute

Dentistry has an important role in the safe assessment and fitting of a MAD.

A dentist can check:

• The health of your teeth and gums.

• Whether you have enough suitable teeth to support the device.

• Your bite and how your jaw moves.

• Any history of jaw discomfort or jaw joint problems.

• Whether a device may be suitable for your needs.

• How the device should be adjusted and reviewed.

At DermDental, we use plain-English explanations. We will talk through what the device does, what you may feel at first, and what follow-up care involves.

Our dentists use mandibular advancement devices such as Somnowell and Panthera Sleep, where clinically appropriate. The choice of device depends on your dental health, jaw, comfort, treatment needs and the clinical assessment.

You can learn more about these device options through the Somnowell website and Panthera Sleep. These links provide manufacturer information. Your suitability still needs to be assessed by a qualified healthcare professional.

What to expect at a dental assessment

Your first appointment is an opportunity to ask questions and understand your choices. It is not a commitment to have a device.

We may discuss:

Some people experience temporary tooth or jaw discomfort, extra saliva, dry mouth or morning stiffness when they first start wearing a MAD. These symptoms should be discussed with your dentist, particularly if they continue or become troublesome.

Regular reviews matter because long-term use can sometimes affect the way your teeth meet. A dental professional can monitor this and check that the device remains suitable.

Referrals for dental X-rays and CBCT scans

If dental imaging is needed for your care, DermDental accepts referrals for dental X-rays and CBCT scans.

These scans may help qualified professionals assess dental structures and the jaw when clinically required. We will explain why imaging may be recommended and what the process involves.

Is a MAD suitable for everyone?

No. A mandibular advancement device does not suit every person.

Suitability may be affected by the condition of your teeth and gums, the number of teeth available to support the appliance, jaw comfort, existing dental treatment and whether sleep apnoea has been assessed.

A device bought online or selected without a proper assessment may not fit correctly or provide the support you need. It may also delay the diagnosis of sleep apnoea.

The safest approach is to get clear advice first.

“Your comfort, dental health and wider health all matter.”

Support in the heart of Rugby

DermDental provides patient-focused dental care from our convenient location in Rugby town centre.

Our team has more than 30 years of combined clinical experience across dermatology and dentistry. We are registered, regulated and committed to continued professional development.

Most importantly, we take time to explain your options without unnecessary jargon. Whether you are asking about an anti-snoring device in Rugby, a mandibular advancement device, dental imaging or another aspect of your dental health, we want you to feel informed and comfortable.

You can explore our dental services, meet our clinicians, or contact DermDental to discuss whether an assessment may be appropriate for you.

If you are concerned about possible sleep apnoea, please contact your GP or a qualified healthcare professional first. If you have already received appropriate advice and would like to explore dental support, our team will be happy to talk through the next steps.

Clear information, explained simply, for the Rugby community.