A snoring splint, also known as a Mandibular Advancement Device (MAD), is a type of dental splint that is worn during sleep to relieve snoring and mild to moderate sleep apnea. It moves the lower jaw and tongue forward, clearing the airway. This can help to reduce snoring and improve breathing during sleep. The MAD is customized by a dentist or doctor and worn during sleep. It is considered a non-invasive treatment option and can be an effective alternative to a CPAP machine for mild to moderate sleep apnea. MADs are often more comfortable to wear than CPAP, and some sufferers find that they reduce snoring more effectively.
Numerous studies have shown that snoring splints can effectively reduce the number of apneas (pauses in breathing) and hypopneas (shallow breathing) in people with OSA. However, they are not effective for everyone and may not be suitable for people with severe OSA. It is important to consult a sleep medicine specialist or a dentist who specializes in sleep dentistry to determine if a mandibular advancement splint is right for you.
A snoring splint is often used instead of a CPAP mask because it is similarly effective for mild to moderate sleep apnoea, but is much more comfortable and suitable for everyday use. In contrast to the CPAP mask, it does not cause any disturbing noises or breathing sounds. In addition, many patients find the splint more comfortable as it causes fewer side effects such as pressure points or irritation of the mucous membranes. Due to its ease of use and high acceptance rate, the protrusion splint is a popular alternative, especially for patients who have difficulties with CPAP therapy.
A snoring splint can be an effective treatment option for mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, but is not suitable in all cases. Patients with inadequate dental status, such as missing or severely loosened teeth, as well as untreated dental diseases, cannot use the appliance, as a stable dental apparatus is required for it to function. Splint therapy is also not recommended for temporomandibular joint disorders or pronounced jaw misalignments, as the advanced position of the lower jaw could increase discomfort.
As an alternative for such anatomical conditions or in more severe cases, a bimaxillary repositioning osteotomy can be considered. This is a surgical procedure in which the upper and lower jaws are repositioned so that the airways are permanently widened and breathing interruptions are reduced. This method is particularly useful if conservative treatments such as a protrusion splint are not sufficiently effective.
In severely overweight patients (BMI over 35), the effectiveness of the protrusion splint may also be limited, as the increased tissue volume in the throat can continue to narrow the airway despite the splint. In such cases, surgical correction often offers a better and more sustainable solution.
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