Information
Mandibular Advancement Splints Information
Mandibular advancement splints come in two forms: (i) “boil-and-bite” and (ii) custom-made. While inexpensive boil-and-bite mouthpieces may be fitted by users, most custom-made splints are fitted by a dentist or dental technician. Head & neck surgeons, thoracic consultants, consultant physicians, maxiofacial surgeons, sleep specialists and general practitioners may also be involved in the process.
A prospective boil-and-bite user would receive a mandibular advancer mould that needs to be heated in hot water and then bitten into (hence “boil-and-bite”) with the mandible projected forward beyond edge-to-edge. This process is repeated until the mould takes the shape of the teeth. When the mould cools, it is firm but flexible and will hold the subject’s mandible forward while asleep. For most snorers, simply projecting the lower teeth slightly forward of the upper teeth produces a significant reduction in snoring.
A prospective custom-made user of a mandibular advancement device, will normally have a splint fitted by a dentist using a dental impression kit. The custom-made device will be more comfortable than a boil and bite as the load imposed upon the teeth (as the jaw tries to move back to its normal position) is spread across a larger number of teeth. Some custom-made splints are hinged, thus affording an even greater level of comfort to the user.
Mandibular advancement provides an alternative to CPAP, laser treatment and various intrusive procedures including reduction of the tongue and removal of the tonsils, mandibular advancement splints have been shown to be extremely effective at treating snoring and low level upper airway obstructions associated with Obstructive Sleep Apnoea and other sleep disorders.
Mandibular advancement splints range in price from about $45 / $120 USD for a boil-and-bite mouthpiece to $400 / $600+ USD for a custom made splint. Laser procedures can cost in excess of $1,000. / $1600+.
There is a list of reference papers in our reference section.
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