Oral appliance therapy (OAT) also known as MAD (mandibular advancement device) treats Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) by using a custom-made dental device system during sleep. The appliance holds the lower jaw, including the tongue gently forward. This facilitates widening of the upper airway, creating stability, reducing the airways tendency to narrow or collapse during Sleep. Oral Appliance Therapy is suitable for patients with Mild to Moderate Sleep Apnoea, as diagnosed, following medical assessment. Patients, once diagnosed are frequently then referred to a qualified Sleep qualified Dentist, who can monitor, communicate and report back to the diagnosing clinician as patient treatment and device titration (settings) are managed for device performance, to treat Sleep Apnoea as diagnosed www.beacondentalsleep.ie
What Happens in Obstructive Sleep Apnoea
In Obstructive Sleep Apnoea, the muscles of the upper airway relax during sleep. In susceptible people, the tongue, soft palate and throat tissues often fall backward sufficiently to restrict, partially or completely block airflow through the upper airway. This may often result in Snoring of various levels, including heroic Snoring, repeated pauses in breathing by obstruction, increased oxygen desaturations and varying levels of ongoing arousals from sleep.
Oral appliance therapy addresses this physical narrowing of the upper airway. It is not a treatment for Central Sleep Apnoea, where the problem is decreased respiratory drive, as opposed to airway obstruction.
How the Appliance Works
The device is a mandibular advancement device (MAD), also called a mandibular advancement splint. There are several types of device systems. The specific device system is chosen based on the patient diagnosis, the physicality of the patient i.e. the patient phenotype and symptom management, which can include bruxism (unconscious nighttime tooth grinding), amongst other specific symptoms.
The device fits comfortably around the upper and lower teeth, similar to two closely fitting retainers which are connected together by the wearer.
During Sleep, the Device:
Holds the lower jaw slightly forward and sometimes slightly downward.
Brings the base of the tongue forward with the jaw.
Places gentle managed tension on the surrounding soft tissues and muscles, helping prevent the tongue and soft palate from moving backward.
Supports a widening of the airway, especially in the area behind the soft palate, making it less likely to collapse.
Reduces vibration of airway tissues, so snoring often improves.
Moving the jaw forward creates more space in the oropharynx, prevent airway obstruction.
For more information on options in the treatment of Sleep Disordered Breathing, Sleep Apnoea and snoring please call 01 531 0088 or email info@beaconSHC.ie
info@beaconSHC.ie