Who would think that you would go to a dentist to seek advice on your snoring? But that is where you will find a mandibular advancement device that is designed to be worn during sleep to prevent blockage of the airways when your throat tissue collapses. This plastic mouthpiece will move your jaw forward along with your soft palate and some are even designed to keep the tongue from relaxing back into your throat.
What is a Mandibular Advancement Device?
A mandibular advancement device (see MAD codes) or MAD as it is generally known is normally custom made to fit in your mouth by taking a mold of your teeth and then creating the plastic mouthpiece. It is also known as a dental appliance that is made of a plastic that becomes soft when you place in hot water. To use it you place it into your jaw and bite into it.
How Mandibular Advancement Devices Work
These oral snoring devices have been found to be positively effective in reducing the loudness of snores and also in reducing snoring altogether. But the fact of the matter is you are sleeping with a device in your mouth at night and that might cause some mild discomfort.
A MAD will not work if your snoring is caused by the vibration of the uvula and the soft palate. This anti-snoring device only works if you breathe through your mouth normally so that your snoring starts at the back of your throat when it becomes constricted. A mandibular advancement appliance will work if your mouth opens while you sleep and your tongue falls to the back of the throat and relaxes there so that there is blockage – thus causing your snoring.
If you think a mandibular advancement device is the answer to your snoring you should definitely check it out but first understand if it will work for you before you spend the money and effort on it.
