British Snoring & Sleep Apnoea Association
Helping You To Stop Snoring Today
FAQ - Mandibular Advancement Devices
Mandibular Advancement Devices - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
If you are considering purchasing a mandibular advancement device, please consult our comparison table. If you have a question about these appliances that is not answered below, please use our on-line contact form to submit your enquiry.
- I have purchased a Tomed Somnoguard AP. The top set moulded perfectly and is a good fit, however I have moulded and remoulded the bottom set and I cant get a good tight fit, which results in the bottom set coming away from my teeth, can you suggest anything?
The technique is as follows :
Heat the lower part for 3½ minutes and push all of the impression material back into the tray. Turn the tray over and hold it down onto a piece of baking paper (greaseproof paper) to smooth it off. Provided you have done this quite quickly - say less than 1 minute - the impression material should still be warm enough for the next step; if not warm it again for about another minute.
With your thumbs push some of the impression material towards the front of the tray. When you now bite into it the material should squeeze out more out the front than the back and you should be able to smooth it around your tooth/gum line so the teeth are well and truly embedded as you can see in the photograph.
In essence, the idea is to get plenty of the impression material around the tooth/gum line as this will improve grip.
- I suffer from TMJ dysfunction. Using your tests I have identified that I snore fron the base of my tongue. Can I use a Mandibular Advancement Device to help this or will it make my TMJ problem worse?
Mandibular advancement devices (MADs) may make your TMJ worse, but that will depend upon the degree of protrusion you need, the severity of the TMJ dysfunction and the associated pain. In some cases use of MADs can cause permanent malocclusion and teeth movement but, in most case those suffering with these adverse effects report that the benefits outweigh the disadvantages. If, knowing this, you feel that you wish to try a Mandibular Advancement Device we would suggest you do not use one at normal therapeutic protrusion of 65 - 75% of maximum protrusion on first moulding. Start off with much less and see how you get on. The Tomed SomnoGuard AP is ideal for such instances because you can increase the protrusion without the need to remould the device. With the AP (for Adjustable Positioner) you simply unscrew the adjusting device for increased advancement. You can then advance the jaw little by little over a few weeks until you strike a balance between eradication of your snoring and any adverse impact on your Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction.
- I have tried a Tomed Somnoguard AP. At first it was uncomfortable, then I got used to using it. Unfortunately, I started to suffer from a sore jaw. I have stopped using it and my snoring has returned. What can you suggest to fix this?
The advice we can give must be general because we not in full possession of all the facts about your condition. It would be wise to discuss it with your Doctor before trying the following suggestion.
Set your AP so that there is no advancement and wear it for a week to get used to it again. Do not expect that your snoring will be resolved. At the end of the week increase the advancement 1mm using the screw. Continue to advance the setting once each week so that your jaw is gradually brought forward. By making this slow transition it is hoped that your jaw joint will not suffer from any adverse effects and that you will be able to achieve sufficient advancement for your snoring to be stopped. Of course, you must stop using the device if you suffer anything more than mild discomfort.
- I have a custom made Mandibular Advancement Device fitted by an orthodontist. I have false teeth and have very few of my own. Can I use the Tomed SomnoGuard AP over my false teeth at night or does this have to be fitted over my own teeth.?
If you wear your dentures at night and they are not loose we can see no reason why the Tomed SomnoGuard AP should not be suitable for you. It may be a wise precaution to contact your consultant orthodontist.