Mandibular Advancement Splint in Cranbourne North
Also known as a snoring guard or snoring mouthguard, this custom-made dental appliance is worn overnight to gently reposition your lower jaw and keep your airway open, so you can breathe easier and sleep more soundly.
For patients in Cranbourne North and the surrounding suburbs who have been diagnosed with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), a mandibular advancement splint offers a comfortable, portable alternative to CPAP therapy.
Ready to stop snoring and sleep better? Book a consultation with our Cranbourne North dental team to find out if a mandibular advancement splint is right for you.
What Is Sleep Apnoea?
Obstructive sleep apnoea is a condition where your breathing repeatedly stops and starts throughout the night, sometimes dozens or hundreds of times, cutting off your body’s oxygen supply.
Left untreated, sleep apnoea has been linked to a number of serious health issues, including:
Some Serious Health Issues
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Type 2 diabetes
- Daytime fatigue and poor concentration
- Increased risk of motor vehicle accidents
Loud snoring or noticeable pauses in breathing are common warning signs, but many people with sleep apnoea show no obvious symptoms at all — which is why a proper sleep assessment matters.
Common Risk Factors
- Being overweight or obese
- A narrow airway, small jaw, or retruded (set-back) lower jaw
- A large tongue
- Smoking
- High blood pressure or diabetes
- Nasal obstruction or difficulty breathing through the nose
- A family history of sleep apnoea
What Is a Mandibular Advancement Splint?
A mandibular advancement splint (MAS) — sometimes called a snoring guard, snoring splint, or anti-snoring mouthguard — is a custom-fitted dental device worn while you sleep. It comprises two precision-made trays that fit snugly over your upper and lower teeth, holding your lower jaw in a slightly forward position.
This simple adjustment can:
- Keep your airway open overnight
- Stop your tongue from falling back and blocking your throat
- Reduce or eliminate snoring
- Improve airflow while you sleep
- Reduce episodes of obstructive sleep apnoea
Because every patient’s mouth and bite are different, our Cranbourne North dentists design each mandibular advancement splint individually for a precise, comfortable fit.
Am I a Candidate for a Snoring Guard?
Before we make your custom snoring guard, you’ll need a sleep assessment and sleep study. Our Cranbourne North Dental team can refer you for this, and your results will be reported on by a qualified Sleep Physician.
The Sleep Physician will assess:
- Whether you have sleep apnoea
- How severe your condition is
- The most suitable treatment for you
If a mandibular advancement splint is recommended, our dentists will then check whether you’re dentally suited to wearing one.
The Process: How We Make Your Mandibular Advancement Splint
1. Comprehensive Dental Examination
2. Digital Scans or Impressions
Once your mouth is healthy, we take digital scans or impressions and record your bite in several positions to determine the ideal degree of jaw advancement.
3. Custom Fabrication
Your records are sent to a specialist dental laboratory, where your mandibular advancement splint is carefully made to fit your mouth precisely.
4. Fitting and Adjustments
We fit your finished snoring guard and check it for comfort. Several follow-up visits may be needed to gradually fine-tune the jaw position for the best balance of comfort and effectiveness.
We recommend wearing your splint every night — teeth shift naturally over time, and long breaks from wearing the appliance can affect its fit.
Risks and Side Effects
Most patients adjust to their mandibular advancement splint quickly and comfortably. Some temporary side effects can include:
- Jaw stiffness or muscle soreness
- Increased saliva or dry mouth
- Mild tooth discomfort
With long-term use, your bite may gradually change as the lower jaw shifts, occasionally leading to an open bite at the back teeth. This is a recognised risk, but for most patients the health benefits of treating sleep apnoea outweigh this potential change. Our Cranbourne North dentists monitor your teeth and jaw at every review appointment.
Alternatives to a Mandibular Advancement Splint
Depending on the severity of your sleep apnoea, your Sleep Physician may recommend:
- CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure)
- Weight loss
- Sleep position therapy
- Surgery
- Treatment of nasal obstruction by an ENT specialist
- Lifestyle changes, such as reducing alcohol intake and quitting smoking
Do Mandibular Advancement Splints (Snoring Guards) Work?
For patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnoea whose mouth and jaw are dentally suited, a mandibular advancement splint can be highly effective. Benefits include:
- Reduced snoring
- Better sleep quality
- Less daytime tiredness
- Improved oxygen levels overnight
- Greater comfort than CPAP for many patients
Success comes down to having your snoring guard professionally made, correctly fitted, and reviewed regularly — exactly the care our Cranbourne North Dental team provides.
Stop letting snoring or sleep apnoea affect your health and your sleep. Book a consultation with Cranbourne North Dental today to find out whether a custom mandibular advancement splint or snoring guard is right for you.
Common Problems
Frequently Asked Questions For Sleep Apnoea
How much does a mandibular advancement splint cost?
Cost depends on the type of appliance, case complexity and the number of adjustment appointments required. Treatment typically starts from around $2,000. We’re happy to provide a personalised quote after your consultation.
Do I need a sleep study before getting a mandibular advancement splint?
Yes. A sleep study and assessment by a Sleep Physician are essential before treatment, to confirm your diagnosis and check that a mandibular advancement splint is the right option for you.
Can a dentist diagnose sleep apnoea?
Our dentists are well placed to recognise the signs and symptoms of sleep apnoea, but a formal diagnosis must come from a Sleep Physician following a sleep study.
Is a mandibular advancement splint better than CPAP?
For mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnoea, many patients find a mandibular advancement splint (snoring guard) more comfortable and convenient than CPAP. However, CPAP remains the gold-standard treatment for severe sleep apnoea.
How long does a mandibular advancement splint last?
With proper care and regular dental reviews, a custom-made mandibular advancement splint typically lasts several years.
