Frequently asked questions about the SomnoDent oral sleep appliance:

What is an oral appliance?

An oral appliance is a small device, similar to an orthodontic retainer or an sports mouthguard. It is worn in the mouth during sleep to prevent the soft throat tissues from collapsing and obstructing the airway. Some appliances hold the lower jaw forward during sleep while others have direct effect on tongue position.

Oral appliances relieve snoring and may treat OSA by realigning the jaw and/or tongue in relation to the head. Although oral appliances do not work on everybody, a well-made, well-fitted appliance may reduce or eliminate snoring, and may significantly relieve symptoms of OSA.

Are oral appliances effective?

Oral appliances were first utilized in the 1930's to help people breathe properly during sleep. By the 1980's, physicians and dentists began to seriously study the effectiveness of oral appliances to treat snoring and obstructive sleep apnoea and found them to be effective in many, but not all cases. Recent studies show oral appliances to be effective in treating snoring and mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnoea.

What is the SomnoDent MAS?

The SomnoDent MAS appliance is a type of oral appliance, a mandibular advancement splint, designed to hold your lower jaw (mandible) forward while you sleep. This tightens the muscles of the upper airway to allow easier breathing.

It is used for the treatment of simple snoring, as well as mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnoea.

When is it worn?

The SomnoDent oral sleep appliance is only worn when you sleep. In contrast to other oral devices, the SomnoDent splint is very discrete, allowing you to close your lips so it is not obvious you are wearing it.

Is it comfortable?

You won't find a more comfortable device. Why? Because it is custom-made to fit your mouth and it does not impinge on your tongue. You can open and close your mouth normally.

Can it be adjusted?

Yes. The SomnoDent MAS features medical grade stainless steel screws on the side of the appliance to provide incremental levels of jaw advancement. This optimises the effectiveness and comfort-level of treatment, as the jaw is moved only as far as is required to alleviate snoring and OSA.

Is there a warranty?

Yes. The SomnoDent oral sleep appliance offers a one year warranty + one year extra against breakage and manufacturing defects, which means you can have full confidence in the product.

What if I have a bridge or dentures?

The SomnoDent oral sleep appliance can be fitted over the existing tooth structure in such a manner that it does not damage crowns and bridges. Patients with partial dentures may also be successfully fitted with the SomnoDent oral sleep appliance, as long as there are sufficient teeth on the lower arch for optimal retention. Your dentist will be able to address this with you.

What will the dentist do?

The dentist will thoroughly examine your teeth and mouth and may use X-rays to confirm your oral health status, as well as ensuring that you are dentally appropriate for the splint. Dental impressions are required to fabricate a SomnoDent oral sleep appliance. They are taken and sent to our laboratory, where the appliance is made. Your dentist will show you how to insert and remove it yourself, as well as how to clean and care for it.

How much does a SomnoDent MAS cost?

The total treatment costs vary per patient as some require more preparation and follow-up than others. The actual fabrication and fitting of the splint (see "The Process" - Step 1, 2 & 3) typically costs bewteen £1,000 and £1,500. (zero-rated for VAT) depending on the required model. As an indication, expecting the splint to last around 5 years with careful maintenance and recommended follow-ups, oral appliance therapy with the SomnoDent MAS costs less than a pound every night. Considering other things you spend a pound on every day, is your health (and career, marriage etc.) worth an investment in a proven appliance? Read the reviews to see what others did!

How effective is the SomnoDent oral sleep appliance?

One of the major advances offered by the SomnoDent oral sleep appliance is improved patient compliance. The ability to freely open the mouth, speak, and drink with the splint fitted, is a big step forward in this type of medical treatment.

• 96% of patients with proven OSA stated they would like to continue to use the SomnoDent oral sleep appliance 1) 2)
• 91% of patients reported substantial improvement in sleep quality with the SomnoDent oral sleep appliance 2)
• 87.5% of patients reported nightly use of the SomnoDent oral sleep appliance 2)

1) Mehta A. et al: A Randomized Controlled Study of a Mandibular Advancement Splint for Obstructive Sleep Apnoea. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2001; 164: 1457 - 1461

2) Gotsopoulos H. et al: Oral Appliance Therapy Improves Symptoms in Obstructiv Sleep Apnoea. A Randomized, Controlled Trial. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2002; 166:743 - 748

More Questions?

Contact your dentist, the nearest certified SomnoDent dentist, the UK's SomnoDent distributor; Intus Healthcare (see "Contact Us"), your GP or your nearest sleep clinic.