Mandibular Advancement Devices for Snoring and Sleep Apnoea
Snoring is more common than most people realise – and more disruptive than many are willing to admit. Whether it’s affecting your own sleep or your partner’s, it’s worth knowing that effective, non-invasive treatment is available.
At The London Lingual Orthodontic Clinic, Dr Asif Chatoo offers a carefully selected range of mandibular advancement devices for patients with snoring and obstructive sleep apnoea. As a specialist orthodontist with additional expertise in sleep medicine, he is well placed to assess each patient thoroughly and recommend the device that’s right for you.
What Is a Mandibular Advancement Device?
A mandibular advancement device (MAD) is a custom-made oral appliance that fits over the upper and lower teeth and gently holds the lower jaw in a slightly forward position during sleep. This keeps the airway open, reducing the vibration of soft tissues that causes snoring – and, in cases of obstructive sleep apnoea, preventing the airway from becoming blocked.
Mandibular advancement devices are among the most well-researched and clinically proven treatments for snoring and mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnoea. They are non-invasive, reversible, and – when properly fitted by an experienced clinician – highly effective.
Why Does Snoring Happen?
Snoring occurs when the soft tissues at the back of the throat relax during sleep, partially narrowing the airway. As air is forced through the reduced space, the tissues vibrate – and that’s the sound you hear.
Several factors can make this more likely: the anatomy of your jaw and airway, sleeping position, BMI, alcohol consumption, and age all play a role. For some patients, snoring is also a symptom of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) – a condition in which the airway becomes repeatedly blocked during sleep, causing breathing to stop and start. Dr Chatoo will always explore this as part of your consultation.
Choosing the Right Device
The London Lingual Orthodontic Clinic offers one of the widest choices of mandibular advancement devices available, including the Somnowell, Prosomnus, Sleepwell and Somnomed. This range allows Dr Chatoo to match each patient to the device that best suits their needs – taking into account clinical requirements, jaw anatomy, and personal preference.
All of the devices we offer are custom-made to fit precisely, which makes a significant difference to both comfort and effectiveness compared to over-the-counter alternatives.
Mandibular Advancement Devices and Sleep Apnoea
For patients diagnosed with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnoea, a mandibular advancement device is a well-established treatment option – and for those who have found CPAP ineffective or difficult to tolerate, it offers a comfortable, non-invasive alternative. By holding the lower jaw forward during sleep, it maintains an open airway throughout the night. Treatment is reversible, and because every device is custom-made to the individual, it can be highly effective for the right patient.
If your snoring is accompanied by gasping, choking, or waking unrefreshed – or if a partner has noticed that you stop breathing during sleep – sleep apnoea may be a factor, and it’s important this is properly assessed before any treatment begins.
Why See a Specialist Orthodontist?
The precision of the fit has a direct bearing on how well a mandibular advancement device works. A specialist orthodontist has an in-depth understanding of how the teeth, jaw, and bite work together – which means the device can be customised with a level of accuracy that reflects both clinical expertise and a detailed knowledge of your individual anatomy.
Dr Chatoo brings together specialist orthodontic training and expertise in sleep medicine – which means every patient receives a thorough assessment and a high standard of care from fitting through to follow-up. You’ll see the same small, dedicated team throughout.
What to Expect
Your journey begins with a consultation with Dr Chatoo, where he’ll assess your suitability for a mandibular advancement device, talk through the options, and answer any questions you may have. Your teeth will be scanned to create a detailed 3D model, which is used to fabricate the device to a precise fit.
Once the device is ready, you’ll return to have it fitted and adjusted. Dr Chatoo will make sure it feels comfortable and is working as it should and will give you guidance on how to settle into wearing it at night. Follow-up appointments are included to check on your progress and make any adjustments along the way.
Book a Consultation
If snoring or sleep apnoea is affecting your quality of life – or your partner’s – we’d be delighted to hear from you. All consultations are with Dr Chatoo at our Harley Street practice.
