S4S Dental explains the vital role dentists play in treating snoring and obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), using mandibular advancement splints (MAS).
Snoring and obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) are common yet serious conditions that can significantly impact quality of life and overall health. While many view these conditions as medical concerns requiring interventions by sleep specialists, dentists play an essential and often underestimated role in their diagnosis and treatment.
It is estimated that there are 1.5 million people suffering from OSA within the UK alone – of which, 85% remain undiagnosed and, more seriously, untreated. By providing mandibular advancement splints (MAS), dentists offer a non-invasive and effective solution that can transform the lives of patients struggling with these debilitating sleep-related breathing disorders.
Understanding snoring and OSA
Snoring occurs when the flow of air through the mouth and nose is partially obstructed, causing vibrations in the soft tissues of the throat. While snoring can be a benign annoyance, it may also be a sign of something more sinister. OSA is a condition characterised by repeated episodes of partial or complete obstruction of the upper airway during sleep. These episodes lead to disrupted sleep, reduced oxygen levels, and an increased risk of severe health problems such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, and diabetes.
Mandibular advancement splints – a proven solution
MAS, MADs or MRAs are custom-fitted oral appliances designed to reposition the lower jaw (mandible) slightly forward during sleep. This forward positioning helps keep the airway open, reducing or eliminating snoring and preventing airway collapse in patients with mild to moderate OSA.
Compared to other treatments like continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, MAS appliances are less intrusive, more comfortable, and often preferred by patients who struggle with compliance using CPAP devices. These advantages make MAS appliances an increasingly popular choice in dental sleep medicine.
The dentist’s role in treatment
1. Identifying risk factors and symptoms
Dentists are often the first healthcare professionals to identify signs of sleep-disordered breathing, as they regularly assess oral and airway health during routine examinations. Common indicators include:
- Evidence of tooth grinding (bruxism), often linked to disrupted sleep
- Enlarged tongue or tonsils that could obstruct the airway
- Retrognathia (recessed lower jaw) or narrow dental arches
- Reports of excessive daytime fatigue or poor quality sleep from patients.
Through patient questionnaires and discussions about symptoms such as snoring, choking episodes during sleep, or excessive tiredness, dentists can recognise when a patient may need further evaluation.
2. Collaborating on diagnosis
While dentists are not responsible for diagnosing OSA, they work closely with sleep specialists to ensure a comprehensive approach to care. Once a patient is referred for a sleep study and diagnosed with snoring or OSA, dentists can recommend and provide a MAS as a treatment option.
3. Partnering with a laboratory for the production of a custom-made MAS
The effectiveness of a MAS relies heavily on its precise fit and design. Dentists are responsible for:
- Taking detailed impressions or digital scans of the patient’s teeth and bite to create a custom-fitted appliance
- Adjusting the appliance to gently advance the lower jaw, ensuring the airway remains open without causing discomfort
- Educating patients on how to use and care for their device.
4. Monitoring long-term outcomes
OSA and snoring treatments often require ongoing care to ensure sustained benefits. Dentists continue to monitor patients’ progress by:
- Tracking symptom improvement and quality of sleep
- Making periodic adjustments to the MAS as needed
- Working with sleep specialists to assess whether further interventions, such as CPAP therapy, are necessary for severe cases.
The growing need for dentist involvement
As awareness of sleep-disordered breathing grows, the demand for effective treatments like MAS devices is increasing. Dentists with expertise in sleep medicine are becoming essential partners in combating snoring and OSA, contributing to improved sleep quality, better health outcomes, and enhanced quality of life for patients.
Conclusion
Dentists play a critical role in the treatment of snoring and obstructive sleep apnoea through the provision of mandibular advancement splints. As the prevalence of sleep disorders continues to rise, the integration of dental expertise in their management will remain indispensable in delivering effective patient care.
Get started with offering solutions for snoring
An industry leader in dental sleep medicine, S4S Dental has been providing solutions for snoring in collaboration with dentists since 2005. Offering a range of MAS appliances, including Sleepwell – a clinically proven MAS for the treatment of snoring and mild-moderate OSA – S4S is passionate about educating dentists on the importance of dental sleep medicine and the use of MAS therapy.
Find out more by requesting a free info pack here. Discover our ECPD seminar, led by Professor Ama Johal – an internationally renowned speaker on dental sleep medicine here.
This article is sponsored by S4S Dental.
