A question I get asked often is will the use of a mandipular advance device or (MAD) as it is commonly known have an affect on the formation of my teeth. Research carried out by Umea University in Sweden concludes that the side effects were very small in the treatment of adults suffering from either snoring or mild sleep apnea.

Previous studies of the use of a functional appliance have shown a reduction in overject and overbite in patients; in particular during the process of teeth eruption. Tooth movements are undesirable for adults using a MAD for the treatment of snoring or sleep apnea. An important point to note here is the MAD is only used during sleep whereas a functional device is also used throughout the day.

The use of a MAD is to widen the oropharyngeal airway by repositioning the mandipular in a forward and downward direction whilst the wearer is asleep. Various tests were carried out by Umea University that concluded the tooth movement was very small although it did recommend visiting a dentist for a check up after 2 years.

As part of the test both a hard acrylic splint and a soft MAD were used. The report concluded the use of a soft elastomer MAD was more advantageous.

As there are different teeth formations before buying any MAD device it is important to first establish if the device will work for your teeth formation. In general the majority of devices will work for retrognathia or overbite teeth formations. Although there are devices that can also work for crooked or turned teeth as well as under bite teeth, this is were the lower teeth stick out over the upper teeth. Please contact the manufacture of the device before purchasing to establish suitability.