← All explanationsMandibular advancement device

How can an oral appliance keep the airway more open?

A mandibular advancement device holds the lower jaw slightly further forwards at night. This can make the upper airway less likely to collapse. It may help selected people with snoring or obstructive sleep apnoea; suitability and effectiveness must be checked.

For dental trainees & teams

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The lower jaw stays further forwards

The device holds the lower jaw at an adjusted forward position. This can reduce narrowing of the throat by the tongue and surrounding tissue.

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Medical and dental checks come first

Breathing pauses need medical assessment. Dental checks for the device include support from the teeth, jaw movement and any joint symptoms.

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Adjust and check the effect

The amount of advancement is adjusted individually. In sleep apnoea, a doctor checks its effectiveness. The dentist checks tooth contacts, fit and symptoms.

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At a glance

What does an advancement device do?

It holds the lower jaw further forwards at night and can thereby reduce narrowing of the upper airway.

Who might it suit?

Selected people following medical assessment and a dental suitability check. It is not a general solution for every breathing disorder.

What does treatment involve?

The device is custom-made and adjusted. In sleep apnoea, its effect is checked medically; fit, tooth contacts and tolerability are monitored by the dentist.

Knowledge in motion

Explained in 36 seconds.

Three steps. Straight to the point.
Explanations are also shown on screen.

Short film (German): How can an oral appliance keep the airway more open?

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Silent film in German · English explanations in the three views above

Often confused

Bite splint or advancement device?

A bite splint is mainly used for protection and relief of strain within the chewing system. An advancement device deliberately changes the lower-jaw position at night to influence the airway.

Quick answers

Is this the same device used for teeth grinding?

No. A mandibular advancement device deliberately holds the lower jaw further forwards. A conventional bite splint does not have this purpose and is not a substitute.

Does less snoring reliably prove that it works?

No. The breathing disorder may persist despite quieter sleep. In sleep apnoea, effectiveness must be checked medically; the sound alone is not enough.

What discomfort or side effects can occur?

Pressure on the teeth, increased saliva, dry mouth or jaw discomfort are possible. Tooth contacts can also change. Report symptoms at a review; do not increase the advancement yourself.

At the practice

For your consultation

A question to discuss with Dr. med. dent. Niusha Barahmand Pour:

Are my teeth and jaw suitable for an advancement device, and how will its effectiveness be checked medically?

Dental planning considers the starting situation and function. In sleep apnoea, this is complemented by the necessary medical assessment and monitoring.

Following medical assessment, the conditions in the mouth can be checked for an oral appliance.

Arrange an oral appliance consultationArrange an appointment with the practice

Meet Dr. med. dent. Niusha Barahmand Pour

Learning for dental trainees & teamsUnderstand clinical terms and build your knowledge

Build on the simple explanation with clinical terms, key distinctions and a knowledge question.

Protrusion: Forward movement or forward positioning of the lower jaw.
Adjustable: The advancement of a suitable device can be adjusted in a controlled way to the individual's situation.
Effectiveness check: A medical assessment of whether the adjusted device sufficiently reduces the sleep-related breathing disorder.

Know the difference

In sleep apnoea, dental checks of fit and tolerability do not replace medical assessment of the breathing disorder.

Knowledge questionWhich check complements the dental fit assessment in sleep apnoea?

This question supports learning. It does not assess personal symptoms.

A medical check of whether the device sufficiently improves the breathing disorder.
Only a partner's assessment of snoring loudness.
A one-off check that the device can be inserted without sore spots.

Show answer and explanation

A medical check of whether the device sufficiently improves the breathing disorder.

Fit and sound do not reliably show the state of the breathing disorder. Medical effectiveness checks complement ongoing dental care.

Sources for further learning

Sources and context

Editorial research: 23 October 2026. This explanation covers general principles and does not replace a personal examination. Suitable treatment is discussed following individual assessment.