Dental Sleep Medicine
Mandibular advancement appliances when medically indicated
Snoring can be harmless, but it may also be associated with sleep-related breathing disorders. Obstructive sleep apnoea should therefore be medically assessed before dental appliance therapy is planned.
When appropriately indicated, a custom mandibular advancement appliance can gently move the lower jaw forwards during sleep and help stabilise the upper airway.
What is dental sleep medicine?
Dental sleep medicine considers whether and how a custom dental appliance may help with snoring or a medically diagnosed sleep-related breathing disorder. The focus is not simply on the sound of snoring, but on upper-airway function, jaw position and the dental starting situation.
In Basel, before appliance therapy we assess the teeth, periodontal tissues, temporomandibular joints and bite. If obstructive sleep apnoea is suspected, medical diagnosis belongs in the hands of sleep medicine, pulmonology or ENT specialists. Dental treatment complements this assessment and, when indicated, is integrated into the overall treatment concept.
Who may benefit from a mandibular advancement appliance?
Suitability depends on the medical diagnosis, severity of the breathing disorder, dental and jaw conditions and individual factors. The dental assessment complements the sleep-medicine evaluation.
Dental requirements
Sufficiently stable teeth or a suitable prosthodontic situation.
Assessment of the temporomandibular joints and mouth opening.
Review of gum health and periodontal stability.
Regular follow-up of fit, effect and possible side effects.
Collaboration with medical specialists
For sleep apnoea, treatment should ideally be coordinated with pulmonology, ENT or sleep medicine. A dental appliance does not replace medical diagnosis.
Further information
Integrated with medical care. We regard the appliance as part of coordinated treatment, not as an isolated product.
Note: This information is intended for general guidance and does not replace an individual examination and consultation.
