Mandibular Advancement Splint (snoring mouthguard)
A custom-made splint worn at night that may help reduce snoring. A mandibular advancement splint is an anti-snoring device that holds your lower jaw slightly forward while you sleep, to help keep your airway open. It’s made to fit your mouth by your dentist, and may also be recommended for mild to moderate sleep apnoea after a medical diagnosis. You may have heard it called a snoring appliance.
What is a mandibular advancement splint?
A mandibular advancement splint (MAS) is a custom-made mouthguard you wear over your upper and lower teeth while you sleep.
It gently holds your lower jaw slightly forward, which may help reduce snoring. A MAS splint may also be recommended for mild to moderate sleep apnoea after a medical diagnosis.
Because it moves the position of your jaw, a mandibular splint needs to be made and fitted by a dentist. Your dentist checks your teeth, gums and jaw first, then monitors them at regular reviews.
If you also grind your teeth at night, your dentist may talk to you about a splint for grinding instead. Learn about teeth grinding.
How does it work?
When you sleep, the muscles in your mouth and throat relax. For some people, the lower jaw and tongue fall back and narrow the airway, which can cause snoring.
Without a splint
The lower jaw and tongue can relax back towards the throat, narrowing the airway. Air moving through the narrower space can make the soft tissues vibrate, which is the sound of snoring.
With a splint
The splint holds your lower jaw slightly forward while you sleep. This helps keep the airway more open, which may help reduce snoring for many people.
Is a mandibular advancement splint right for you?
A splint may suit you if any of these sound familiar. Your dentist checks your mouth and talks you through your options.
Ongoing snoring
Snoring that disturbs your sleep, or the sleep of the person next to you.
Diagnosed sleep apnoea
Mild to moderate sleep apnoea, diagnosed by a sleep physician or ENT, where a splint has been recommended.
A non-surgical option
You’d like to try a custom-made appliance worn at night.
A proper diagnosis comes first
Snoring can sometimes be a sign of sleep apnoea. If your dentist or GP thinks you may have sleep apnoea, a sleep study is recommended before a splint is made. We can help with a referral.
What to expect
Here’s how getting a mandibular advancement splint works at Avenue Dental.
- 1
Examination
Your dentist checks your teeth, gums and jaw, and talks with you about your snoring and sleep.
- 2
Sleep study referral
If sleep apnoea is suspected, we can help with a referral for a sleep study, if needed.
- 3
Digital scan
A digital scan of your teeth is taken so your splint can be custom-made to fit.
- 4
Fitting
Your splint is fitted and adjusted, and you’re shown how to wear it and look after it.
- 5
Follow-up reviews
Your dentist monitors your jaw and teeth at regular reviews, and adjusts the splint if needed.
Possible side effects
Most people take a little time to get used to wearing a splint. Like any dental appliance, it can have side effects.
Your dentist monitors your jaw and teeth at regular reviews, and can adjust your splint if needed.
- Jaw sorenessSome people notice jaw or muscle soreness, especially when they first start wearing a splint.
- Tooth movementOver long-term use, the teeth or bite can shift slightly. Your dentist checks for this at your reviews.
- Getting used to itYou may notice extra saliva or a dry mouth at first.
Mandibular advancement splints near you
Our dentists provide mandibular advancement splints (snoring mouthguards) at every Avenue Dental practice across the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, Melbourne and Adelaide.
Sunshine Coast
Mandibular advancement splints at Caloundra, Maroochydore, Bli Bli, Kawana, Baringa, Sippy Downs, Tewantin and Beerwah.Avenue Dental Sunshine Coast →
Brisbane
Mandibular advancement splints at North Lakes, Murrumba Downs and Woolloongabba.Avenue Dental Brisbane →
Melbourne
Mandibular advancement splints at Brunswick.Avenue Dental Melbourne →
Adelaide
Mandibular advancement splints at Fulham Gardens.Avenue Dental Adelaide →
Our General Dentistry Services Include
Mandibular advancement splint vs CPAP
CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) is the gold standard treatment for sleep apnoea. For some people, a splint may be an option alongside or instead of CPAP, as advised by their sleep physician.
| Splint (MAS) | CPAP | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A custom-made mouthguard that holds the lower jaw slightly forward | A machine that gently pushes air through a mask to keep the airway open |
| How it’s worn | Over your teeth while you sleep | A mask over your nose, or nose and mouth, connected to the machine |
| Travel | Small and easy to pack | Needs the machine, mask, tubing and power |
| Who it may suit | Snoring, or mild to moderate sleep apnoea when recommended | Often recommended for moderate to severe sleep apnoea |
| Who decides | Your sleep physician advises on the right option for you | Your sleep physician advises on the right option for you |
If you already use CPAP, don’t stop or change it without talking to your sleep physician first.
Related services
Night-time habits can affect your teeth and jaw in other ways too.
Snoring vs sleep apnoea
Snoring and sleep apnoea can sound alike, but they’re not the same thing.
Snoring
The sound of soft tissue in the throat vibrating as air moves past it during sleep. It’s common, and on its own it isn’t always a health concern.
- Often worse when sleeping on your back
- Can disturb a partner’s sleep
- Breathing keeps going through the night
Sleep apnoea
A sleep condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during the night, which can lower oxygen levels and disrupt sleep.
- Loud snoring with pauses, gasping or choking
- Feeling tired during the day, even after a full night
- Needs to be diagnosed by a sleep physician or ENT
Sleep apnoea is diagnosed by a sleep physician or an ear, nose and throat (ENT) surgeon, usually after a sleep study. If you think you may have it, talk to your GP or let us know, and we can help with a referral.
How much does a mandibular advancement splint cost?
The cost of a splint depends on the type you need and whether a sleep study is needed first. Your dentist gives you a personalised quote after your examination, before anything is made.
- 01Type of splintA mandibular advancement splint, or a standard splint, depending on what suits you.
- 02Sleep study firstIf sleep apnoea is suspected, a sleep study may be needed before your splint is made.
- 03Health fund coverWhat you pay depends on your fund and your level of extras cover.
Book an examination to find out
Your dentist checks your teeth and jaw, talks through your snoring and sleep, and gives you a written quote for your splint.
Health fundsSome extras policies may cover part of the cost. It’s worth checking with your fund.
Payment plansSpread the cost with Humm, Afterpay, Zip or TLC. See payment plans →
Flexible payment plans
At Avenue Dental on the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, Adelaide and Melbourne, we understand that dental treatment can be difficult to fit into your budget, which is why we offer a range of different dental payment plan options.
Mandibular advancement splint FAQs
This is general information only. Your dentist can answer your questions at your appointment.
What is a mandibular advancement splint?
A mandibular advancement splint (MAS) is a custom-made mouthguard worn over your upper and lower teeth while you sleep. It holds your lower jaw slightly forward to help keep your airway open, which may help reduce snoring.
Do snoring mouthguards work?
For many people, a custom-made splint may help reduce snoring. Results vary from person to person. If you have sleep apnoea, your sleep physician advises whether a splint is a suitable option for you.
Do I need a sleep study first?
If you or your dentist think you may have sleep apnoea, a sleep study is recommended so it can be properly diagnosed by a sleep physician or ENT. For snoring alone, your dentist assesses you at your examination. We can help with a referral if you need one.
How long does it take to get used to wearing a splint?
Most people need a little time to get used to wearing a splint. You may notice some jaw soreness, extra saliva or a dry mouth at first. Your dentist checks in at your follow-up reviews and can adjust the splint if needed.
Is a custom splint better than a pharmacy mouthguard?
A custom splint is made from a digital scan of your teeth, so it’s designed to fit your mouth, and it can be adjusted by your dentist. Your dentist also checks your teeth and jaw before and after fitting. Over-the-counter devices aren’t made for your mouth and aren’t monitored by a dentist.
How much does a mandibular advancement splint cost?
The cost depends on the type of splint you need and whether a sleep study is needed first. Your dentist gives you a personalised quote after your examination.
Is a snoring mouthguard covered by health insurance?
Some extras policies may cover part of the cost of a splint. How much you get back depends on your fund and your level of cover, so it’s worth checking with your fund.
How long does a splint last?
How long a splint lasts depends on the individual, including how much you grind or clench and how you look after it. Your dentist checks its condition at your regular reviews.
Are mandibular advancement devices safe?
Like any dental appliance, a splint can have side effects, such as jaw soreness or small changes to your bite over time. Your dentist monitors your jaw and teeth at regular reviews, and can adjust the splint if needed.
How do I clean my splint?
Rinse your splint after wearing it and brush it gently with a soft toothbrush and cool water. Let it dry and keep it in its case. Avoid hot water, as it can change the shape.
Can I use a splint with CPAP?
Some people use a splint alongside CPAP, or instead of it, as advised by their sleep physician. Don’t stop or change your CPAP without talking to your sleep physician first.
