Doctors Answers (3)
Oral Appliances, also known as Mandibular Advancement Devices, are designed to maintain an open airway by mechanically holding the Jaw in its normal position, or advanced if necessary in order to hold the musculature and tongue from collapsing when you are sleeping.
The mandibular re-positioning device is a one or two-piece oral appliance that will move the lower jaw forward opening up the space behind the tongue and soft palate (the oropharynx) allowing for breathing with little or no restriction while sleeping. People with jaw-opening problems, TMJ (jaw joint) problems or few to know teeth may not be candidates for this treatment. A dental evaluation after the sleep study is highly recommended.
It moves your jaw forward and therefore moving the tongue forward as well. This device is most effective for mild sleep apnea and likely will not be the treatment for moderate to severe Sleep Apnea.
