In the past, snoring wasn’t considered to be anything serious. However it is now recognised that snoring can develop into sleep apnoea which can be quite a serious matter. During sleep the airways close up as the tongue drops back and closes over the gap between it and the soft upper palate of the mouth. The snoring sound comes from the vibrating of the soft palate as air is dragged back into the body through a narrow opening. When the condition develops into sleep apnoea the body stops breathing all together and the airways lock up tighter as the body tries to draw breath. This can result in severely reduced oxygen levels in the body and, over time, may lead to illnesses such as heart attacks or strokes as normal bodily functions are impaired.

Few people are aware that your dentist can help with this condition. Treatments now include oral devices such as an “MDSA”. This device pushes the jaw forward slightly which opens up the airway at back of the mouth.

Talk to Dr St George if you are concerned about your snoring.

MDSA® component based appliance

MDSA® component appliance can be manufactured with posterior support yet maintain full lateral movement.

The MDSA® component based appliance is now the appliance of choice. It is protected by International Trade Mark registrations, Patents and Registered Designs in selected countries. Manufactured from patients own impressions using dual laminate hard/soft splinting material ensures the greatest retention, comfort and durability for the wearer.

An appliance manufactured with the MDSA® Components offers easy titration, full lateral and controlled vertical movement and exceptional ease in inserting each night. Patient can insert the TOP plate (which includes the Adjustor Component), then the BOTTOM plate (which includes the shelf). Push their bottom jaw forward to the full passive protrusion position and up to just engage the the adjuster component in the TOP.

This should have the patient in a clinical effective position of around 75% of full passive protrusion. Adjustment will be required overtime which can be performed before insertion.