Mandibular Splint for Snoring

When the throat relaxes during sleep, narrowed air passages can make soft tissues vibrate. The splint supports a forward jaw position, which can create more room behind the tongue. A dental professional checks the bite, teeth, jaw joints, and ability to tolerate the appliance. Nasal problems such as allergic rhinitis or chronic sinusitis may also contribute to snoring. Loud snoring with breathing interruptions can point to obstructive sleep apnoea rather than simple snoring.

Use a splint made and adjusted for you, and increase wear as advised. Temporary saliva changes, jaw stiffness, or tooth pressure can occur while adapting. Remove it and contact the dental clinician if pain persists, your bite remains changed after removal, or the appliance damages a tooth. Brush and rinse it as instructed, inspect it for cracks, and keep scheduled reviews so fit and jaw comfort can be checked. Side sleeping and reducing alcohol near bedtime may also help.

Arrange a medical assessment for witnessed breathing pauses, choking or gasping at night, marked daytime sleepiness, or morning headaches. A splint should not delay investigation for obstructive sleep apnoea. Get dental advice for jaw locking, significant joint pain, loose teeth, or a persistent change in the way your teeth meet.

Ask whether a sleep test is appropriate, how much jaw advancement is intended, which side effects should be reported, and how often the splint needs adjustment or replacement.