Mandibular Advancement Device Carlsbad options can help many patients who struggle with sleep apnea and want an alternative to CPAP. Sleeping disorders affect up to 70 million adults in the United States, and around 25 million people have suffered from sleep apnea.
Sleep apnea can cause short pauses in breathing while you sleep. As a result, many people wake up tired even after a full night in bed.
Typically, clinicians recommend a CPAP machine as a common treatment option. However, CPAP doesn’t work well for everyone. Because of that, some patients find relief with a mandibular advancement device (MAD), also called an oral appliance. For mild cases of sleep apnea, providers often recommend oral appliance therapy.
😴 What is Sleep Apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common type of sleep apnea. If you have OSA, your airway can narrow, block, or collapse during sleep. When that happens, breathing pauses may last a few seconds—or even longer. Therefore, your body repeatedly shifts from deeper sleep into lighter sleep.
As a result, many people feel sleepy during the day. In addition, people often snore and may wake up with a dry mouth or a headache.
If you notice dry mouth, consult with us at Smiles for Health. Also, you may want to consider adding a mouthwash to your routine.
🦷 What Does a Mandibular Advancement Device Carlsbad Do?
A MAD helps reduce sleep apnea symptoms by moving your lower jaw forward during sleep. In other words, it gently repositions your jaw to help open the airway. As a result, many patients experience fewer breathing pauses.
🔁 CPAP vs Mandibular Advancement Devices: What Research Shows
CPAP remains a widely used option for OSA. However, clinical guidelines and studies note an important pattern: oral appliances often have better adherence for some patients, especially when CPAP feels uncomfortable or difficult to tolerate.
In addition, research comparing CPAP and MAD therapy often finds that:
- CPAP can reduce breathing events strongly, but many patients struggle with nightly use.
- Oral appliances may show similar improvements in symptoms like sleepiness or quality of life, and patients may prefer them in some situations.
So, if you tried CPAP and didn’t like it, you may want to discuss a mandibular advancement device instead. Reach out to us at Smiles for Health to review your options.
✅ What Conditions Can a Mandibular Advancement Device Carlsbad Help Treat?
Sleep apnea is the most common reason people consider a MAD. However, these devices may also help:
- Snoring
- Teeth grinding (bruxism)
It’s also worth noting that sleep apnea can contribute to bruxism for some patients. Therefore, a MAD may help address both concerns at once.
🧩 How to Get a Mandibular Advancement Device
You can find oral appliances online or in drugstores. However, for the best fit and best results, schedule a visit with us at Smiles for Health.
We can create a custom-fit device based on your teeth and jaw. Typically, we take impressions or a digital scan and have a lab fabricate the appliance. In many cases, MADs use a durable, plastic-like material. Also, our sleep apnea service page explains that a custom oral appliance can be an excellent option for mild to moderate OSA.
⚠️Potential Drawbacks of a Mandibular Advancement Device
EA MAD can help, but you should also consider possible drawbacks. For example, some patients may develop jaw soreness, bite changes, or symptoms related to TMJ issues. In addition, some people may experience discomfort if the appliance doesn’t fit properly.
That’s why a professionally made device matters. When we design and fit a MAD specifically for your mouth, we can reduce risk and monitor side effects over time.
📍 Next steps at Smiles For Health (Carlsbad)
If you have sleep apnea, grind your teeth, or snore regularly, schedule an appointment with us to learn whether a mandibular advancement device Carlsbad plan may help you sleep more comfortably. We offer sleep apnea services, and we can guide you through options that fit your needs.
