Can a Dental Mouthguard Stop Snoring?

For many people, yes - a dental mouthguard can stop snoring, or at least reduce it significantly. It is one of the most consistently effective, evidence-based, and comfortable treatments available, and for the right patient it can be genuinely transformative.

The mouthguard in question is called a mandibular advancement splint (MAS) - also known as a mandibular advancement device (MAD), oral appliance, anti-snoring mouthguard, or dental sleep device. Despite the variety of names, the dental plates all work on the same principle.

How Does a Dental Device for Snoring Work?

Snoring is caused by the vibration of soft tissues - the soft palate, uvula, and base of the tongue - as they partially obstruct airflow during sleep. This happens because the muscles of the throat relax during sleep, allowing the airway to narrow. The narrower the passage, the faster air moves through it, and the more those soft tissues vibrate, producing the characteristic sound of snoring.

A mandibular advancement splint works by holding the lower jaw in a gently forward position during sleep. This simple mechanical repositioning has a significant effect on the airway: it tightens the soft tissues at the back of the throat and pulls the base of the tongue away from the posterior airway wall, opening up the space for airflow and reducing or eliminating the vibration that causes snoring. Clinical studies have demonstrated mandibular advancement splints to be 95% effective in addressing problematic snoring, making them one of the most reliably performing options available.

Who Does It Work Best For?

A dental anti-snoring device is particularly effective for primary snoring - snoring without significant obstructive sleep apnoea - and for mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnoea. It is also a highly effective option for patients with more severe sleep apnoea who cannot tolerate CPAP therapy - as confirmed by a treatment study with a specialist sleep physician. The device works best when the snoring is driven by airway collapse at the tongue base and soft palate level which is the most common site of obstruction in adults.

It is worth noting that a mandibular advancement splint is not a universal fix. In cases where snoring is driven by factors that advancement of the jaw cannot fully address such as significant nasal obstruction alone, or certain anatomical factors, the outcome may be less complete. This is why proper assessment before committing to treatment is always worthwhile.

Custom-Made vs Over-the-Counter: Why It Matters

Not all dental snoring devices are equal. Over-the-counter boil-and-bite devices are widely available and considerably cheaper than custom-made alternatives, but they fall significantly short in both effectiveness and comfort. These devices are one-size-fits-all, made from soft materials that tend to dislodge during sleep, and offer little to no ability to adjust the degree of jaw advancement. The result is a bulky, uncomfortable device that many people give up on quickly.

A custom-made mandibular advancement splint, fitted by a dentist trained in dental sleep medicine using digital impressions and 3D printing technology, is precision-engineered to your individual jaw anatomy. It fits securely, sits comfortably, and - critically - can be comfortably and incrementally adjusted over time to find the exact jaw position that eliminates snoring while remaining comfortable to wear. This adjustability is one of the key factors that drives the superior outcomes achieved with custom devices compared to generic alternatives.

Is a Dental Device Right for You?

If you snore regularly, wake unrefreshed, or have a partner raising concerns about your breathing during sleep, a custom mandibular advancement splint may be exactly what you need. The best way to find out is a consultation with a sleep medicine dentist. You can also read more about whether an oral appliance is suitable for you here too.

Call SleepWise Clinic on 1300 101 505 or take our free online sleep apnoea test to find out if a dental device is the right snoring solution for you.