Are You a Candidate for an Oral Sleep Device?
Dr. Peter Balacky, DDS
Here’s What You Should Know
Let’s be real, most people don’t give their nighttime breathing a second thought... until something goes wrong. Maybe it starts with loud snoring. Maybe you wake up feeling like you barely slept. Or maybe you’ve been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and wonder if you’ll ever feel rested again.
The good news? You have options.
While CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) is the most well-known therapy, it’s not the only one—and for many, it’s not the best fit.
A mandibular advancement device (MAD) is a small, custom-made oral appliance that gently moves your jaw forward to keep your airway open while you sleep. No mask, no hose, and often a lot more comfort.
But here’s what most blogs don’t tell you: Oral appliance therapy isn’t right for everyone.
It can be life-changing for the right person, but frustrating for the wrong one. Knowing if you're a good candidate can save time, money, and a lot of guesswork.
Who Makes a Great Candidate for MAD Therapy?
Who Makes a Great Candidate for MAD Therapy?
When the fit is right, the results speak for themselves: better sleep, more energy, quieter nights, and happier bed partners. Here’s what strong candidates typically have in common:
1. A Confirmed Diagnosis of OSA
This is the starting point. MADs treat obstructive sleep apnea and snoring, which happens when the throat muscles relax too much and block airflow. These devices hold the jaw forward to help keep your airway open.
Central sleep apnea is a different type where your brain doesn't send proper signals to breathe, a MAD won’t help.
2. You Have Enough Healthy Teeth
The MAD attaches to your teeth, so you’ll need a solid anchor, especially your molars. If you’re missing too many teeth, wear full dentures, or have unstable dental health, a MAD likely won’t work.
3. No TMJ or Jaw Pain
MADs gently shift your lower jaw forward, which can puts pressure on your jaw joints (TMJ). If you already have pain, clicking, locking, or TMJ dysfunction, MAD therapy could aggravate it.
4. You’re Not in Active Orthodontic Treatment
If you’re wearing braces or aligners, your teeth are already in motion. Using a custom-fit MAD during this time can interfere with both the MAD fit and your orthodontics. It's best to wait until treatment is complete.
5. You’re Not Allergic to Dental Materials
Most MAD’s are made using polyvinyl siloxane (PVS) to capture an accurate impressions of your teeth. It’s widely used and considered safe, but if you have sensitivities, let your provider know, alternative materials or methods may be available.
6. You’ve Tried CPAP and It Didn’t Work (or Don’t Want to Try It)
CPAP can be incredibly effective, but not everyone can tolerate it. If the idea of wearing a mask all night makes you cringe, or if you’ve already tried and failed, a MAD could offer a simpler, more comfortable alternative.
7. You’re Motivated and Committed
MAD therapy, like most medical treatments, isn’t a magic fix. It works best with consistent use. If you're ready to invest a little effort for better sleep, MAD therapy can pay off big time—with better mornings, better health, and more peace and quiet at night.
Who Might Not Be the Right Match?
MAD has a lot to offer, but it’s not one-size-fits-all. You may need a different approach if:
- You’ve been diagnosed with central sleep apnea
- You have significant tooth loss or poor dental health
- You suffer from TMJ dysfunction or chronic jaw pain
- You’re currently in braces or aligner treatment
- You’ve had a poor experience with a MAD despite proper fitting and follow-up
- You’re allergic to impression materials with no alternatives available
But don’t worry, this doesn’t mean you’re out of options.
Positional therapy, upper airway stimulation, weight-related interventions, or a customized CPAP approach may be better suited to your needs. A sleep specialist can help guide you to what’s right.
Final Thoughts: A Personalized Path to Restful Sleep
Sleep is a cornerstone of your health. It fuels your brain, strengthens your heart, and boosts your mood and immune system.
If you’re a good fit for MAD therapy and you receive care that listens and adapts, you have a real chance to reclaim great sleep. Not just "good enough," but truly restorative rest.
One device making that experience more accessible is the Daybreak MAD, designed with comfort, durability, and clinical effectiveness in mind to help you get the sleep you deserve. If you're ready to explore a simpler, more comfortable alternative to CPAP, talk to your provider or visit Daybreak today to find out if MAD therapy is right for you. Better sleep and a better life could be just one decision away.