Are Mandibular Advancement Devices Painful?

Oral appliances can take some time to get used to, but they should never feel painful. If your discomfort level is high, speak with Dr. Weisberg so she can adjust your device. If you are feeling jaw pain, it could be due to TMJ, a condition that Dr. Weisberg has treated successfully in the past. In the case of TMJ, the use of a Mandibular Advancement Device will be discontinued.

How Many Appointments Will I Need?

You will typically need two to three appointments to set up the device and function. The first is a consultation, during which Dr. Weiselberg will confirm your candidacy for a MAD. The second involves taking impressions of your teeth so that the device fits perfectly inside your mouth. The final appointment is scheduled for when your device is ready for any last-minute adjustments before you take it home.

How Long Until I See Results?

Results vary from patient to patient, but most individuals notice an improvement in their sleep quality and reduced snoring very soon after implementing a MAD into their routine. The device must be used properly and consistently to be most effective.

What Are the Side Effects Associated with Mandibular Advancement Devices?

Side effects usually include minor discomfort in the mouth and jaw, drooling, dry mouth, and gum irritation. Mild toothaches may also occur. Dr. Weiselberg will monitor your treatment to ensure you are obtaining the desired results with minimal discomfort.

Mandibular Advancement Devices

Fort Lee, NJ

Introduction to Mandibular Advancement Devices

A Mandibular Advancement Device (MAD) – sometimes called a mandibular repositioning device (MRD) – is uniquely engineered to help patients control their breathing habits while they sleep. Lightweight and efficient MADs can combat mild to moderate sleep apnea by opening up the patient’s airways at night, restoring well-being and peace of mind. Studies show that up to 75% of patients using Mandibular Advancement Devices are able to correct their troublesome sleep patterns and regain their quality of life. Dr. Ali Weiselberg in Fort Lee, NJ, can meet with you for a private consultation to discern if a MAD will be helpful in your individual case.

man lying on a bed, smiling and resting his head on a pillow- Sleep Apnea Treatment in Fort Lee, NJ

What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

Around 22 million Americans suffer from obstructive sleep apnea, a condition where the tissues in the throat prevent adequate airflow, causing the patient’s breathing to stop and start during the night and resulting in unpleasant snoring noises. Common symptoms of sleep apnea include:

Feeling fatigued during the day
Waking up suddenly in the middle of the night
Having problems with memory and concentration
Experiencing pauses in breathing at night
Having headaches upon awakening

A woman with curly dark hair smiles happily while reclining on a pillow. She wears a light-colored ribbed top and is resting her head on her hand in a relaxed manner - Mandibular Advancement Devices in Fort Lee, NJ

What is a Mandibular Advancement Device?

A Mandibular Advancement Device pushes the jaw forward to expand your air passages while you are asleep. This process reduces snoring and enhances unencumbered breathing throughout the night. The device is compact, lightweight, discreet, and easy to travel with, making it a popular solution for those with sleep apnea. MADs serve as viable and effective alternatives to bulky CPAP breathing machines.

What Are the Benefits of a Mandibular Advancement Device?

MADs come with a wide array of benefits and can completely revolutionize the quality of your sleep. Advantages include:

Improves breathing
Fortifies and tones the patient’s airways
An excellent alternative to oral surgery and CPAPs
Combats snoring
Reduces teeth grinding
Corrects sleep apnea
Easy to travel with
Unintrusive
Easy to conceal
Cost-effective

Who Are the Best Candidates for a Mandibular Advancement Device?

Mandibular Advancement Devices are ideal for those in the Northern New Jersey area seeking a viable alternative to continuous positive airway pressure devices that can be clumsy and bulky. The best candidates for MADs are younger individuals with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea who have noticed an improvement in symptoms when they sleep on their sides or when their jaw recedes. The device may be less suitable for patients with excess neck fat, a stiff jaw, or gum disease. MADs don’t benefit those with central sleep apnea because the condition originates in the brain rather than the mouth and jaw.

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Let’s Get Started

What’s the
first step?

Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder characterized by stopped and restarted breathing. Many patients with sleep apnea learn about their condition when their partner complains about snoring. Sleep apnea, which is commonly associated with hypertension, heart disease, and type II diabetes, comes in different forms. The most common is obstructive sleep apnea, which occurs when the muscles in the back of the throat prohibit the full opening of the airways.

A custom-fitted Mandibular Advancement Device is similar to a retainer or mouthguard and helps reduce the collapse of the tongue and soft tissue in the throat, promoting the proper flow of air through the lungs. The process of acquiring a MAD involves a detailed consultation with Dr. Weiselberg, who will assess your condition and determine if you are a good candidate. You may need to do an overnight sleep assessment to record your activities at night. The test measures your blood oxygen levels, heart rate, eye movements, and brain waves to detect your degree of sleep apnea.

What to Expect From a Mandibular Advancement Devices Treatment

Once your sleep apnea has been properly diagnosed, you will be fitted for your Mandibular Advancement Device. At your initial appointment, Dr. Weiselberg will take dental impressions to customize your device to your unique anatomy. At your second appointment, the completed appliance will be placed inside your mouth and adjusted to ensure your comfort. Dr. Weiselberg will then show you how to use the apparatus so you can get better rest that very same evening.

How Much Does a Mandibular Advancement Device Cost in North Jersey?

After your private consultation, Dr. Weiselberg can provide you with a cost estimate for a Mandibular Advancement Device in Fort Lee and the Northern New Jersey area. Your medical insurance may cover oral appliance therapy.

Why Choose North Jersey Dental Group?

Dr. Ali N. Weiselberg, D.D.S., F.I.C.O.I, created the North Jersey Dental Group, P.A., to provide patients with outstanding, comprehensive dental care in a technologically advanced practice setting. She has been licensed to practice in both New Jersey and New York since 2006 and has served on the Board of Directors of New York University’s College of Dentistry’s Alumni Association since September 2009. Thanks to her expertise and precision, Dr. Weiselberg was nominated as one of the Best 50 Women In Business in the State of New Jersey by NJBIZ in 2011. In 2009 and 2010, she was honored as a Professional Woman of the Year by the National Association of Professional Women. She is a Lifetime Member of the Cambridge Who’s Who Registry of Executives, Professionals, and Entrepreneurs and is a proud member of the American Dental Association (ADA), the North Jersey Dental Association (NJDA), the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD).