A snoring brace or Mandibular Repositioning Device (MRD) is a custom-made removable brace that is worn at night. The brace is clipped onto the teeth of both the upper and lower jaw.
The principle is that the MRD pushes MRD lower jaw slightly forward. This ensures that the pharynx (airway behind the tongue and soft palate) remains more spacious during sleep, which prevents or reduces the airway from closing.
Snoring is the vibrating sound that occurs when air flows past the relaxed soft tissues in the throat. Although it is often perceived as annoying, it is primarily a noise problem.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS), or OSA, is a more serious condition. In this case, the relaxation of the throat and tongue muscles leads to a blockage of the airway, causing breathing to temporarily stop (apnea), defined as a pause of at least 10 seconds. This can happen dozens of times per hour. The body wakes up with a start to breathe, leading to disturbed sleep and daytime sleepiness and health risks.
There are two main types: OSAS (caused by physical blockage, most common) and CSAS (Central Sleep Apnea, caused by insufficient control from the brain). OSAS occurs in approximately 4% of men and 2% of women.
Factors that aggravate snoring
Various conditions can narrow the airway or promote muscle relaxation:
1. Physical and anatomical factors:
Overweight, where fat accumulation around the neck compresses the airway.
A large tongue, narrow lower jaw, or a long and flaccid palate.
Nasal problems, such as nasal polyps or a deviated septum, which cause restricted nasal breathing.
Heartburn (reflux), which can irritate and damage the mucous membranes.
2. Lifestyle and External Factors:
Sleeping on your back , which makes it easier for the tongue and soft palate to fall back.
Use of alcohol , sleeping pills, or sedatives, which cause the muscles to relax even more.
Smoking, which irritates the mucous membranes in the nose and throat and causes swelling.
Exhaustion, which causes a natural weakening of the throat muscles.
Diagnosis and Treatment with MRD
The diagnosis of OSA is made by a specialist (ENT doctor, pulmonologist, or neurologist) based on a sleep study (often a polygraphy). The specialist determines the severity based on the AHI score (Apnea-Hypopnea Index), the number of breathing interruptions per hour:
A score of 5 to 15 is a mild form.
A score of 16 to 30 indicates moderate fitness.
A score above 30 is considered severe.
The MRD Treatment
The Mandibular Repositioning Device (MRD), better known as the snoring mouthpiece, is an effective solution for mild and moderate OSA (AHI 5-30) and chronic snoring.
The MRD a custom-made brace that holds the lower jaw forward during sleep, keeping the airway at the back of the throat open. This reduces both snoring and apnea.
Reimbursement: MRD most cases, MRD is covered by basic insurance (subject to the deductible) when OSA is diagnosed.
Manufacture: A referral from a specialist is required for reimbursement, and the braces must be made by an NVTS-accredited Dental Sleep Specialist.
Here is the abbreviated and clear text:
## MRD at Allessie Dental Practice
Dentist M.J. Allessie has been NVTS accredited since 2017 and has extensive experience with MRD.
You always start with an intake interview. During this consultation, Dentist Allessie assesses the suitability of your teeth for MRD gives an estimate of the expected results. Only after this consultation do you decide whether you want to start treatment.
Compensation and Costs:
Do you have a referral for MRD OSA (Obstructive Sleep Apnea) from an ENT specialist, pulmonologist, or neurologist? MRD most cases, MRD is covered by basic health insurance.
Would you like an MRD for snoring ? The cost is between €850 and €950. Sometimes supplementary dental insurance will cover this (in part). There is a two-year warranty period under normal use.
Please note: In some cases, a more extensive sleep study, a polysomnography (PSG), is necessary, for example, if other sleep disorders such as insomnia are suspected.
You can make an appointment via the button at the top right of this website by selecting the "MRD " option after registering.
