Mandibular advancement device in Dubai for snoring and mild-to-moderate sleep apnoea

Key facts

• Holds the lower jaw and tongue slightly forward during sleep
• For snoring and mild-to-moderate obstructive sleep apnoea
• A sleep study is needed before fitting
• Advancement is adjusted gradually (titration) for effect and comfort
• Bite and jaw joints are monitored at regular reviews

How a MAD opens the airway

During sleep the muscles of the throat relax, and in many people the tongue and soft tissues fall back and narrow or block the upper airway, causing snoring and, in sleep apnoea, repeated pauses in breathing. A MAD consists of upper and lower custom trays linked so that the lower jaw is held slightly forward. Because the tongue is attached to the lower jaw, it is brought forward too, which increases the space behind the tongue and stiffens the soft tissues of the throat. This makes collapse less likely. The device is made from a digital scan of your teeth and bite, so it fits closely and distributes forces over many teeth.

Who is suitable for an oral appliance

MADs are generally used for primary snoring and mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnoea, and for people with more severe apnoea who cannot tolerate CPAP, as advised by a sleep physician. A sleep study is required first to confirm the diagnosis and grade it; this can be a home sleep study or a hospital result. Suitability also depends on having enough healthy teeth to anchor the appliance, stable gums, adequate jaw opening and forward movement, and jaw joints that tolerate the forward position. Dr. Pacha examines the teeth, gums, joints and bite, and uses CBCT 3D imaging where indicated, before recommending a device.

Fitting and titration

After the digital scan and bite registration, the custom appliance is fitted and checked for comfort and retention. Treatment usually starts with a modest forward position, which is then gradually increased over several weeks, a process called titration, until snoring and symptoms improve without undue jaw discomfort. You will be shown how to put it in, take it out and clean it, and you may be given simple morning exercises to help the bite settle after removing it. Because snoring improvement does not always mean apnoea is controlled, a follow-up sleep study is commonly done once the appliance is at an effective setting, to confirm how well it is working.

Side effects and long-term monitoring

In the first weeks some people notice jaw or tooth tenderness in the morning, extra saliva or dry mouth, and a feeling that the bite is slightly “off” for a short time after removal. These usually settle as you adapt. Over years, small changes in how the teeth meet are a recognised effect of long-term MAD use. Dr. Pacha monitors the bite with scans at reviews and can adjust the appliance design and advancement to keep changes as small as possible. Contact the clinic if jaw pain persists, the joints lock or click painfully, teeth become loose, or the device cracks or no longer fits.

Working with your doctors and next steps

Obstructive sleep apnoea affects overall health, so Dr. Moaiyad Pacha works alongside your GP, sleep physician or ENT specialist, and shares results with your consent. For severe sleep apnoea, CPAP often remains the main treatment and an appliance may complement it. Seek medical advice promptly if you become sleepy while driving, have chest pain or have uncontrolled blood pressure. Dr. Pacha is a Consultant Orthodontist whose practice includes airway, sleep and TMJ orthodontics in London and Dubai. Prices are not published online; after examination you receive a written plan covering the sleep study, the device, adjustments and reviews. Contact the clinic for his Dubai dates.

A mandibular advancement device holds the lower jaw slightly forward during sleep, which helps keep the airway open. It is a recognised option for snoring and for mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnoea, and for patients who can't tolerate CPAP.

Prepared by the Manhal Medical Center editorial team · Updated: 2026-10-18 · Treating specialist: Dr. Moaiyad Pacha

This page is general information and does not replace a consultation. Suitability, risks and results vary between patients.