Dental appliances or mandibular (lower jaw) advancement splints — have been effective for many snorers, including those suffering from mild or moderate obstructive sleep apnea. They are plastic devices worn in the mouth during sleep to prevent the soft throat tissues from collapsing and obstructing the airway. They do this by bringing your lower jaw forward and/or by lifting your soft palate. Some devices also stop the tongue from falling back over your windpipe.

Dr. Zuerlein will be the one to fit these special appliances to meet your individual condition. Typically they will take a mold of your mouth and then send off for a custom mouthpiece.

Dr. Zuerlein is a member of the Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine.