Mask therapy overcomes the narrowing in the throat by increasing air pressure. Air is delivered through a tube via a face mask that is secured over the face. This form of therapy is intended for severe cases of obstructive sleep apnea, where breathing pauses occur more than once every two minutes.

In cases of severe sleep apnea where mask therapy is not tolerated, a mandibular advancement device is also recommended. This type of dental splint is discreet, easy to transport, and allows you to move freely and sleep in any position during the night.

A mandibular advancement device, on the other hand, enables an unobstructed, natural airflow by positioning the lower jaw and tongue forward—similar to orthodontic appliances. This mechanism effectively counteracts the underlying issue, namely the narrowing of the airway in the throat.

The device is always made in two parts (for the upper and lower jaw), custom-fitted, and adjustable. This means the degree of forward positioning of the lower jaw can be fine-tuned afterward to suit your individual needs.

Mandibular advancement devices are suitable for treating snoring as well as mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea (fewer than 30 breathing interruptions per hour).

The treatment begins with an approximately 30-minute consultation. Ideally, you will have already spent a night at a sleep laboratory and will bring a medical letter with your personal sleep data as well as current dental X-rays. Dr. von Gienanth will discuss your sleep values with you, explain sleep-related conditions, and provide comprehensive advice on the various sleep splint options available. If no sleep data is available yet, we can also carry out the assessment directly at the Dental Centrum.

In the next step, we will prepare a non-binding treatment and cost plan covering the complete treatment programme. This gives you a transparent overview of all planned procedures and associated costs. We recommend submitting this to your health insurance provider in advance to clarify any potential cost coverage.

Once you have decided on a sleep splint, a digital impression of your jaw is taken using the intraoral scanner – with no uncomfortable impression material. The scan takes approximately 30–45 minutes and produces a highly precise image of your upper and lower jaw. Your data is sent confidentially to the manufacturer; production of your splint takes approximately 14–21 days.

At your next appointment, your finished sleep splint will be fitted, individually adjusted, and fine-tuned as needed. After a brief introduction, your splint is ready to use straight away – you can wear it from the very first night.

Approximately 14 days after receiving your splint, a follow-up appointment takes place where further adjustments or corrections can be made. You will also have the opportunity to share how your sleep has changed. If necessary, a further appointment at a sleep laboratory or at our practice with the splint in place can be arranged to objectively determine its ideal setting.

We recommend an annual check-up at the Dental Centrum to ensure your sleep splint continues to function perfectly. This allows us to respond early to any changes and ensure the long-term effectiveness of your therapy.