Oral appliance therapy in Wellington (Mandibular Advancement Splints)
Oral appliance therapy is a proven, comfortable treatment for snoring and obstructive sleep apnoea.
At the Sleep Matters Clinic in Wellington, we specialise in custom mandibular advancement splints (MAS) - a slim, discreet device worn during sleep to keep your airway open.
If you’re searching for oral appliance therapy in Wellington, mandibular advancement splint, or a CPAP alternative, this page explains exactly how the treatment works and whether it’s right for you.
What is Oral Appliance Therapy?
Oral appliance therapy is a treatment for snoring and obstructive sleep apnoea that uses a custom‑made mouthpiece (mandibular advancement splint) worn during sleep to hold the lower jaw slightly forward, helping keep the airway open and reduce snoring and breathing pauses.
How mandibular advancement splints work
Mandibular advancement splints gently hold your lower jaw in a precise forward position. This supports the soft tissues at the back of your throat so they cannot collapse, preventing:
Airway obstruction (obstructive sleep apnoea)
Night‑time choking or gasping episodes
Thanks to modern materials and digital design technology, our appliances are:
Thin
Biocompatible
Accurate and comfortable
Very strong
Non‑restrictive: you can speak, sip water, and move your jaw freely
Each appliance is fully adjustable, allowing us to fine‑tune the jaw position to achieve the best balance of comfort and effectiveness.
Why custom-made outperforms over-the-counter
Over‑the‑counter devices are “one size fits all”, which means:
They are bulky
They fit poorly and often fall out
They cannot be adjusted to your optimal jaw position
They rarely provide reliable snoring or sleep apnoea control
They often cause significant side effects such as jaw and tooth pain
Custom-made appliances, by contrast:
Are designed from digital scans of your teeth
Fit securely and comfortably
Allow precise titration
Are overseen by an expert dentist trained in Dental Sleep Medicine
Include regular follow-ups to optimise long-term results
This is why custom MAS are the internationally recommended standard for oral appliance therapy.
Will oral appliance therapy work for me?
Who is a good candidate
Most people are excellent candidates for oral appliance therapy. It is especially suitable if you:
Snore regularly
Have mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnoea
Have severe OSA but cannot tolerate CPAP
Prefer a quiet, travel-friendly treatment
Want a non-invasive option
The best way to know for sure is to book a free screening.
Our Satisfaction Guarantee
You can trial your custom-made oral appliance for three months to assess comfort and effectiveness.
If you’re not satisfied with the results, simply return the appliance and receive an 80% refund of your treatment fee.
We offer this because we know that the vast majority of people will achieve excellent results.
This allows you to trial the latest technology for snoring and sleep apnoea with minimal financial risk and is our way of ensuring our patients are satisfied regardless of the outcome.
Comparison of Oral Appliances
Our appliances are custom-made to ensure comfort and optimal performance
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Satisfaction Guarantee
If you are not satisfied with the result, within three months, you will be entitled to a refund of 80% of your out of pocket costs of the treatment fee.
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State-of-the-Art
We utilise the latest in 3D scanning and digital technology to ensure our appliances are comfortable and state-of-the-art.
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Proven CPAP Alternative
Many people diagnosed with sleep apnoea are not able to use the CPAP machine. Oral appliances are the only proven alternative, yet far more comfortable.
Why choose the Sleep Matters Clinic?
Wellington’s dedicated Dental Sleep Medicine clinic
Sleep Matters Clinic is New Zealand’s first clinic focused solely on Dental Sleep Medicine. We serve patients across:
Wellington CBD
Lower Hutt & Upper Hutt
Porirua
Kapiti Coast
A personalised, patient‑first approach to treatment
At Sleep Matters, every patient receives a treatment plan tailored to their unique airway, dental health, sleep study results, and lifestyle. We take the time to understand:
Your snoring or sleep apnoea symptoms
Your previous experience with CPAP or other treatments
Your jaw comfort, bite, and dental history
Your goals — quieter sleep, better energy, or a CPAP alternative
This personalised approach ensures your mandibular advancement splint is comfortable, effective, and sustainable long‑term. We adjust your appliance gradually, monitor your progress closely, and support you through every stage of treatment.
Digital scanning + precision fitting
We use modern digital scanning instead of traditional impressions:
No messy moulds
Highly accurate fit
3D‑printed or milled appliances
Customised jaw positioning
Evidence-based CPAP alternative
Oral appliance therapy is:
A first‑line treatment for mild–moderate OSA
A CPAP alternative for patients who cannot tolerate masks
A leading treatment for primary snoring
We follow international guidelines and collaborate with GPs, dentists, and sleep physicians.
Benefits of mandibular advancement splints
Snoring reduction
Most patients experience:
Quieter breathing
Reduced or eliminated snoring
Improved sleep for partners
Quiet, easy to use
Patients often prefer MAS because it is:
Quiet
Easy to travel with
Low maintenance and comfortable
Sleep apnoea improvement
MAS can reduce:
Airway collapse
Breathing pauses
Daytime sleepiness
Long-term comfort
MAS are designed for ongoing nightly use:
Adjustable for long-term fit
Gentle on teeth and jaws when monitored
Suitable for sustained, nightly treatment
Our oral appliance therapy process
Step 1: Free suitability screening
Your free screening includes:
Symptom review
Sleep study assessment
MAS suitability check
Clear explanation of costs and next steps
Step 2: At-home sleep study (if needed)
If you haven’t had a sleep study, we can arrange an at-home test.
Step 3: Custom appliance design + fitting
We take digital scans and design your MAS for:
Comfort
Airway improvement
Long-term durability
Step 4: Titration, follow-up, and long-term care
We adjust your appliance gradually to optimise results and arrange follow-up sleep studies when needed.
Safety, comfort & side effects
Common temporary effects:
Morning jaw stiffness
Excess saliva
Tooth or gum pressure
When MAS may not be suitable:
Severe untreated TMJ issues
Significant dental instability
Severe OSA requiring CPAP trial
How we monitor and prevent issues:
We review jaw joints
Check the bite alignment
Ensure accurate appliance fit
Frequently Asked Questions
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Oral appliance therapy uses a custom dental device that holds the lower jaw forward during sleep. This helps keep the airway open and reduces obstructive breathing events.
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A mandibular advancement device is an oral appliance designed to position the lower jaw forward at night. Forward positioning supports airway space and reduces airway collapse.
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We use oral appliance therapy as a recognised treatment option for snoring and obstructive sleep apnoea. Outcomes depend on diagnosis and appliance fit, and follow-up appointments are used to review progress.
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Yes, treatment is provided at our Kelburn clinic in Wellington. Care includes digital scanning and custom manufacturing for a precise fit.
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Oral appliances are a compact treatment option that do not use a machine. CPAP delivers pressurised air through a mask, while oral appliances reposition the lower jaw to help support the airway.
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Suitability depends on diagnosis, symptom severity, and oral health factors assessed during consultation. We confirm candidacy after screening and, where needed, sleep study results.
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When provided and monitored by a trained Dental Sleep Medicine clinician, oral appliance therapy is generally safe. We assess your teeth, gums, jaw joints, and bite before treatment and monitor them over time.
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No, you can book directly for a free screening. We also welcome referrals from GPs, dentists, and sleep physicians.
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Yes. Many patients travel from Lower Hutt, Upper Hutt, Porirua, and Kapiti. We can plan appointments to reduce the number of trips and coordinate care with your local GP or dentist.
Book your free screening
Ready to explore oral appliance therapy and see if it is right for you?
Book online
Book your free screening at the Sleep Matters Clinic, Wellington.
Call us
Prefer to talk to someone? One of our friendly team members are always happy to help.
Referrals
Health professionals can send referrals directly to Sleep Matters Clinic.