Dental Sleep Medicine
Custom oral appliance therapy for snoring and mild-to-moderate obstructive sleep apnea — a comfortable, non-invasive alternative to CPAP, available across 10 clinic locations in Navi Mumbai.
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is one of the most common sleep disorders — and one of the most underdiagnosed. It occurs when the muscles at the back of the throat relax too much during sleep, causing the airway to narrow or close completely. The brain then briefly wakes you to reopen the airway, a cycle that can repeat dozens or even hundreds of times per night.
Most people are unaware this is happening. The most obvious sign is loud snoring, but OSA goes beyond snoring — it fragments your sleep, drops your blood oxygen levels, and strains the cardiovascular system. Left untreated, it is associated with hypertension, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and significant daytime impairment.
If you or a family member experience several of these, a sleep apnea assessment is worth considering:
A mandibular advancement device (MAD) is a custom-fitted oral appliance — similar in appearance to a sports mouthguard — worn during sleep. It works by holding the lower jaw slightly forward, which in turn keeps the tongue and soft tissues away from the airway, preventing the collapse that causes snoring and apnea events.
Unlike CPAP, there is no machine, no mask, and no noise. The device is small enough to travel with and most patients adapt to it within one to two weeks. For mild-to-moderate OSA, clinical evidence shows oral appliance therapy to be highly effective — and for many patients, it is significantly more tolerable than CPAP long-term.
No mask, no machine
Small, custom-fitted device that sits comfortably in your mouth — no hoses, no noise.
Travel friendly
Fits in a pocket-sized case. Ideal for frequent travellers who find CPAP impractical.
Custom fit
Precisely made from impressions of your own teeth for a secure, comfortable fit.
CPAP alternative
Suitable for patients who cannot tolerate or comply with CPAP therapy.
Quiet treatment
Silent appliance that lets your partner sleep undisturbed as well.
Reversible
Non-surgical, fully reversible treatment with no permanent changes to teeth or jaw.
Dr. Dhaval Shah holds an MDS in Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopaedics from D.Y. Patil School of Dentistry, Nerul, Navi Mumbai, and has been an Invisalign Certified Provider since 2017. His orthodontic expertise — including the precise management of jaw position and occlusion — forms the clinical foundation for his practice in dental sleep medicine.
Mandibular advancement devices work through the same jaw-repositioning principles that orthodontists apply daily. Dr. Shah's understanding of how jaw position affects the airway allows him to design and calibrate devices with the precision that effective sleep apnea treatment demands.
For patients with moderate-to-severe OSA, Dr. Shah works in coordination with your physician or sleep specialist to ensure appropriate diagnosis, monitoring, and follow-up.
1. Initial Consultation
Dr. Shah reviews your symptoms, sleep study results (if available), and medical history to confirm suitability for oral appliance therapy.
2. Clinical Records
Dental impressions and bite records are taken to fabricate a device that fits your teeth precisely.
3. Device Fitting (2–4 weeks later)
Your custom mandibular advancement device is fitted and initial jaw position is set. Instructions on use and care are provided.
4. Follow-up & Calibration
Review appointments fine-tune the jaw advancement for optimal airway opening while maintaining comfort. Most patients settle within 2–3 adjustments.
5. Ongoing Monitoring
Periodic check-ins ensure the device remains effective and well-fitting. Coordination with your physician continues as needed.
What is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)?
Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition where the throat muscles relax during sleep, causing the airway to narrow or close repeatedly. This interrupts breathing, reduces oxygen levels, and fragments sleep — often without the patient being aware. Common signs include loud snoring, gasping during sleep, and daytime fatigue.
Can an orthodontist really treat sleep apnea?
Yes. Dental sleep medicine is a recognised specialty. Orthodontists and dentists with training in dental sleep medicine can fabricate custom mandibular advancement devices (MADs) that reposition the jaw to keep the airway open during sleep. This is a first-line treatment for mild-to-moderate OSA and for CPAP-intolerant patients.
How is a mandibular advancement device different from CPAP?
CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) uses a machine and mask to push air into the airway. A mandibular advancement device (MAD) is a custom-fitted oral appliance — similar in appearance to a sports mouthguard — that holds the lower jaw slightly forward during sleep to prevent airway collapse. MADs are quieter, require no electricity, and are far more travel-friendly.
Is oral appliance therapy as effective as CPAP?
For mild-to-moderate OSA, oral appliance therapy has comparable outcomes to CPAP. For severe OSA, CPAP remains the gold standard, though MADs are sometimes used alongside or as an alternative when CPAP compliance is poor. Dr. Shah works in coordination with your physician or sleep specialist.
How long does it take to get an oral appliance?
After an initial consultation and clinical records, the device is typically fabricated and fitted within 2–4 weeks. Follow-up adjustments fine-tune the jaw position for maximum effectiveness and comfort.
Is this available at all of Dr. Shah's locations in Navi Mumbai?
Yes. Dr. Shah offers sleep apnea consultations at his partner clinics across Navi Mumbai including Panvel, Kharghar, Kamothe, Seawoods, Ghansoli, Mulund, and more. Call or WhatsApp to check availability at your preferred location.
Book a free consultation with Dr. Dhaval Shah at any of our 10 Navi Mumbai locations. No obligation — just a clear assessment of whether oral appliance therapy is right for you.