Treatments:
A custom-made mandibular advancement device is an oral appliance worn during sleep to help reduce snoring and, for some patients, ease mild-to-moderate obstructive sleep apnoea. It holds the lower jaw gently forward, helping to keep the airway open and reduce breathing interruptions during sleep.
Alp Medical Travel is a medical tourism facilitator, not a dental or sleep clinic. Sleep apnoea should be diagnosed by an appropriate medical professional. Our partner dental clinics and dentists in Türkiye assess whether an oral appliance is suitable, provide and adjust the device, and manage the dental follow-up. Our role is to coordinate your treatment journey and communication with the treating clinic.
The main dental option for snoring, and for some cases of obstructive sleep apnoea, is a custom-made mandibular advancement device — sometimes described as a snoring or sleep apnoea mouthguard.
The device fits over the teeth and holds the lower jaw slightly forward while you sleep. Many designs are adjustable, allowing the dentist to increase the advancement gradually to find a comfortable and effective position.
This type of device is designed for obstructive sleep apnoea, where the airway becomes physically restricted during sleep — not for central sleep apnoea, a different and less common condition with a different cause.
An oral appliance may reduce snoring and, for people with mild-to-moderate obstructive sleep apnoea, help reduce breathing interruptions during sleep. Results vary depending on the severity and cause of the obstruction and how consistently the device is worn.
For moderate or severe obstructive sleep apnoea, CPAP therapy is commonly recommended. An oral appliance may still be considered when CPAP isn't tolerated, or when your doctor and dentist agree it's the right approach.
Not everyone is suitable for an oral appliance. Before a device is provided specifically for obstructive sleep apnoea, the condition and its severity should be assessed by a doctor or sleep specialist, usually with a sleep study.
The dentist will then examine your teeth, gums, bite and jaw joints to check whether the device can be worn safely and securely. Significant gum disease, too few healthy teeth or certain jaw-joint problems may affect suitability. Dental treatment may sometimes be needed before the appliance can be made.
If you have symptoms of sleep apnoea but haven't yet been assessed, the dentist may recommend a medical sleep assessment before proceeding.
The dentist takes an impression or digital scan of your teeth, which is sent to a laboratory to produce your custom-fitted device. This typically takes a few days, so it's usually possible to have the device made and fitted within a single, longer stay in Türkiye — your coordinator can help you plan the right length of trip for this.
Once the device is ready, the dentist checks the fit and makes any necessary adjustments. With an adjustable design, you'll also be shown how to make small, gradual adjustments yourself at home, following the dentist's guidance. If you experience ongoing discomfort or the device doesn't seem to be working as expected, contact the treating clinic — they'll advise whether this can be managed remotely or whether an in-person review is needed.
It can take a little time to get used to wearing the device. Mild jaw discomfort, increased saliva, or a temporary change in your bite when you wake up can occur during the first few weeks. Persistent discomfort or bite changes should be discussed with the treating clinic.
Most people need a short adjustment period before the device feels comfortable to sleep in. Follow-up appointments allow the dentist to check its fit, comfort and position and make further adjustments where needed.
If the appliance is being used for diagnosed obstructive sleep apnoea, your sleep specialist may recommend follow-up testing to confirm how effectively it's working.
General care for this type of device includes:
Once you're home, your Alp Medical Travel coordinator remains your point of contact and can help arrange communication with the treating clinic if any concerns arise.
You will have one named coordinator from your first enquiry through your return home. With your consent, we arrange the preliminary review of your case by a partner dental clinic and coordinate:
This means you know who to contact at each stage without having to explain your case again to a new person.
Cost depends on the type of device recommended and whether any dental treatment is needed before it can be fitted. Following a preliminary review, the partner dental clinic will prepare the proposed treatment and costs. Alp Medical Travel will coordinate an itemised quotation showing what's included, along with any travel-support services.
The final treatment plan and price are confirmed after your dental examination in Türkiye.
This page provides general information and does not replace an examination, diagnosis or individual advice from a qualified dentist or sleep medicine specialist.
