Customized Oral Appliance Therapy (MAD) in Madgaon, Goa

Customized Oral Appliance Therapy (MAD) in Madgaon, Goa

A comfortable alternative for managing snoring and mild to moderate sleep apnoea

Being told you snore loudly, or that you stop breathing briefly during sleep, can be unsettling, especially if a CPAP machine feels bulky, uncomfortable or hard to tolerate every night.

A Mandibular Advancement Device (MAD) is a custom oral appliance that gently holds the lower jaw in a slightly forward position during sleep, helping to keep the airway more open.

At Dr Taranjit Kaur's Healing Touch Centre in Comba, Madgaon, MAD therapy is fitted based on your bite, jaw structure and a proper understanding of your sleep-related symptoms, in coordination with any sleep study findings you may already have.

Dr Taranjit Kaur brings more than 25 years of experience in Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery and is a Fellow of the Indian Board of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons (FIBOMS), with focus extending to jaw-related sleep and airway concerns.

Can a MAD device help with snoring and sleep apnoea?

Yes. A custom-fitted mandibular advancement device can reduce airway collapse during sleep by holding the lower jaw slightly forward, which often reduces snoring and can improve mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnoea.

Suitability depends on the severity of your condition, which is usually confirmed through a sleep study before or alongside your dental assessment.

MAD therapy usually includes:

• Review of your sleep symptoms and any existing sleep study results
• Assessment of your bite, teeth and jaw joint to confirm suitability
• Impressions or digital scans to design a custom-fitted device
• Fitting and gradual adjustment of the jaw advancement setting
• Follow-up review, often alongside repeat sleep monitoring where appropriate

The goal is not only to reduce snoring sound. The goal is to improve airway opening during sleep in a way that is comfortable enough to wear consistently, every night.

Is a MAD device right for you?

The answer depends on your diagnosis and jaw and dental suitability

A MAD device is generally most effective for simple snoring and mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnoea. It is not usually the first choice for severe sleep apnoea, where other treatments may be more appropriate, and dental or jaw joint factors can also affect suitability.

A responsible approach reviews your sleep study findings and dental health together before recommending this option.

A MAD device may be considered if you have:

• Confirmed or suspected simple snoring without significant apnoea
• A diagnosis of mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnoea
• Difficulty tolerating or using a CPAP machine consistently
• Sufficient healthy teeth to support and retain the device
• No significant untreated TMJ disorder that would make jaw advancement uncomfortable
• A partner or family member reporting loud snoring or breathing pauses
• Daytime tiredness that has been assessed and linked to sleep-disordered breathing

Your consultation is the right place to determine whether a MAD device is a suitable and effective option for you.

How is a MAD device made and fitted?

The process is planned around comfort, fit and effectiveness

1. Consultation and sleep history review

Your appointment begins with a review of your snoring or sleep apnoea symptoms, along with any existing sleep study results, and a dental and jaw joint examination to confirm suitability.

2. Impressions or digital scanning

Accurate impressions or digital scans of your upper and lower teeth are taken to design a device that fits precisely and comfortably.

3. Device design and fabrication

A custom MAD is fabricated to connect the upper and lower jaw in a way that allows controlled, adjustable forward positioning of the lower jaw.

4. Fitting and initial adjustment

The device is fitted and checked for comfort and retention, with an initial, conservative jaw advancement setting.

5. Gradual titration

The degree of jaw advancement is typically increased gradually over subsequent visits, balancing effectiveness with comfort.

6. Follow-up and outcome review

Follow-up appointments assess how well your symptoms have improved, and repeat sleep monitoring may be recommended to confirm the device's effectiveness.

MAD device vs CPAP: which is right for you?

Both aim to improve airway opening, but work differently

Treatment Option How It Works May Be Suitable When

CPAP Machine Delivers continuous air pressure Sleep apnoea is moderate to severe through a mask to keep the or CPAP is medically preferred airway open

MAD Device Repositions the lower jaw Snoring or mild to moderate sleep forward to reduce airway apnoea, or CPAP is not well collapse during sleep tolerated

Some patients are advised to try a MAD device after struggling with CPAP, while others with more severe apnoea may be guided toward CPAP or a combined approach. This is discussed based on your specific sleep study findings.

Why choose Dr Taranjit Kaur for MAD therapy?

Specialist assessment matters for effective, comfortable oral appliance therapy

Oral and maxillofacial surgery expertise

Understanding jaw structure, bite mechanics and TMJ health is directly relevant to designing a MAD device that works effectively without causing joint strain.

FIBOMS credential and broader jaw expertise

Dr Taranjit Kaur is a Fellow of the Indian Board of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons (FIBOMS), bringing surgical-level understanding of jaw and airway anatomy to appliance design.

More than 25 years of experience

Judging the right starting position and advancement pace for your MAD device comes from extensive clinical experience balancing effectiveness and comfort.

Coordination with sleep study findings

Device therapy is planned in the context of your diagnosed severity, not offered as a generic solution for anyone who snores.

Clear explanations without pressure

You will understand how the device works, what results to expect, and how progress will be monitored before committing to treatment.

Caring for your MAD device

Good habits support both comfort and effectiveness

A well-maintained MAD device continues to fit and function well over time.

Helpful habits include:

• Cleaning the device daily as instructed
• Storing it in its case when not in use
• Attending scheduled adjustment and review appointments
• Reporting jaw discomfort, bite changes or excessive salivation
• Continuing to monitor snoring or sleep symptoms and reporting changes
• Avoiding attempts to adjust the device yourself
• Considering repeat sleep monitoring if recommended, to confirm effectiveness

Consistent follow-up helps ensure the device continues to work well and remains comfortable long-term.

Frequently Asked Questions About Customized Oral Appliance Therapy (MAD)

Do I need a sleep study before getting a MAD device?

In most cases, yes. A sleep study helps confirm the severity of your condition and whether a MAD device is likely to be effective for you.

Is a MAD device as effective as CPAP?

For simple snoring and mild to moderate sleep apnoea, a MAD device can be effective, though CPAP is often preferred for more severe cases. Your clinician will discuss what is appropriate for your diagnosis.

Will the device feel uncomfortable at first?

Some initial adjustment is common as you get used to the device and the jaw advancement setting, which is typically increased gradually to support comfort.

Can I use a MAD device if I have jaw joint (TMJ) problems?

This depends on the nature of your TMJ symptoms, which will be assessed during your consultation, as jaw advancement therapy is not suitable for everyone.

How long does a MAD device last?

With proper care, a custom MAD device typically lasts a few years, though this varies with wear and individual use.

Will I need follow-up sleep studies?

Follow-up monitoring is often recommended to confirm that the device is effectively managing your symptoms, particularly after initial fitting and adjustment.

Where is the clinic located?

Dr Taranjit Kaur's Healing Touch Centre is located at Shop 37, Upper Ground Floor, Vasant Arcade, Comba, Madgaon, Goa 403601.

Find a more comfortable way to manage your snoring or sleep apnoea

A custom-fitted MAD device may offer a comfortable, effective alternative when CPAP has been difficult to tolerate.

Start with a consultation at Dr Taranjit Kaur's Healing Touch Centre in Madgaon to find out if oral appliance therapy is right for you.

Dr Taranjit Kaur's Healing Touch Centre Shop 37, Upper Ground Floor, Vasant Arcade, Comba, Madgaon, Goa 403601