INDIVIDUAL GUIDE · APPLIANCE CARE

Device Breakage and Wear

ESTIMATED READING TIME · 6 MINUTES

Understanding the signs of wear and what to do if your appliance breaks helps you maintain treatment continuity and know when replacement is needed.

SYMPTOMS

What you may experience

  • 01Visible cracks or fractures in the appliance material
  • 02Loose or broken hinges or advancement mechanisms
  • 03Worn or flattened areas on the tooth-contact surfaces
  • 04A change in how the appliance fits or feels
CAUSES

Why it happens

  • 01Normal material fatigue over years of use
  • 02Accidental drops onto hard surfaces
  • 03Exposure to heat that warps the material
  • 04Bite force and bruxism accelerating wear
PREVENTION

How to prevent it

  • 01Always store the appliance in its protective case when not in use
  • 02Handle over a towel or soft surface to prevent drop damage
  • 03Never use hot water for cleaning, which can warp the material
  • 04Keep the appliance away from pets who may chew it
  • 05Attend checkups so your provider can monitor wear
HOME MANAGEMENT

What you can do at home

  • 01Inspect the appliance weekly for signs of cracks or wear
  • 02If you notice damage, stop using the appliance immediately
  • 03Store it safely in its case until you can see your provider
  • 04Never attempt to repair the appliance with household adhesives
WHEN TO CONTACT YOUR PROVIDER

When professional adjustment is needed

  • ▸Any visible crack, chip, or fracture in the material
  • ▸A broken or loose hinge or advancement mechanism
  • ▸The appliance no longer fits properly due to damage
  • ▸Visible wear that may affect the therapeutic function
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Guide
FAQs.

EDUCATIONAL CONTENT ONLY · NOT MEDICAL ADVICE · CONSULT YOUR PROVIDER

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MEDICAL REVIEW & EDITORIAL STANDARDS
Originally Published
August 5, 2026
Last Updated
August 5, 2026
Last Reviewed
August 5, 2026
Next Scheduled Review
February 5, 2027
Evidence-Based References
  • —Sheats RD, Schell TG, Blanton AO, et al. — Management of Side Effects of Oral Appliance Therapy for Sleep-Disordered Breathing (Journal of Dental Sleep Medicine, 2017;4(4):111–125)
  • —Ramar K, Dort LC, Katz SG, et al. — Clinical Practice Guideline for the Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Snoring with Oral Appliance Therapy: An Update for 2015 (Journal of Dental Sleep Medicine, 2015;2(3))
  • —Levine M, Cantwell M, Postol K, Schwartz DB — Dental Sleep Medicine Standards for Screening, Treatment, and Management of Sleep-Related Breathing Disorders in Adults Using Oral Appliance Therapy: An Update (Journal of Dental Sleep Medicine, 2025;12(2))
  • —Doff MHJ, et al. — Long-term oral appliance therapy in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome: a controlled study on dental side effects (Clinical Oral Investigations, 2013; PubMed PMID 22562077)
  • —Doff MHJ, et al. — Long-term oral appliance therapy in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome: a controlled study on temporomandibular side effects (PubMed PMID 21538074)
  • —Paredes N, Colak O, Gargoum A, et al. — Anteroposterior and Vertical Effects of Mandibular Advancement Devices in Sleep-Disordered Patients: A Systematic Review (Journal of Dental Sleep Medicine, 2021;8(2))
  • —Yu J, et al. — Dental and skeletal changes of long-term mandibular advancement devices for obstructive sleep apnea: systematic review and meta-analysis (2024; PubMed PMID 39174171)