Dr. Halstrom Sleep Apnea & Snoring Clinics

05/06/2026

Dr. Halstrom discusses his sleep apnea journey as a patient and provider of treatment to his patients.

02/12/2026

What is the SomnoDent Avant?

SomnoDent Avant (often referred to simply as the SomnoMed Avant) is a custom-made oral appliance designed to treat mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and snoring by repositioning your jaw during sleep to keep your airway open. It’s part of the SomnoDent family of devices made by SomnoMed, a well-known manufacturer of dental sleep medicine devices.

What It Is

It’s a mandibular advancement device (MAD) — a mouthpiece that you wear during sleep.
The device holds your lower jaw slightly forward so your airway stays open and breathing is easier. Reducing snoring and helping to manage mild to moderate OSA.

Key Features

Custom-fitted: Made to match the exact shape of your teeth and jaws using digital scans or impressions your dentist takes.
Milled design: It’s one of SomnoMed’s first milled oral devices — meaning it’s precisely carved from high-quality acrylic for durability and strength.
Comfort liner: A soft B-flex Comfort Liner cradles and supports the teeth, making it more comfortable and stable than many other oral appliances.
Slim and lightweight: Designed to be thinner and feel less bulky in the mouth, which can improve comfort and compliance.
Central straps or elastic bands: Some versions use a strap-based system that helps keep your mouth closed and maintain the proper jaw position throughout the night.

How It Helps

Reduces snoring: By keeping the airway open, it minimizes the turbulent airflow that causes snoring.
Improves sleep apnea symptoms: Effective for many individuals with mild to moderate OSA who cannot tolerate or prefer not to use CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure).
Comfort and compliance: Many patients report improved comfort compared with bulky CPAP masks, which can lead to better consistent use.

In short, the SomnoDent Avant is a digitally designed, custom-made, comfortable oral appliance often used as a CPAP alternative.

06/20/2025

Sleep Apnea ruins your sleep at night - but the daytime fatigue destroys your performance and enjoyment during the day.

02/14/2025

Thompson Rivers University Interview - Dr. Halstrom discusses the origin of oral appliance therapy and his own personal story.

09/06/2024

Why should I trust SomnoMed® with my sleep apnea treatment? "SomnoMed® is the world’s largest supplier of oral sleep apnea devices, operating in 28 countries. Since 2004, we’ve helped patients have a comfortable night’s sleep while effectively treating their sleep apnea.

We’ll make your device to the same medical device quality standards that are used for pacemakers to make sure your device is comfortable for your first night – and every night’s sleep."

Dr. Halstrom has chosen the SomnoMed Avant as a best in class device - the brilliant design simplicity combined with precision digital fabrication provides his patients with a treatment solution optimizing comfort and performance.

05/24/2024

Dr. Halstrom's Journey - Sleep Apnea Treatment

03/22/2024

SomnoMed Avant - both Dr. Halstrom and I (Don Halstrom) wear this device every night.

10/24/2023