how oral appliances work

Oral appliances are placed in the mouth and are worn much like an orthodontic appliance or sports mouth protector. They are worn during sleep to prevent the collapse of the tongue and soft tissues in the back of the throat so that the airway stays open during sleep. The appliances promote adequate air intake and help to provide normal sleep in people who snore and have a medical condition known as sleep apnea. Oral appliances can be used alone or in conjunction with other means of therapy such as continuous positive air pressure (CPAP). Determination of proper therapy can only be made by joint consultation of your dentist and sleep physician.

types of oral appliances

Currently, over 40 different types of oral appliances are available to specially trained dentists to treat sleep disordered breathing. In our office we use several mandibular repositioning appliances that we have found suit the needs of our patients best.

mandibular repositioning appliances

Mandibular repositioning appliances maintain the lower jaw (mandible)  in a protruded position during sleep. It is felt that this serves to open the airway by indirectly pulling the tongue forward since the tongue is attached to the lower jaw, by stimulating activity of the muscles in the tongue and making it more rigid, and by holding the lower jaw and other structures in a stable position to prevent opening of the mouth.

we have found that these appliances work best for our patients

The Thornton Adjustable Positioner (TAP®) is a custom-made two piece adjustable appliance that is worn while sleeping. The trays of the appliance snap over the upper and lower teeth and hook together. The design is based on the same principle as cardiopulmonary resuscitation, CPR. The airway must be opened to allow air to pass through the throat. The TAP® holds the lower jaw in a forward position so that it does not shift nor fall open during the night. This prevents the airway from collapsing. The more you pull your jaw forward, the more your airway will open.

The TAP® is the only mandibular advancement device that can be adjusted easily by the patient or practitioner while in the mouth. This feature allows the patient to always be in control of their treatment. The unique design also allows the patient to fine-tune their treatment position at home to achieve maximum results.

Most patients experience relief the very first night they wear their TAP®. Although it may take up to a week to get used to wearing a TAP® appliance, this is a small hurdle for patients. Nine in ten patients wear the device all night, every night – making the TAP® a highly effective solution for both snoring and sleep apnea.

Features

• Patient-friendly
• Superior results
  
• Easy to fit
  
• Infinitely adjustable
  
• Precise control of advancement
  
• Interchangeable hooks
  
• Freedom for lateral movement
  
• More room for tongue
  
• Allows lips to close

The TAP® can help prevent conditions linked to sleep apnea:

• Chronic daytime sleepiness
  
• High blood pressure
  
• Heart attack
  
• Stroke
  
• Heartburn, reflux
  
• Morning headaches
  
• Depression

FDA Approval: Approved for both snoring and OSA
Date of FDA Approval: August 21, 1997
FDA Registration Number: K972061

The SomnoMed MAS is a custom-made device, consisting of upper and lower dental plates with a unique patented fin-coupling component, which allows normal mouth opening and closing. If required, a part can be added to make the device adjustable. This feature provides incremental and adjustable levels of lower jaw advancement, which improves the effectiveness and comfort-level of treatment as the jaw is moved only as far as is required to alleviate snoring and reduce OSA. Key features and benefits of the device include:

• Permits normal mouth opening
• Allows speech and drinking
• Provides full lip-seal
• Easily adjustable
• Safe and effective
• Clinically proven
• Custom-fitted

Additionally, the SomnoMed MAS is made from durable fade-proof acrylic that retains its shape and color for at least four-five years and is covered by a two year manufacturer's warranty.

FDA Approval received July 2005