Sleep apnea is a serious, sometimes fatal medical disorder that affects around 10% of American men over the age of 40, and 6% of American women of the same age.  Sleep apnea sufferers completely stop breathing during sleep, sometimes hundreds of times in a single night.  Normal breathing ceases because the airway becomes obstructed, causing a serious reduction of airflow to the lungs.

There are a number of dental devices that can be used to alleviate this condition. The goal of most of these devices is to separate the jaws and push them forward slightly.  This slight repositioning opens up the airway, and allows oxygen to flow freely again.  Wearers of sleep apnea dental devices report that they stop loud snoring, feel more rested in the daytime, and are much more comfortable going to sleep.  Sleep apnea appliances work best on patients who are not significantly overweight. They offer a viable alternative to Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP).

Sleep apnea appliances fall into two categories: fixed and adjustable.  Here are brief descriptions of some commonly used sleep apnea dental appliances:

TAP^® 3 (Thornton Adjustable Positioner)

The TAP^® 3 is the smallest, most comfortable member of the TAP family.  It is a two-part custom-created sleep apnea appliance that fits over the teeth in much the same way as a sports mouthguard.  The TAP^® 3 projects the jaw forward to prevent the tongue and soft tissues from impeding the airway; mandibular advancement appliance (MAD).  The lower jaw positioner is adjustable, which means that it can be altered to suit the comfort level of the wearer.  The TAP^® 3 appliance can accommodate the three main types of malocclusion, and allows the lips to fully close.

Narval^TM CC Appliance

The Narval^TM CC Appliance is the first and only CAD/CAM custom-made mandibular re-positioning device (MRD) on the market. Computer-aided design (CAD) enables a high degree of customization to suit the complex dental anatomy of individual patients.  Computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) through selective later sintering guarantees a consistently accurate MRD. The Narval^TM CC appliance is made of highly resilient and durable bio-compatible polymer materials; metal-free, flexible, and light weight. The patient or dentist can project the jaw forwards in increments of .5mm at a time. 

Herbst Telescopic Appliance

The Herbst appliance is held in the mouth by clasps and friction grips.  It is made of acrylic, and contains adjustable metal wiring.  The advantage of this appliance is that the wearer is able to move vertically and laterally without dislodging the appliance.  The Herbst appliance is usually used in mild and moderate cases of sleep apnea, and can also alleviate loud snoring effectively.

AM Aligner

The AM Aligner exercised the patient's mandible comfortably back into normal occlusion (bite). It can be used in partnership with any sleep appliance on the market. Heat-softening material easily conforms to teeth. It should be worn each morning after removing your sleep appliance to prevent permanent changes to your bite.

If you have questions or concerns about sleep apnea appliances, please ask your dentist.