Sleep Apnea Appliances
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 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 Mandibular Advancement Devices (MAD) that can be used to alleviate this condition. The goal of these devices is to reposition the lower jaw forward slightly. This slight repositioning opens up the airway, and allows oxygen to flow freely again. Patients that undergo Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT) 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:
EMA
The EMA appliance is an advancement appliance that's great for patients who grind. The EMA uses rubber bands to hold the mandible forward. These bands are flexible to allow for lateral movement and can be advanced one millimeter at a time. This appliance now comes in a nylon material that provides even more comfort for our patients!
Panthera D-SAD
The Panthera D-SADs is the newest Medicare approved oral appliance used for the treatment of snoring and/or obstructive sleep apnea. The D-SAD also fabricated with a nylon material that is low profile and provides a comfortable fit!
Somnomed Herbst
The Somnomed Herbst advanced is another Medicare approved oral appliance. The advancement mechanism comes with a standard telescopic design. This mechanism allows the mandible to be easily advanced in increments of one tenths of a millimeter.
Somnomed Fusion
The Somnodent Fusion appliance is used to gently bring the mandible and its associated musculature and tissues forward, opening up the airway for those with sleep apnea. It is made of two separate acrylic pieces and allows patients to speak, yawn, and drink.
Somnomed Avant
The Somnomed Avant is an advancement appliance that uses a flexible strap to hold the mandible forward. The straps are interchangeable and can be advanced by one millimeter at a time. This design allows the mandible to slide laterally with ease and is great for patients who grind their teeth.
If you have questions or concerns about sleep appliances, please ask one of our doctors.