CPAP therapy is the gold standard of sleep apnea treatment. However, if you are CPAP intolerant, Dr. Ally will be happy to provide an alternative treatment option for you: oral appliance therapy.
Oral appliance therapy is often an excellent alternative to the CPAP device, and it is typically recommended to treat mild to moderate sleep apnea and snoring disorders. Oral appliances work by advancing the lower jaw slightly forward into a comfortable position. This prevents the soft tissues from collapsing and the tongue from rolling back, letting you breathe easily. Your oral appliance will be custom made to fit your mouth perfectly and feel comfortable while you are wearing it.
Advantages of wearing an oral appliance include:
- A safe, non-invasive and effective therapy option
- Comfort and ease while wearing
- Small and convenient size, making it easy to carry when traveling
- No noise or disruption while you are asleep
There are a variety of oral appliances that we may recommend, including:
EMA
The EMA oral appliance works by opening the bite and advancing the lower jaw with interchangeable elastic straps. This creates airway space, and the flexibility of the elastic bands allows for individualized treatments as well as quick and easy adjustments. The bands vary in elasticity so that the jaw can be moved into the desired position and air can flow easily.
Herbst
The Herbst appliance is a mandibular repositioner, and it has been used for years in orthodontic treatments and TMJ therapy. It can be easily modified to treat sleep disorder breathing, and when worn, will permit lateral and vertical movements while also keeping the jaw positioned forward to keep the airways open. The device is custom made and worn during sleep to increase upper airway volume and reduce the collapsibility of the airways. The Herbst appliance can be easily adjusted into the most effective and comfortable position.
Moses®
The Moses® appliance improves on past designs to incorporate tongue management as well as alleviate snoring and sleep apnea. It also works to activate reflexes that advance the tongue, lower muscle activity, reduce clenching and decrease bruxism. This oral appliance uses a comfortable two-part design that allows the patient to close their lips, speak and even drink while wearing it. The Moses appliance is designed to be used by adult patients.
Panthera D-SAD
The Panthera D-SAD appliance is custom-made and includes two retainers inserted on the upper and lower arches. The connector system used between the two retainers maintains the jaw in a forward position to help you breathe easily. While wearing this device you will be able to drink, speak and yawn normally. The highly customizable nature of this appliance also provides you with an excellent fit, a highly stable mouthpiece and reduced muscle pain and stress on the jaw joints.
Dorsal Appliance
The Dorsal Appliance was originally designed as a nighttime TMD splint and has evolved into a highly effective and popular choice for treating snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. This appliance works by dictating a specific mandibular position and consists of two pieces fabricated with adjustable screws to advance your jaw and keep your airways open while remaining comfortable and allowing for lateral jaw movement.
TAP® (TAP 3 Elite)
The TAP® 3 Elite (Thornton Adjustable Positioner) is a two-piece appliance that snaps firmly and comfortably over the upper and lower teeth, similar to how a sports mouth guard or retainer works. This appliance holds the jaw forward so that the tongue and the soft tissues of the throat do not collapse into the throat. It is uniquely designed to be adjustable for maximum comfort and effectiveness, and it is small enough to allow the mouth to close while wearing it. This device has improved breathing and eliminated snoring in over 95% of all patients.
If you have any questions about oral appliance therapy in Little Silver and Red Bank, New Jersey, or if you want to schedule a consultation with our experienced sleep apnea dentist, Dr. Ally, please contact Advanced Sleep & TMJ Center of New Jersey today at 877-652-7632.
