In cases of mild to moderate sleep apnea or snoring, an oral appliance is often prescribed. Easily worn like a mouthguard or an orthodontic retainer, an oral appliance helps keep the tongue and soft tissues in the back of the throat from collapsing, enabling the airway to remain open during sleep.
While the type of oral appliance selected depends on each case's needs, the goals of treatment remain the same; to reduce the incidence and duration of apneas, hypopneas, and snoring.
At the office of Sweet Tooth Dentistry, we utilize a type of oral appliance that slightly protrudes the lower jaw and is known as a mandibular advancement splint (MAS). By moving the jaw forward in calibrated increments, the tissues at the airway entrance get displaced, just the right amount to keep it open and patent throughout the night.
The Panthera D-SAD appliance: As one of the smallest and lightest oral appliances for the treatment of snoring and sleep apnea, the Panthera D-SAD offers a precise fit and a high degree of patient comfort. Made of BPA-free and biologically safe polymers, this appliance remains strong and durable while retaining its shape and fit.
EMA appliance: As designed with elastic tension straps connecting the upper and lower portions, this appliance also allows the patient to make recommended adjustments that further customize the fit and improve comfort. Among the many benefits of this appliance is that it facilitates easier sleep time breathing even in the presence of mild congestion.
You can depend on the office of Sweet Tooth Dentistry for the highest quality of care; our oral appliances are individually fabricated and customized for both maximum effectiveness and optimal comfort. Also, depending upon the needs of a case, oral appliance therapy may be used as a stand-alone treatment or in conjunction with other modes of care. Besides serving as an effective treatment for mild to moderate cases of obstructive sleep apnea and snoring, oral appliances may be considered as an alternative option in care for patients who are intolerant of CPAP therapy.