Oral Appliance Therapy and Other Treatment Options
Treatment options for snoring and sleep apnea include Oral Appliance Therapy, CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) and surgery. Oral Appliance Therapy is scientifically proven as an effective and comfortable treatment for snoring and mild to moderate sleep apnea. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine supports oral appliances as a first line of treatment for mild and moderate sleep apnea and in cases of severe apnea when CPAP has not worked.
 How does an Oral Appliance Work?
Oral Appliances, like the TAP, are custom-made adjustable appliances that are worn while sleeping. The trays of the appliance, which look like teeth whitening trays, snap over the upper and lower teeth and hook together with a customized attachment. The design is based on the same principle as CPR – keep the airway open to allow air to pass through to the throat and lungs.
Oral appliances hold the lower jaw in a forward position so it does not relax and fall back during the night. This prevents the airway from collapsing. The more you pull your jaw forward, the more your airway will open. The TAP appliance has an adjustment mechanism which allows the patient to “fine tune” their treatment position for maximum results. The TAP has over a 95% success rate!
What is CPAP
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is pressurized air generated from a bedside machine. The air is delivered through a tube connected to a mask, covering the nose. The force of the pressurized air forces the airway open and keeps it open throughout the night.
While CPAP is highly effective at treating sleep apnea, many patients are unable to adapt to it due to claustrophobia, pressure intolerance, travel inconvenience, or discomfort.
Surgical Options
There are a number of surgical options to consider if neither of the non-invasive treatment options listed above are successful. Surgery should always be a last resort in your effort to stop snoring and treat sleep apnea. Surgery, while in the short term may be effective, is invasive, permanent, and may require additional therapy over time. |
