sleep appliances ....
BENEFITS/ADVANTAGES
TAP 3
- Patient-friendly
- Superior results
- Easy to fit
- Infinitely adjustable
- Precise control of advancement
- Interchangeable hooks
- Freedom for lateral movement
- More room for tongue
- Allows lips to close
Sleep Appliances
The quality of your sleep affects your daily activities and has a huge impact on your overall quality of life. Sleep disordered breathing is defined as sleep disturbances produced by abnormal breathing patterns. Snoring and sleep apnea are two of the most common sleep disorders. People who have sleep disordered breathing and bed partners who are kept awake by snoring often suffer from sleep deprivation and are prone to daytime sleepiness. This may affect productivity and performance at work and an increased risk for injury or illness. It may also increase chances of having a traffic accident, or cause strain in personal relationships.
Sleep disordered breathing is associated with serious health problems. These include, but are not limited to: chronic sleepiness, obesity, high blood pressure, heart disease, heart attack and stroke, diabetes, acid reflux (GERD), depression, morning headaches, and impotence.
20 million of Americans have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)and millions more snore. Of these, less than 10% have been diagnosed with OSA. People with sleep apnea are six times more likely to have a car crash than those without the disease. It is believed that an untreated sleep apnea patient is more dangerous than a drunk driver. Untreated OSA increases the risk of complications and even death from related chronic diseases such as stroke, heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes. Treatment of OSA results in fewer hospitalizations from related diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. Additionally, studies have shown that the partners of OSA sufferers can lose up to one hour of sleep per night due to their bed partner’s loud snoring and apnea.
Oral appliance therapy is appropriateas a first line treatment for mild to moderate sleep apnea, as an alternative to CPAP when the patient cannot tolerate CPAP or when requested by the patient.
TAP 3
The Thornton Adjustable Positioner (TAP®) is a custom-made adjustable appliance that is worn while sleeping. The trays of the appliance snap over the upper and lower teeth and hook together, The design is based on the same principles as cardiopulmonary resuscitation, CPR. The airway must be opened to allow air to pass through the throat. The TAP® holds the lower jaw in a forward position so that it does not shift or fall open during the night. This prevents the airway from collapsing. The more you pull your jaw forward, the more your airway will open.
The TAP® is the only mandibular advancement device that can be adjusted easily while in the mouth. This feature allows the patient to be in control of their treatment. The unique design also allows the patient to fine-tune their treatment position at home to achieve maximum results.
Most patients experience relief the very first night they wear their TAP®. Nine in ten patients wear the device all night, every night – making the TAP® a highly effective solution for both snoring and sleep apnea.
