Oral Sleep Apnea Appliances Omaha
For patients who cannot tolerate, or do not want to try, CPAP, oral appliance therapy (OAT) is a great alternative sleep apnea treatment. Oral appliances are devices that a patient wears in their mouth similar to a mouthpiece or mouth guard, while sleeping. Most oral appliances work by repositioning the lower jaw, thereby opening the airway. Our Omaha office it the only dental practice in Nebraska that uses computerized equipment to determine the best jaw position before we make an oral appliance. It’s almost like being about to test the oral appliance’s success before we make it.
Some of the most commonly used oral sleep apnea appliances include:
SomnoMed – SomnoMed is a very effective sleep apnea device for those who have a large jaw arch. The SomnoMed is made to be durable and the materials used are able to withstand the pressure that is produced when the jaw is clenched at night. It is used to treat both snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. |
TAP 3 – The TAP 3 is designed in order to hold the jaw in a forward position so that the soft tissues, including the tongue, obstruct the throat. It is usually prescribed as an anti-snoring device, but is suitable to use to treat sleep apnea as well. |
TRD – Also called the Tongue Retentive Device (TRD) and the very similar Tongue Stabilization Device (TSD), is an oral appliance that is great for those sleep apneics who also suffer from TMD. The TRD holds the tongue in a forward position using a suction bulb so that it doesn’t roll into the back of the throat and cause blockage within the airway. This device is best suited for those with bigger tongues. However, it is not a well-preferred alternative because the sensation of having your tongue sucked out of your mouth is too unnatural for some. |
Adjustable Herbst – The Adjustable Herbst sleep apnea device is often awarded for its durability and non-bulky design. It is used to increase the anterior, posterior, and vertical position of the jaw. It’s very useful for those patients who have been diagnosed with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea due to their soft palate collapsing. |
TAP-PAP – The TAP-PAP utilizes a combination of CPAP technology and oral sleep appliance technology that allows for a much more comfortable treatment device. The TAP-PAP provides a steady flow of oxygen while in use but patients are given an oral appliance to use instead of a mask. This means less noise and more comfort for the user. |
Let An Oral Appliance Set You Free!
If you live in the Omaha area or can travel to our Omaha office, and you hate your CPAP, are looking for an easy way to treat your sleep apnea, or want to stop snoring, please contact our office to schedule an appointment. Call now at (402) 493-4175.
