Dental Appliances for Sleep Apnea

A dental appliance is a small plastic device, similar to an orthodontic retainer, or an athletic mouth guard. It is worn in the mouth during sleep to prevent the soft-throat tissues from collapsing and obstruction the airway. Dentists with training in dental appliance therapy can design, construct and fit these special appliances to meet their patient's individual situations and conditions.

In recent clinical studies, physicians and dentists have found that in the majority of patients, a well made dental appliance, eliminate snoring.

Dental appliances work by bringing the lower jaw forward, by holding the tongue forward, and by lifting the drooping soft palate.

The success of dental appliance therapy is an important development in sleep disturbance. However, such therapy should never be undertaken in the absence of a joint working relationship between a physician and a dentist.

TAP APPLIANCE - Thornton Adjustable Appliance

Unique Approach

The Thornton Adjustable Positioner® (TAP) is based on the same principle as cardiopulmonary resuscitation, CPR. The airway must be opened to allow air to pass through the throat. A constricted or collapsed airway causes snoring or sleep apnea.

The TAP holds the lower jaw in a forward position so that it does not fall open during the night and cause the airway to collapse. The TAP maintains a clear airway to reduce snoring and improve breathing.

Advantages of the TAP Appliance

• Comfortable and patient-friendly
• Custom-made to prevent any change in tooth position or mouth structures
• Patient-adjustable allowing maximum comfort and effectiveness

The Silencer

Since the early 1990′s The Silencer® has been used successfuly by dentists to help their patients, and sleep partners live a longer and more restfull life. Invented by Dr. Wayne Halstrom, The Silencer features a key component milled from titanium called the Halstrom Hinge.™ It is this patented and remarkably simple, yet elegant design, that provides this oral appliance with it’s unique abilities.

Why The Silencer^®?

Because The Silencer^® Works …

Through Dr. Halstrom’s own account and years of feedback from sleep apnea and snoring patients, we know there are 2 key components to success:

1. Function – The Silencer works by gently positioning the lower jaw forward. The distance forward can be changed subtly to provide more space in the airway as needed.
2. Comfort – The patented Halstrom Hinge allows for slight jaw movement while asleep, resulting in comfortable and effective long-term therapy.

Top Ten Benefits of Using The Silencer:

1. Increased Energy & Vitality
2. Reduced Appetite & Weight loss
3. Lower Blood Pressure
4. Less Frequent Morning Headache
5. Reduced Morning Sore Throat
6. Minimized Risk of Heart Attack & Stroke
7. Improved Metabolism
8. Reduced Daytime Sleepiness
9. Improved Memory & Mental Acuity
10. Increased Productivity & Motivation