Sleep apnea is a serious, sometimes fatal medical disorder that affects around 10% of American men over the age of 40, and 6% of American women of the same age. Sleep apnea sufferers completely stop breathing during sleep, sometimes hundreds of times in a single night. Normal breathing ceases because the airway becomes obstructed, causing a serious reduction of airflow to the lungs.
Snoring is an irritating vibration that can negatively affect the sleep of those around you. It is not as serious of a medical problem as Sleep Apnea but can have a devastating effect on a marriage.
There are a number of dental devices that can be used to alleviate these conditions. The goal of most of these devices is to separate the jaws and push them forward slightly. This slight repositioning opens up the airway, and allows oxygen to flow freely again. Wearers of sleep apnea dental devices report that they stop loud snoring, feel more rested in the daytime, and are much more comfortable going to sleep.
These appliances are fabricated only for patients who have been referred by a medical physician after a sleep study to determine if you have the very serious condition, sleep apnea. A medical physician trained in sleep medicine is the best person to evaluate your specific treatment needs. If they recommend an oral appliance Dr. Chambers would be happy to work with you to obtain a better and more silent night's sleep.
Here is a brief descriptions of some commonly used sleep apnea dental appliances:
TAP® 3 (Thornton Adjustable Positioner)
The TAP® 3 is the smallest, most comfortable member of the TAP family. It is a two-part custom-created sleep apnea appliance that fits over the teeth in much the same way as a sports mouthguard. The TAP® 3 projects the jaw forward to prevent the tongue and soft tissues from impeding the airway. The lower jaw positioner is adjustable, which means that it can be altered to suit the comfort level of the wearer. The TAP® 3 appliance can accommodate the three main types of malocclusion, and allows the lips to fully close.
Contact us today for a Free Initial
Consultation to discuss a solution for your snoring/Sleep Apnea problem. We serve the following areas: Sleep Apnea Kelowna, Sleep Apnea Penticton, Sleep Apnea Vernon, Sleep Apnea Kamloops, Sleep Apnea Peachland,Sleep Apneag Summerland, Sleep Apnea Okanagan Valley, and Sleep Apnea British Columbia.
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