SLEEP APNEA/BREATHING DISORDERS

Sleep apnea is a disorder characterized by multiple and often repetitive obstructions of the upper airway during sleep. Sleep apnea has several severe and significant side effects; excessive daytime sleepiness, irritability, decreased concentration, impaired memory, decreased energy, and an increased likelihood of depressive symptoms.

Treatment for sleep apnea has traditionally involved wearing a nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine which has the capacity to restore normal breathing during sleep. However, the facemask and headgear worn with the CPAP can be uncomfortable and cumbersome.

The TAP Appliance, however, can be used to enhance or eliminate the use of the CPAP. The TAP appliance is a customized oral appliance shown to be effective in snoring, upper airway resistance syndrome (URAS), mild and moderate obstructive sleep apnea. The appliance is easily adjusted by the patient to maximize the opening of the airway and thereby restore normal breathing. A traditional sleep study performed at a sleep center is not required for delivery of a TAP appliance. However, we provide each patient with a finger worn pulse oximeter to be worn during sleep at home which records the oxygen levels of the blood and number of obstructive airway episodes before and after delivery of the TAP appliance.

We look forward to providing you more information about the TAP appliance or any other dental concerns during your new patient evaluation.