Sleep apnea is a condition that occurs when your breathing is interrupted while you sleep. One solution to this condition is using dental appliances for sleep apnea. They are a great option for those who can’t tolerate CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) devices. If you’re looking for a dental device for sleep apnea, here are some of your options.
- MicrO2
Made by Prosomnus, this oral appliance is designed to provide an enormous amount of tongue space. During wear, you will be able to open and close your mouth comfortably. The device is small and comfortable and helps hold the jaw slightly forward to keep the airway open.
- Herbst Advance™
This oral appliance is made by a company called SomnoMed®. It is designed to give you more control and superior performance. It comes with a visual calibration indicator right where the upper and lower sections of the appliance connect. The indicator enables you to make adjustments to the device as you deem fit. It also tells you when you have fully extended the device. The Herbst Advance™ has the longest advancement range standing at 8mm and comes with a manufacturers warranty of 2 to 3 years.
- Narval™ CC
Manufactured by ResMed, this dental device is one of the lightest devices on the market. It is comfortable, discreet and very effective. It’s so good you can actually talk and drink while wearing it. Unlike many other devices, you can close the mouth and breathe comfortably through the nose. The upper and lower sections of the Narval™ CC connect at the back corners where they fit snuggly into one another. The device is made for utmost comfort.
- Medley Gold
Medley Gold devices are a revolution in the dental device market. The devices are made in such a way that they change into any of 3 designs without much change to the device itself. The Medley Gold has a nylon link connector that’s very effective and comfortable for most people. If you have sore jaw joints, there’s the option of a stretchable, elastomeric strap. When indicated, a Herbst-type sleeve/rod mechanism can be used.
- Thornton Adjustable Positioner (TAP)
TAP is a custom-made 2-piece adjustable device that’s very different from other devices. How the lower and upper section of TAP connect in the front area is unlikely every other dental device for sleep apnea. The trays of the device snap over the lower and upper teeth and hook together. Its unique design allows users to have a wider range of motion laterally. The device holds the lower jaw forward to allow air to pass through and to prevent it from shifting or falling open during the night. You can easily adjust TAP while it is in the mouth so you’re always in control of your treatment.
While there are a lot of devices for sleep apnea in the market, you ideally want to pick one that’s most comfortable for you and one that will get the best results. You can talk to your dentist about getting one that’s customized for your mouth.
