The TAP® Sleep Apnea Oral Appliance
The Thornton Adjustable Positioner® (TAP®) is sleep apnea oral device that is used to treat Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA. It has proven to be very effective, and it has given many people relief from some of the more notable problems associated with CPAP. It resembles a sports mouth guard, only it is worn by the patient while asleep.
The TAP® holds the mandible forward while the patient sleeps. This keeps the tongue and throat tissues from constricting the air passage. The idea for this device actually came from CPR, which was developed as a method of keeping the trachea of an unconscious person open.
The Thornton Adjustable Positioner® has two trays that are held together by a hook attached to a lower tray socket. This hook pushes the lower jaw forward and prevents soft throat tissue from collapsing and blocking the trachea.
Patients can adjust the device in order to alter the degree to which the lower jaw is pulled forward.
This allows them to actively participate in their own treatment, and it is the one key feature of the (TAP®) that makes so many patients prefer it over other sleep apnea oral appliances. Busy professionals do not have to take time off from work to go have the advice adjusted by the dentist—they can do it themselves.
The TAP® sleep apnea oral appliance is made from medical grade stainless steel- nickel alloy. For patients who are allergic to nickel, the Thornton Adjustable Positioner® is also available in a TAP® Nickel-Free model that is exceptionally bio-friendly to patients with sensitive mouths.
The TAP® sleep apnea oral appliance is made from a thermoplastic orthodontic polycarbonate material. It is then lined with one of two very comfortable materials. The first material is known as ThermAcryl™--a unique polymer softens when heated and shapes to the contour of the patient’s teeth. It can be easily reheated and realigned to match changes in patient dentition that might occur over time.
Another material, often considered even more comfortable to wear, is Triple Laminate (TL). It is made from a soft and flexible dual laminate that seats around the teeth, relying on suction to create a firm grip.
To be fitted for a Thornton Adjustable Positioner®, just call our office and schedule an appointment. Most insurance plans will pay for your sleep apnea oral appliance, but even if yours does not, we have a number of financing options you can consider.
The TAP® holds the mandible forward while the patient sleeps. This keeps the tongue and throat tissues from constricting the air passage. The idea for this device actually came from CPR, which was developed as a method of keeping the trachea of an unconscious person open.
The Thornton Adjustable Positioner® has two trays that are held together by a hook attached to a lower tray socket. This hook pushes the lower jaw forward and prevents soft throat tissue from collapsing and blocking the trachea.
Patients can adjust the device in order to alter the degree to which the lower jaw is pulled forward.
This allows them to actively participate in their own treatment, and it is the one key feature of the (TAP®) that makes so many patients prefer it over other sleep apnea oral appliances. Busy professionals do not have to take time off from work to go have the advice adjusted by the dentist—they can do it themselves.
The TAP® sleep apnea oral appliance is made from medical grade stainless steel- nickel alloy. For patients who are allergic to nickel, the Thornton Adjustable Positioner® is also available in a TAP® Nickel-Free model that is exceptionally bio-friendly to patients with sensitive mouths.
The TAP® sleep apnea oral appliance is made from a thermoplastic orthodontic polycarbonate material. It is then lined with one of two very comfortable materials. The first material is known as ThermAcryl™--a unique polymer softens when heated and shapes to the contour of the patient’s teeth. It can be easily reheated and realigned to match changes in patient dentition that might occur over time.
Another material, often considered even more comfortable to wear, is Triple Laminate (TL). It is made from a soft and flexible dual laminate that seats around the teeth, relying on suction to create a firm grip.
To be fitted for a Thornton Adjustable Positioner®, just call our office and schedule an appointment. Most insurance plans will pay for your sleep apnea oral appliance, but even if yours does not, we have a number of financing options you can consider.
Labels: obstructive sleep apnea, sleep apnea, sleep apnea dental device, sleep apnea oral appliance
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