TAP Dental Device-FAQ

What is a TAP Dental Device?

The TAP Dental device is an oral appliance that in terms of appearance closely resembles an athletic mouth guard.  It is worn by obstructive sleep apnea patients during sleep.

What does it do?

The intention of the TAP Dental device is to provide patients with an alternative to CPAP.  Many people suffer all sorts of problems with breathing machines and masks and find these mouth guards to work much better at treating their condition. 

How is it made?

The Tap dental device is made of two partsan upper tray and a lower tray.  There is a hook mechanism that is attached to the upper tray that fits in to a socket that is attached to the lower tray. 

There are also two major components used in the device: medical grade plastic and a special thermoplastic.  The dentist takes molds of the patient teeth, and a lab manufactures the medical grade, stainless steel core.  The outer shells are then made to custom fit the teeth and bite of the individual patient.  These outer shells are made from a polycarbonate thermoplastic material.  Patients can choose from either the Triple Laminate or the ThermAcryl, depending on which is the most comfortable for the to wear. 

How does it work?

This configuration pushes the lower jaw forward when the device is worn in the patients mouth. 

When the mouth is held in this position, the tongue and soft throat tissues are prevented from collapsing into the throat and obstructing air passageways.  The TAP dental device is made with an adjustment key that allows the patient to change the degree of protrusion created by the device.  This gives the patient control over his or her comfort level and makes this a very self-managed form of obstructive sleep apnea treatment.

The TAP device consists of an Upper Tray that fits over the upper teeth and a Lower Tray that fits over the lower teeth. A hook mechanism attached to the Upper Tray fits into a Socket attached to the Lower Tray and positions the lower jaw forward, preventing the soft tissue of the throat from collapsing and obstructing the airway. The Adjustment Key of the TAP permits the patient to adjust the protrusion of the lower jaw to the most effective and comfortable position.

Who can benefit from it?

Anyone who suffers from OSA can benefit from the TAP Dental Device.  Those who cannot wear a CPAP machine benefit the most.  There are many different reasons why people give up on CPAP and end up storing their machine in the closet.  With an oral appliance, however, people can comfortably treat their condition and get a good nights rest.

Is the TAP Dental Device covered by Medicare or other providers?

When it comes to Medicare coverage, it all depends on whether or not a particular dentist is a Medicare provider.  We ourselves do not work with Medicare. 

When it comes to insurance, this depends on how the insurance company handles benefits.  Our particular office does not take assignment of benefits, so cash payment is required, and the patient must pursue reimbursement through his or her insurance company.

Before contacting your insurance provider about an oral appliance, be certain you have been officially diagnosed with sleep apnea.  This is a medical diagnosis, with a treatment coding of E0486.  If you require an official diagnosis, we can refer you to an ENT.