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 The Thornton Adjustable Positioner® (TAP®) is sleep apnea oral device that offers an effective treatment from Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and the problems that many patients have with CPAP usage. This device resembles an athletic mouth guard and is worn by the patient while sleeping. Clinical trials have demonstrated its remarkable effectiveness in treating sleep apnea without the more extreme measures of surgery, medication, or CPAP machine use.
The Thornton Adjustable Positioner® works by holding the mandible forward while the patient sleeps. This prevents the tongue and soft tissues in the throat from collapsing into the air passage. This process is actually based on the principle of CPR, which was invented to keep the throat open to allow air to freely pass through the trachea.
This unique sleep apnea oral device has two trays. One fits over the upper teeth, and the other fits over the bottom teeth. The two trays are held together by a hook that attaches to a lower tray socket. This hook pushes the lower jaw forward and prevents soft throat tissue from collapsing and blocking the trachea.
The adjustment key allows the patient to adjust the device and the degree to which the lower jaw is pulled forward. Sometimes a patient will begin to snore or have recurring episodes of sleep apnea after the first few weeks following the initial fitting of his or her oral appliance. Should this occur, it is not necessary to return to the Cosmetic Dentistry Center for readjustment. He or she can simply turn the Adjustment Key and change the degree to which the lower jaw is pulled forward.
This ability to actively participate in their own sleep apnea treatment is one key feature of the Thornton Adjustable Positioner that causes so many patients to prefer it over other sleep apnea oral appliances. The time saved in having to run back to the dentist to change device settings is a great benefit to professionals on a busy schedule who simply cannot take time off work for multiple office visits.
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 outer casings of the TAP® sleep apnea oral appliance are made from a thermoplastic orthodontic polycarbonate material. This substance is very hard, but it is lined with one of two additional materials that make it comfortable to wear.
The first material is known as ThermAcryl™. It is a unique polymer that becomes very soft when heated, allowing it to be shaped to the exact contour of the patient’s teeth. After it hardens, it shrinks less than 1% and snaps tightly over the patient’s teeth. IT can be easily reheated and realigned for any change in patient dentition that may occur over time.
The other material used to line the Thornton Adjustable Positioner® is Triple Laminate (TL). It is a dual laminate that is soft and flexible. It seats around the teeth using suction to create a firm grip. Many patients feel this is the most comfortable liner of the two.
To be fitted for the Thornton Adjustable Positioner®, simply call our office and make an appointment. Most insurance plans will cover the costs, but even if yours does not, we have a number of financing options that can help you pay for your sleep apnea oral appliance.
If you are looking to improve your smile without diminishing it with visible orthodontics in the process, please call us at 1-888-790-0309 to schedule an appointment for this highly specialized and technologically advanced alternative to metal braces.
Cosmetic Dentistry is a specialized field that requires extensive knowledge and experience to be done correctly. The Medical Center Dental Group in Houston, Texas brings all of that and more to the direct benefit of each and every patient we treat. Although we are located in the world famous Houston Medical Center at Scurlock Towers, we routinely see dental patients who travel from Austin, San Antonio, Dallas, Beaumont and Midland Texas to see Dr. Dale Brant, Dr. Charles Campbell or Dr. Elizabeth O’Sullivan-Winslow for their cosmetic denistry services.
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