Dental Appliances for Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

mm Written by Andrew Sedler

Over the last few years, the number of dentists who have chosen to incorporate treatment for sleep disorders has increased. Patients with sleep disorders are challenged when it comes to getting a good night’s rest, the lack of which can result in serious health implications. Through offering treatment for these disorders, dental practices can offer improvements to the overall health of their patients.

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Health Implications from Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

Dental Appliances for Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

The two most common conditions associated with sleep disorders are obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and snoring. Many patients can remain unaware they have this condition because it happens during sleep. In addition, patients don’t always understand the health implications that can occur as a result of inadequate sleep. The body simply cannot function properly with inadequate sleep.

Not getting enough sleep can cause the following:

  • Mood issues
  • Impaired concentration
  • Erectile Dysfunction
  • Stress
  • Stroke
  • Obesity
  • Depression
  • High blood pressure
  • Cancer

To ensure proper health, it is usually recommended that adults get up to 8 hours of uninterrupted quality sleep every night. Sleep gives the body a chance to repair and restore itself and is directly linked to memory and learning abilities. In addition to the physical issues associated with not getting enough sleep, disorders can also cause a lot of issues in relationships. This is true for significant others who share a bedroom and are unable to sleep.

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Treatment of Sleep Disorders

It is important to ensure that adequate sleep is achievable. Routine dental examinations can reveal upper airway issues and other risk factors for sleep disorders. In most cases, the diagnosis of OSA is done through a physician/sleep specialist who understands the effects of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) with other medical issues.

When the disorder has been identified, oral appliance therapy is often the recommended treatment. Patients often prefer this method over other treatments, such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP).

CPAP treatments may have the following disadvantages making this a less favorable option for some patients:

  • Difficult to fall asleep due to the equipment
  • Airflow causes dry mouth
  • Irritation to the skin where the face mask touches
  • Nosebleeds
  • A claustrophobic feeling
  • Congestion in the nasal passages
  • Can create gas and bloating
  • Some machines are loud

With a proper diagnosis, the proper oral appliance can help to bring relief to many suffering from OSA.

Once a diagnosis has been made, Burbank Dental Lab offers support in the fabrication of oral appliance therapies to help open up blocked airways.

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An option is the Thornton Adjustable Positioner

Dental Appliances for Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

The Thornton Adjustable Positioner (TAP 3) is designed with an upper and lower tray that is attached with a fixed hinge and a pivot point.  The appliance cannot disengage while being worn. The appliance can be used for class I, II, and II bite classifications.

The design provides the following: 

  • Completely adjustable 
  • The hardware is durable 
  • The versatility of the appliance allows for maximum patient comfort.

The TAP 3 has a single point of central adjustment which prevents uneven bilateral changes as well as eliminates irregular bites which minimize pain in the jaw joints.  The appliance can be adjusted between the upper and lower jaw to increase or decrease the vertical distance.  Adjustments can be done at home so the patient can dial in the device to ensure it is comfortable as well as effective.  

The TAP 3 should be prescribed for adults 18 years and older who have been diagnosed with a sleep disorder such as snoring or OSA. This device should not be prescribed for patients who have dentures, loose teeth/dental work, or any other condition where the use of the device can adversely affect the patient’s oral environment. It is also contraindicated for those patients who have been diagnosed with central sleep apnea or who have respiratory disorders. 

TAP 3 Appliance Benefits

  • Adequate room for the tongue.
  • Interchangeable hooks
  • Controlled precise advancement
  • Can make lateral movements
  • Patients can make unlimited adjustments
  • Lips come together while wearing

The TAP3 works by holding the lower jaw in a forward position to keep it from moving or opening during sleep.  By keeping the lower jaw in this position, the airway is prevented from collapsing.  While the appliance may take some getting used to, most patients report relief right away.  

When requesting a TAP3 appliance from Burbank Dental Lab, please provide the following: 

  • Mandibular and Maxillary Impression. 
  • Centric Bite record.
  • Measurement recording the maximum protrusive position.

Eleastic Mandibular Advancement (EMA)

Dental Appliances for Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

The other type of appliance that is often prescribed for help with snoring and OSA is the Elastic Mandibular Advancement (EMA). This is a pressure-formed appliance for the upper and lower jaw. The EMA is designed with straps on both sides to allow for easy adjustments. The palate has no obstructions, and the appliance allows gradual advancement of the jaw until the necessary opening is met. The device allows lateral movements as well.  

The EMA appliance is fabricated free of metal. It has elastic straps that can be adjusted by the patient as needed, and the patient can drink water and talk while wearing the device.

Other benefits include:

  • The elastic straps allow for lateral movements
  • More airway opening as a result of the posterior stops
  • Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) occurrence is reduced

This type of appliance is indicated for patients with either a full or at least partial set of natural teeth.

When requesting an EMA appliance from Burbank Dental Lab, please provide an upper and lower model or impressions. Make sure the edentulous ridge is captured in the impression. It is important to indicate any areas that have implants, dental work, or sensitive areas.

The bite should be opened 8mm incisally. Ensure that the hinge opens from the centric. To be considered for the EMA appliance, the patient must have either a full or partial set of natural teeth. To create adequate retention, the patient’s natural dentition must have sufficient height of contour.

Patients tend to see their dentists more often than their physicians. This gives dentists a unique opportunity to identify patients who may be unknowingly suffering from snoring or OSA. Once a proper diagnosis is reached, a dental team can help to find the right dental appliance to treat the patient. If you have any questions about OSA appliances, please call or click the chat button to speak to a Burbank Dental Lab team member.

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Fabrication
of the future
is here!

Burbank Dental Lab has three new state-of-the-art Carbon M2 printers. We are very excited about the options that these cutting-edge printers will allow us to offer our dental clients. Here are some of the advantages that these printers will begin to deliver to you and your dental practice.

Our New
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Carbon offers a highly dependable 3D manufacturing solution for many dental applications with its breakthrough Digital Light Synthesis™ technology, enabled by a wide range of dental materials.