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Non-custom appliances can be used in three ways. First, they are an inexpensive way to test if the patient can tolerate wearing an appliance. When made properly, they can then be used to measure the effectiveness of the treatment technique being implemented. For example, using a SNOR.X will allow you to evaluate whether a patient can tolerate having their tongue held forward prior to fabricating the much more expensive lab made TRD (Tongue Retaining Device).

Lastly, these non-custom appliances are critical tools when your patient either loses or breaks the sleep appliance they have been successfully wearing. When this is the case, these non-custom appliances will allow you to provide them with an immediate temporary…

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Dental appliances are the #1 non-surgical treatment solution recommended by the Academy of Sleep Medicine when the CPAP cannot be tolerated. They are an effective solution for snoring problems and for patients with mild or moderate Sleep Apnea.

Our experience tells us that the successful clinician – in order to effectively address the range of sleep dysfunction that he is likely to encounter – needs to offer at least 9 appliances in his sleep armamentarium (one test appliance and two in each of four remaining representative categories) in addition to some provision for morning positioning.

Working with your patient’s doctor - or a sleep specialist - to make sure that the patient has been properly evaluated and diagnosed is essential. It is the “how” that is important. Most view this step as a hindrance…it is not.

Working with the medical community protects you legally, increases opportunity for referrals and keeps you within the scope of your practice.

“Can’t tolerate CPAP? I know a dentist that is treating with appliances…you might work with him.”

New technology ensures that the dentist can function as an integral part of the screening process.

IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT THE SLEEP PATIENT BE TESTED WITH A HOME SLEEP TESTING DEVICE OR AN OVERNIGHT- ATTENDED PSG.

ALWAYS follow-up…

Numerous appliances are presently available and viable for treating snoring and OSA. They are also appropriate for those patients who cannot tolerate a CPAP or are unwilling (or unable) to endure surgery.

Appliance designs vary according to desired method of retention; type of material used; method and ease of adjustment; level of vertical control provided; differences in mandibular movement; and finally, whether or not the appliance is lab- or office-fabricated. Concerns factored into design selection include:

In order to create interest and generate confidence in a problem/ solution-focused dental sleep practice,…