Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a breathing disorder characterized by brief interruptions of breathing during sleep. It owes its name to a Greek word, apnea, meaning "want of breath."
The two types of sleep apnea are central and obstructive. Central sleep apnea occurs when the brain fails to send the appropriate signals to the breathing muscles to initiate respirations. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when air cannot flow into or out of the person's nose or mouth although efforts to breathe continue. Obstructive sleep apnea is much more common than central sleep apnea. In obstructive sleep apnea, the throat collapses during sleep causing the individual to snort and gasp for breath. Hundreds of these episodes can occur every night causing daytime sleepiness and, it is thought, increasing the risk of hypertension (high blood pressure) and heart problems.
The most common treatment for obstructive sleep apnea is the continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine. While effective these machines are cumbersome, uncomfortable, and noisy. For mild to moderate cases of OSA or severe cases when the patient is non-compliant with the CPAP machine an alternative treatment is an oral appliance such as the TAP® (Thornton Adjustable Positioner.) These devices, worn like an orthodontic retainer, are based on the same principle as that of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The airway must be opened to allow air to pass through the throat. A constricted or collapsed airway causes snoring or Sleep Apnea. The TAP holds the lower jaw in a forward position so that it does not fall open during the night and cause the airway to collapse. The TAP maintains a clear airway to reduce snoring and improve breathing.
The TAP is comfortable and custom-made to prevent any change in teeth position or mouth structure. They are patient-adjustable, allowing for maximum comfort and effectiveness. In addition, many TAP appliances are covered under the patients health insurance which significantly decreases out of pocket expenses.
Dr. Ben Foy is a member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine and one of only a few dentists in Montgomery who treats sleep apnea. He works closely with area Neurologists and Pulmonologists to determine which patients are candidates for the TAP. Make an appointment today to see if you might benefit from a TAP appliance.
