Dental devices utilize a very simple concept in the treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea. The gentle, passive advancement of the mandible can maintain an open airway during sleep. These appliances are currently quite comfortable and can be very predictable when made by properly trained dentists--ones with significant CE hours on the subject under their belts. Side-effects have been minimized to the point of little or no concern when applied appropriately by well-trained clinicians.
Even with diligent patient-specific approach, including some hardware adjustments and ambulatory sleep monitoring to aid in maximizing effective titration, mandibular advancement therapy can fall short; leaving the patient who is usually CPAP intolerant to begin with, few other options.
Enter Combination Therapy. Combining CPAP and oral devices is a very realistic and effective choice for those who 'fall off the ends' with either CPAP or Oral Appliance treatments alone. Recent advances in the lab and at the manufacturing bench have provided patients a way to turn their CPAP pressures dramatically down, eliminating many side effects of pressure while also eliminating the need for cumbersome headgear with custom formed or stock masks affixed firmly via their solid custom dental appliances. At least one of these appliances is currently made to slide directly into this role with some simple hardware changes; easily performed chairside along with proper anatomical mask fitting and fixation.
More information: 603-448-3800
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