Ways in which your dentist can stop your snoring

Thanks to the new oral appliance solution, dreamTAP, your dentist can help you with your snoring and sleep apnea. Although snoring seems physically harmless, it can be a red flag for a much more serious condition called obstructive sleep apnea. The Thornton Adjustable Positioner (TAP) is based on the same principle as cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or 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 dreamTAP 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 dreamTAP maintains a clear airway to reduce snoring and improve breathing. When the jaw opens and the tongue falls into the back of the throat, the airway partially collapses, forcing the air through the small opening. This creates vibrations in the throat known as snoring.

Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the airway completely collapses, blocking airflow into the lungs. The harder a person tries to breathe, the tighter the airway seals. This airway obstruction persists until the brain partially awakens the person. Unconsciously, he or she will close the jaw, returning the tongue and throat to a normal position. The impact of untreated obstructive sleep apnea is well-documented to include stroke, heart disease and diabetes.

For those who snore or have sleep apnea, there is a solution: the dreamTAP, an oral appliance that is similar to an athletic mouthguard and is worn while sleeping. Developed with advanced dental technology, the dreamTAP reduces sleep apnea associated health risks without the need for surgery, medications or other more cumbersome therapy. Some benefits of the dreamTAP include increased daytime energy, more restful sleep, and snoring reduction. It also reduces the risk of morning headaches, depression, stroke and heart attack, and high blood pressure and heartburn.