Sleep Apnea/Snore Prevention

An oral (or dental) appliance is a small device that’s very similar to an orthodontic retainer. It’s worn in the mouth while sleeping to help prevent soft throat tissues from collapsing and obstructing the airway. Some of the devices hold the lower jaw forward during sleep, while other appliances directly affect tongue position. Austrins Family Dentistry offers the SilentNite, the EMA Myerson and the Tap II appliances.

All oral appliances attempt to open the airway to relieve snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). They are especially helpful to patients who are intolerant of their CPAP mask, or for snoring only.

Accepted by patients and sleep specialists for both comfort & effectiveness, oral appliance therapy has some very definite advantages:

  • Excellent patient acceptance and compliance

  • Non-surgical, conservative treatment

  • Comparatively moderate cost; several manufacturers to choose from

  • Repositions the lower jaw; stabilizes lower jaw; user-friendly