TAP Appliance – Covington, GA
Breathe Easier with an Oral Appliance
Do you struggle to get a good night’s rest? It may not be caused by a bad mattress. Instead, you might be among the 18 million Americans who have obstructive sleep apnea. The sleep disorder causes you to stop breathing frequently throughout the night from an obstruction in your airway. When left untreated, it can cause potentially deadly complications. Thankfully, you have more options than ever to get the relief you need. As an alternative to a CPAP, many patients are turning to the TAP appliance. You can breathe easier and sleep better without a bothersome machine.
What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a condition that causes several pauses in breathing frequently throughout the night with each event lasting for up to one minute or longer. While there are 3 forms of the condition, the most common is obstructive sleep apnea. It results when the tongue or soft tissues in the back of the mouth and throat collapse to block the airway.
This not only results in chronic snoring, but several other symptoms, like waking gasping for air, daytime fatigue, and irritability. Over time, you can even experience adverse health concerns from inadequate oxygen levels, like cardiovascular disease.
What is the TAP Appliance?
The TAP (Thornton Adjustable Positioner) is a custom-made oral appliance that consists of two pieces, allowing it to move the lower mandible forward to effectively treat chronic snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. The device features a unique hinge and pivot joint to hold the lower jaw forward to prevent the soft tissues in the back of your mouth from collapsing to keep your airway open. Your tongue is also moved forward to prevent it from falling back toward the throat and uvula.
When used correctly, the oral appliance has been proven effective for treating mild-to-moderate cases of obstructive sleep apnea. In fact, many patients report a 95% improvement in their breathing and snoring. As a result, it’s an effective alternative to traditional sleep apnea therapy to help you breathe easier without a CPAP.
What are the Benefits of the TAP Appliance?
When compared to a CPAP, treatment using an oral appliance offers several advantages, such as:
- Effective for reducing pauses in breathing
- Comfortable to wear
- Easy maintenance and care
- Durable yet flexible material
- High patient compliance rate
- Affordable
- Convenient
What Can I Expect with a TAP Appliance?
After receiving a diagnosis, we can provide you with the treatment you need using a custom-fit oral appliance. It may take a few days for you to get used to wearing the device; however, you’ll notice an improvement in your symptoms and your sleep quality within the first 1-2 weeks. You will wake in the morning feeling refreshed and ready for the day.
Breathe Easier with a TAP Appliance
If obstructive sleep apnea is keeping you awake at night, enjoy a simple solution to breathe easier. The TAP appliance can be used alone or with a CPAP machine. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation for oral appliance therapy.
What is Sleep Apnea? Types of Oral Appliances Combined Therapy What We Do