I have a dental appliance that was made for me by my dentist for extreme TMJ pain. How does your dental appliance differ from this and could I wear it instead of this? My appliance keeps my back teeth from grinding and has also straightened my bite and my teeth in front. I am about to have a sleep study and would very much like to use an appliance rather than CPAP if possible. June
I know of some patients who have dental appliances that treat both issues, but they tell me they are alittle $$$. You might want to check out www.talkaboutsleep.com and www.cpap.com for more info if your DME, MD and/or Dentist can't provide you with more info. Keep us up to date with your progress.
Please read the following excerpt from the American Sleep Apnea Association regarding dental appliances:
"Oral appliances: Oral appliances, sometimes called dental appliances, are intended to treat apnea by keeping the airway open in one of three ways: by pushing the lower jaw forward (a mandibular advancement device or MAD), by preventing the tongue from falling back over the airway (a tongue-retaining device), or by combining both mechanisms. Oral appliances are typically more effective for people with mild sleep apnea and for non-obese people but can, for some, be effective for moderate and severe sleep apnea. The most common type of oral appliance, a MAD is often adjustable so that the dentist can move the jaw further or reduce the advancement as necessary. The goal is to find the most comfortable and effective position for the patient. On occasion oral appliances may worsen the apnea. Not all dentists have the necessary knowledge of sleep apnea, so if you wish to pursue this therapy, ask your sleep doctor to refer you to a dentist who is familiar with apnea and who works with oral appliances. "
I personally have tried both the TAP (Thornton Adjustable Positioner) and Somnodent. The TAP cost me $2500 and the Somnodent cost me $1000 only because I got it from the same dentist so he gave me a deal. They both helped a bit initially but I had some problems with then. The TAP device broke several times and the Somnodent gave me jaw problems. I just got the MMA surgery last january since nothing worked for me.