Sleep Apnea Appliances

Sleep apnea is a serious, sometimes fatal medical disorder that affects around 10% of American men over the age of 40, and 6% of American women of the same age.  Sleep apnea sufferers completely stop breathing during sleep, sometimes hundreds of times in a single night.  Normal breathing ceases because the airway becomes obstructed, causing a serious reduction of airflow to the lungs.

There are a number of dental devices that can be used to alleviate this condition. The goal of most of these devices is to separate the jaws and push them forward slightly.  This slight repositioning opens up the airway, and allows oxygen to flow freely again.  Wearers of sleep apnea dental devices report that they stop loud snoring, feel more rested in the daytime, and are much more comfortable going to sleep.  Sleep apnea appliances work best on patients who are not significantly overweight. They offer a viable alternative to Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP).

Sleep apnea appliances fall into two categories: fixed and adjustable.  Here are brief descriptions of some commonly used sleep apnea dental appliances:



EMA®

The EMA® appliance is designed to promote a deeper, more restful sleep by preventing snoring and relieving the symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea.

  • Appliance uses nine different lengths of elastic straps to gradually and incrementally advance the mandible
  • EMA patented design allows freedom of lateral mandibular movement
  • Patients can easily change the elastic straps
  • EMA patented design allows freedom of lateral mandibular movementPatients can easily change the elastic strap

For a Better Night’s Sleep

The EMA (Elastic Mandibular Advancement) oral appliance is a customized removable appliance created for the noninvasive treatment of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The appliance is designed to both advance the mandible and open the bite to allow for less restricted airflow during sleep.

EMA devices help promote a deeper, more restful sleep by preventing snoring and relieving the symptoms of OSA. The EMA does not interfere with breathing through the mouth, even in cases of congested nasal passages. It has many options for advancement with nine strap lengths (13 mm–21 mm) and four different elastic tension options, indicated by color. The shorter the strap, the farther the mandible is advanced. The 36 different straps allow for the most effective repositioning of the jaw with maximum comfort. Due to the varying elastic bands, non-restricted lateral/protrusive movement is possible while wearing the device.

EMA is a registered trademark of Frantz Design Inc.


Silent Nite® Sleep Appliance

Helping patients achieve a deeper, more satisfying night’s sleep, the Silent Nite® Sleep Appliance treats sleep-disordered breathing quickly and effectively.

  • FDA-cleared for treating snoring and mild to moderate sleep apnea
  • More than 400,000 Silent Nite Sleep Appliances delivered
  • Optional "One for Relief, One for Reserve" Glidewell Clinical Twinpak™ helps ensure patients never go untreated
  • Each case includes an AM Aligner and extra connectors

Stop Snoring. Start Living!

Helping patients achieve a deeper, more satisfying night’s sleep, the Silent Nite Sleep Appliance is flexible, thin and comfortable, and it exhibits documented clinical success in mitigating or preventing the disruptive, unhealthy effects of snoring and mild to moderate sleep apnea. The Silent Nite appliance is designed to gently shift the lower jaw forward in a therapeutic position during sleep, which activates the airway muscles and ligaments to prevent the airway from collapsing. Each Silent Nite case includes extra connectors, in various sizes, and an AM Aligner to aid patients in exercising and realigning the jaw after nighttime mandibular advancement.

AM Aligner is a product of Airway Management Inc.

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