The

Thornton Adjustable Positioner (TAP®)

& Sleep Apnea

Austin Family Dentistry is pleased to announce the Thornton Adjustable Positioner, or TAP®.  Sleep apnea is the temporary cessation of breathing during sleep. Often times indicated by snoring, typically sufferers will awake gasping for breath. Sleep apnea may occur repeatedly, resulting in a poor night's sleep and daytime drowsiness. The disease can cause serious health issues like increased blood pressure and the restriction of oxygen to the brain and blood stream.

TAP® is made of two custom inter-occlusal parts that fit over the mandible and the maxilla. The upper portion of the device hooks into the lower portion, enabling the mandible to be pulled forward. Using a dial mechanism, the appliance is titratable allowing the patient to determine the degree to which the jaw is held forward. This allows the patient to experience the most possible comfort and helps ensure patient compliance.

The TAP® is based on the same principle as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). By holding the mandible forward, the airway is expanded and held open. The TAP maintains a clear airway to reduce snoring and improve breathing.

Research of the TAP® has revealed it to be the most successful sleep apnea treatment currently available. More than 96% of patients using the appliance have stopped snoring. It is also the only oral appliance proven effective for the treatment of severe obstructive sleep apnea.

The appliance is FDA approved for the treatment of sleep apnea.

The Advantages of

The Thornton Adjustable Positioner (TAP®)

• Alleviate Sleep Apnea: Research shows it is the most successful obstructive sleep apnea treatment available.

• Reduce Snoring: More than 96% of patients using the appliance have stopped snoring.

• Improve patient's sleep:  The quality of their sleep has a huge impact on the overall quality of your patient's life.