Sleep Apnea/Snoring

Sleep Apnea Dental Treatments

For those having difficulties with CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machines and snoring, Dr. Christian Family Dentistry in Bristol, Tennessee, offers alternatives for opening your airways using dental appliances to help people sleep and stop snoring. Call our office at 423-968-1933 for more information.

The American Academy has approved these two products of Sleep Medicine as alternatives to CPAP:

Myerson Elastic Mandibular Advancement Appliance

The EMA (Elastic Mandibular Advancement) is a custom-made removable intra-oral appliance created for the noninvasive treatment of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The appliance is designed to advance the lower jaw (mandible) and open the bite to allow less restricted airflow during sleep. EMA appliances help promote a deeper, more restful sleep by preventing snoring and relieving the symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The EMA does not interfere with breathing through the mouth, even in cases of congested nasal passages. The EMA has many options for patient advancement with five strap lengths and four different elastic tension options. Non-restricted side-to-side (lateral) or front-to-back (protrusive) movements of the jaw are possible while wearing the appliance due to varying elastic bands.

ClearDream

The Cleardream is a custom-made removable intra-oral appliance created for noninvasive treatment of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The appliance is designed to both advance the lower jaw (mandible) and open the bite to allow for less restricted airflow during sleep. ClearDream appliances help promote a deeper, more restful sleep by preventing snoring and relieving the symptoms OSA. The ClearDream does not interfere with breathing through the mouth, even in cases of congested nasal passages. The ClearDream uses “fins” to advance the lower jaw forward for a custom fit.

NTI

NTI is a dental appliance for the treatment of migraine pain and associated tension headaches. By reducing muscle contraction intensity during parafunctional activity, the NTI minimizes tooth wear, reduces joint strain and disc load and decreases muscle tension leading to fewer migraines and morning headaches.

Grinding Splints

Nocturnal parafunctional activity has the potential to seriously damage the teeth, restorations, and strain on the muscles, and joints in some patients. A custom fitted mouth piece will help protect your teeth and muscles and allow for a better nights sleep.