Oral Appliance Therapy is a medical device designed to treat sleep disordered breathing. Oral Appliances alleviate snoring and sleep apnea by holding the mandible forward during sleep to prevent the tongue and soft tissue of the throat from collapsing into the airway. Oral Appliances are based on the same principle as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The airway must be open to allow air to pass through the throat.

The devices consist of an Upper Tray that fits over the upper teeth and a Lower Tray that fits over the lower teeth. A hook mechanism attached to the Upper Tray fits into a Socket attached to the Lower Tray and positions the lower jaw forward, preventing the soft tissue of the throat from collapsing and obstructing the airway. Most appliances allow for some form of adjustment. This permits the patient to move the protrusion of the lower jaw to the most effective and comfortable position.

The unique design of the oral appliance used by Midwest Dental Sleep Center, permits the patient to adjust the device and the degree to which the mandible is pulled forward. This allows the patient to be actively involved in the treatment of his/her own sleep-disordered breathing.

For example, if the patient begins to snore or have apneic episodes after wearing the appliance for a few weeks, he/she can turn the Adjustment Key to adjust the protrusion of the lower jaw to the most effective and comfortable position to stop the episodes.