Oral Airway Dilator Appliances

Oral appliances are devices to manage snoring and sleep apnea. These devices are worn in the mouth while sleeping and reposition the lower jaw to help open the airway. This is done by tensing the muscles that support the airway which in turn opens or dilates the airway so that air can move in and out freely without obstruction or resistance.

Oral airway dialator appliances

There are numerous appliances available to manage Snoring and Sleep apnea. Over the years it has been found that a limited number of appliances are most useful, proven to be effective and well tolerated by the patient. The two most often used in this office are:

The NORAD (Nocturnal ORal Airway Dilator) appliance

NORAD (Nocturnal ORal Airway Dilator) appliance This device is an immediate-use boil and fit appliance that can be made in the office immediately and does not require that impressions be taken. It allows for freedom of jaw movement during sleep and you can position the lower jaw at whatever forward position is most effective. Elastics are used to prevent the jaw and tongue from collapsing into the airway. This appliance should last 2 to 3 years. There is also a custom made lab-fabricated Norad that can be used when indicated or needed.

The EMA (Elastic Mandibular Advancement) appliance

EMA (Elastic Mandibular Advancement) appliance This appliance is a custom-made appliance that uses elastic straps on each side of the appliance to help keep the jaw and tongue from falling back into the airway during sleep. The elastic straps are available in a variety of lengths with different levels of tension. The specific strap is custom selected based on your needs and allows for freedom of jaw movement. Features of the appliance include:

Comfortable to wear
Posterior support to protect the TMJs
Also able to manage Bruxism (teeth grinding)
Freedom of jaw movement with use
Can be modified if dental work is done
Does not lock or hold the jaw in a set position
Helps keep the airway open by preventing the jaw and tongue from falling back during sleep

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Home About Dr. Bailey Contact Location & Map More Information Reimbursement Snoring / Apnea Snoring Apnea Quiz Illustrations Appliances Pharyngometer	Oral Airway Dilator Appliances Oral appliances are devices to manage snoring and sleep apnea. These devices are worn in the mouth while sleeping and reposition the lower jaw to help open the airway. This is done by tensing the muscles that support the airway which in turn opens or dilates the airway so that air can move in and out freely without obstruction or resistance. Oral airway dialator appliances There are numerous appliances available to manage Snoring and Sleep apnea. Over the years it has been found that a limited number of appliances are most useful, proven to be effective and well tolerated by the patient. The two most often used in this office are: The NORAD (Nocturnal ORal Airway Dilator) appliance This device is an immediate-use boil and fit appliance that can be made in the office immediately and does not require that impressions be taken. It allows for freedom of jaw movement during sleep and you can position the lower jaw at whatever forward position is most effective. Elastics are used to prevent the jaw and tongue from collapsing into the airway. This appliance should last 2 to 3 years. There is also a custom made lab-fabricated Norad that can be used when indicated or needed. The EMA (Elastic Mandibular Advancement) appliance This appliance is a custom-made appliance that uses elastic straps on each side of the appliance to help keep the jaw and tongue from falling back into the airway during sleep. The elastic straps are available in a variety of lengths with different levels of tension. The specific strap is custom selected based on your needs and allows for freedom of jaw movement. Features of the appliance include: Comfortable to wear Posterior support to protect the TMJs Also able to manage Bruxism (teeth grinding) Freedom of jaw movement with use Can be modified if dental work is done Does not lock or hold the jaw in a set position Helps keep the airway open by preventing the jaw and tongue from falling back during sleep Next: Acoustic Pharyngometer Back: Illustrations Home Copyright 2005 Dennis R. Bailey, DDS. Artwork, text, photographs and articles may be reproduced with permission only.