the appliances we use
Dr. Schlansker has selected several widely used oral appliances to ensure the success of treatment. For your information we have described these appliances below.
tap
The Thornton Adjustable Positioner (TAP®) oral appliance is a mandibular
advancement device composed of two separate arches (maxillary and mandibular)
containing an advancing mechanism which permits unlimited advancement of
the lower jaw. The arches are custom fit to a patient's models. The advancing
mechanism is engaged and the screw mechanism in the upper tray is then
turned to advance the mandible until the patient begins to feel any discomfort
in the temporomandibular joint or in the facial muscles (maximum mechanical
protrusion which is an average of 2.5mm beyond maximum protrusion). The
advancing screw is then turned back until patient is comfortable.
FDA Approval: Approved for both snoring and OSA
Date of FDA Approval: August 21, 1997
FDA Registration Number: K972061
pm positioner
The Adjustable PM Positioner™ utilizes materials and a design that
minimize office chair-time and provide the patient control of adjusting
the jaw position under the dentist’s supervision. Research studies
have shown that this appliance is successful in treating 77% of patients
with moderate obstructive sleep apnea. The appliance fits over all maxillary
and mandibular teeth and is made of a special acrylic material (Bruxeze™)
that softens in hot water to provide a combination of comfort, strength,
and retention. This material has proven to be very durable. Expansion screws
are located on the right and left buccal areas to allow maximum space for
the tongue and easy anterior-posterior positioning of the mandible to achieve
optimal effectiveness. This design permits ample lateral and protrusive
movement to maintain jaw comfort.
The device uses a unique method of retention consisting of small projections
of acrylic within the device that comfortably grip the undercut areas of
two posterior teeth in each quadrant. Therefore, no metal clasps are necessary.
Clinical Research Associates gave the Adjustable PM Positioner™ its
highest rating for appliances tested.
FDA Approval: Approved for both snoring and OSA
Date of FDA Approval: Feb. 8, 1996
FDA Registration Number: K955503