Stop Snoring – Sleep Apnea in Chicago

Dr. Benjamin S. Fiss – Sleep Apnea

Snoring, or noisy breathing, affects nearly one of every three Americans. What causes snoring? Muscles in soft tissues in a snorer’s throat and mouth relax during sleep, making the breathing airway smaller. The space becomes constricted and the speed of air flowing through it increases, causing soft tissue to vibrate. Excess body weight or use of alcohol and sedatives can further increase the severity. Respiration impairing soft tissue can be surgically removed, but procedures are expensive and painful and success rates vary. An alternate to surgery is a dentist prescribed anti-snore oral device called Thornton Adjustable Positioner (TAP). Thornton Adjustable Positioner (TAP) comfortably postions the lower jaw into a forward position using special connectors attached to transparent upper and lower forms. The device increases the airway space and reduces air velocity, soft tissue vibration and snoring up to 85% and more. Enjoy the benefits of a better and more restful night’s sleep! Call: Dr. Benjamin S. Fiss (312) 642-6631

Although snoring seems physically harmless, it can be a “red flag” for a much more serious and sometimes fatal condition called Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

Click here to read “Dental Signs Of Sleep Apnea” provide by Sleep Group Solutions

Sleep apnea can cause:

Chronic Sleepiness, Strokes, Heart Attacks, Heartburn, Morning Headaches, Depression, High Blood Pressure, Impotence.

A Unique Approach

tapThe Thornton Adjustable Positioner ( TAP ) is based on the same principle as cardiopulmonary resuscitation, CPR. The airway must be opened to allow air to pass through the throat. A constricted or collapsed airway causes snoring or sleep apnea.

The TAP holds the lower jaw in a forward position so that it does not fall open during the night and cause the airway to collapse. The TAP maintains a clear airway to reduce snoring and improve breathing.

  • Comfortable and patient-friendly
  • Custom-made to prevent any change in teeth position or mouth structures
  • Patient-adjustable allowing maximum comfort and effectiveness

Snoring Defined

When the jaw opens and the tongue falls into the back of the throat, the airway narrows forcing air through the small opening. This creates vibrations in the throat known as snoring.

Sleep Apnea

snoreA diagram showing the effects of sleep apnea and the benefits of TAP.
Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the airway completely collapses, blocking airflow into the lungs. The harder one tries to breathe, the tighter the airway seals. This airway obstruction persists until the brain partially awakens the person. Unconsciously, he/she will close the jaw returning the tongue and throat to a normal position.

The sleep apnea cycle – falling asleep, jaw relaxing, airway collapsing, unconsciously awakening with a gasp, falling back asleep – can repeat itself 50 or more times per hour during the night. With a blocked air passage, one does not receive enough oxygen. Both the awakenings and oxygen deprivation can then trigger other health problems.

Free at Last and Quiet Too!
There is a new solution available to those who snore or have sleep apnea. The TAP’d, an oral appliance similar to an athletic mouth guard that is worn while sleeping. Developed with advanced technology, the TAP reduces sleep apnea associated health risks without the need for surgery, medications, or other more cumbersome therapy.

Dr. Benjamin S. Fiss (312) 642-6631

 

If you’re interested in this procedure, please contact us to book an appointment. We are also happy to assist you with any questions you may have.