The TAP Plus appliance that you just received is made of a heat-sensitive acrylic for wearing comfort. Though it is now cured (hardened), in the next few days go it will from cloudy to clear. This is normal.
Please be sure to run the appliance under hot water prior to inserting it into your mouth. This will insure easy insertion and immediate comfort when wearing the appliance. Warming it prior to insertion also prevents the appliance from cracking.
To insert your TAP Plus, place the appliance in hot water for approximately one minute to soften the material. Place the lower appliance on the teeth and seat it completely by pressing firmly on the right and left back portions of the appliance. Grasp the upper portion by the assembly that protrudes from the front of the device and connect the hook over the bar on the lower appliance. Move your lower jaw forward and seat the upper portion over the upper teeth and press it to place on the right and left side using your thumbs. Close together to be certain that the appliance is seated completely.
To remove your TAP Plus place your fingers on the upper borders of the upper splint and press firmly downward "rocking" the appliance from one side to the other until it releases from the teeth. Grasp the assembly on the front of the device and unhook the upper portion from the bar and remove the upper portion from your mouth. Then, remove the lower splint by placing your thumbs on both sides of the appliance at the lower borders firmly push upwards on one side then the other to "rock" the lower appliance off of the teeth. If the appliance is too rigid or retentive, try rinsing your mouth with hot water or tea. If it requires use of hot water or tea to remove your appliance, we will need to adjust your appliance at your next office visit to achieve easier removal.
To avoid unnecessary torque on the front assembly and hook, use your fingers or thumbs to disengage the appliance during removal.
Your TAP Plus has been custom made for you and is designed to provide maximum
effectiveness. The front assembly and screw mechanism allows you to advance
the lower jaw position which can increase effectiveness, or you may move your
jaw position back in case of related jaw discomfort.
No adjustments of the screw mechanism should be made during the first week
after you receive your appliance. It is important to allow your jaw and teeth
to become comfortable with the appliance in place at night. Monitor your snoring,
daytime sleepiness, and quality of sleep during that first week. If these
symptoms are continuing, simply turn the external end cap of the front assembly
from your right cheek to your left cheek (in a counterclockwise direction)
to move the lower jaw position forward. Monitor the symptoms for three days,
if the symptoms persist, you will again adjust the screw mechanism two turns
(360°). This process of monitoring and adjusting the appliance continues
every three days until the symptoms are well controlled.
If you have any jaw pain or lingering tooth discomfort, discontinue use of the appliance and contact our office.
IMPORTANT: It may take 4-8 weeks to determine the most effective jaw position for managing your snoring and apnea condition. We are hopeful that you will notice an immediate improvement in your symptoms. However, it is usually necessary to advance the jaw slowly over a period of time to improve the effectiveness of the appliance and maintain the comfort of your jaw and teeth.
Snoring & Sleep Apnea Dental Treatment Center
5009 Excelsior Boulevard, Suite 124
St. Louis Park, MN 55416
952-345-0290
© 2002. Jonathan Parker, DDS. All Rights Reserved.
