Patient Education Overview (continued)

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Oral Appliance Therapy

An oral appliance is a small acrylic device that fits over the upper and lower teeth or tongue (similar to an orthodontic retainer or mouth guard). This device slightly advances the lower jaw or tongue, which moves the base of the tongue forward and opens the airway. This improves breathing and reduces snoring and apnea. The appliance is fabricated and customized for each patient by a dentist experienced in the treatment of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. The appliance is usually well tolerated by patients. This treatment is most effective for people with snoring and mild or moderate obstructive sleep apnea.

Contributing Authors of the Education Section

Theodore M. Berman, M.D. is a board certified
medical specialist in sleep disorders medicine and pulmonary medicine. Dr. Berman is an Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine at the University of Minnesota. He is on the staff of the sleep disorders centers at Abbott Northwestern Hospital, Methodist Hospital, and the Minnesota Sleep Institute.

Wilfred A. Corson, M.D. is the medical director of the Minnesota Sleep Institute and the sleep disorders center at Abbott Northwestern Hospital. Dr. Corson is a board certified medical specialist in sleep disorders medicine and pulmonary medicine. He is an Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine at the University of Minnesota.

Jonathan A. Parker, D.D.S. is the director of the Snoring and Sleep Apnea Dental Treatment Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He is an Assistant Clinical Professor of Dentistry at the University of Minnesota. Dr. Parker is on the staff of four sleep disorders centers in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. He has lectured throughout the U.S. on evaluation and treatment of snoring and sleep apnea.

Patrick J. Wright, M.D. is a board certified medical specialist in sleep disorders medicine, pulmonary medicine, and critical care medicine. He is an Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine at the University of Minnesota. Dr. Wright is on the staff of the sleep disorders centers at the Minnesota Sleep Institute and Abbott Northwestern Hospital.

Note:

This information is intended to help individuals manage their snoring and/or sleep apnea. It is not to be used as a guide for self-diagnosis or to recommend a particular treatment. Dr. Parker recommends consulting a physician for appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

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Snoring & Sleep Apnea Dental Treatment Center
7225 Ohms Lane, Suite 180
Edina, MN 55439
952-345-0290