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A common treatment method for obstructive sleep apnea is a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine, which pumps air through the mouth and/or nose during sleep to keep the airways clear. While this method is generally effective, many diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS) find the device to be disruptive and uncomfortable. As an alternative to wearing CPAP equipment during sleep, Dr. Wayde Fawcett offers custom oral appliances—like the Thornton Adjustable Positioner^® (TAP^® device)—that can reduce the symptoms of OSA and UARS and alleviate associated health problems.

Custom, clear-plastic TAP devices are similar to bite guards and fit snugly over the teeth. When the device is placed in position, the jaws are held in proper alignment to clear soft tissue obstruction from the airways and enable healthy nighttime breathing. The TAP device is intended to be worn every night, and the majority of Dr. Fawcett’s patients who wear a TAP report that it is both easy-to-wear and comfortable. For the right patients, wearing the TAP device can eliminate the need for a CPAP machine or invasive soft tissue procedures. The TAP appliance is also considered an affordable solution for an often costly medical problem.

If you are experiencing adverse effects of breathing disruptions during sleep, think you may be suffering with sleep apnea, or have already been diagnosed with OSA and UARS, we encourage you to contact the Fawcett Center for Dentistry, PA to schedule a consultation. During your appointment with Dr. Fawcett, he can evaluate your concerns and recommend you to an experienced physician for a sleep study to determine the exact nature of your breathing problems. Once you have received a diagnosis, Dr. Fawcett may be able to help treat your OSA or UARS with a custom-designed oral device.