Snoreguards One third of our population snores. It is estimated that more than 80 million people in North America snore while sleeping. Snoring can kill you, according to UCLA School of Dentistry study: the struggle for breath can result in soaring blood pressure which can damage the walls of the carotid arteries and increase the risk of stroke. A snoreguard is a device that is custom fabricated and worn at night. This device will move the lower jaw into a forward position, increase the three dimensional space in the airway tube which reduces air velocity and soft tissue vibration. By increasing the volumetric capacity on the airway and preventing soft tissue vibrations, snoring is eliminated. Night Guards Does your jaw feel stiff or do you have difficulty opening your mouth wide? Are your teeth sensitive to hot and cold drinks? Do you wake up with headaches? You may be grinding your teeth at night (a medical condition called bruxism). People with night time grinding habits may wear away their tooth enamel "ten times faster." Eventually your teeth may be worn down and destroyed. In addition to relieving head, neck, jaw joint and shoulder pains, treating bruxism is cost effective. Night guards are custom made and are easy to insert and remove. Sleep Apnea Information Sleep apnea is a common disorder that affects more than 18 million people in the United States. In many of these people, the condition is undiagnosed. Apnea is a Greek word which means "without breath." People with sleep apnea stop breathing for at least 10 seconds during sleep, often for a minute or longer and as many as hundreds of times during a single night. Typically indicated by snoring, sufferers will often awake gasping for breath. Apnea-related disturbances occur repeatedly throughout the night, resulting in restless sleep and daytime drowsiness. The disease can cause serious health issues including high blood pressure and the reduction of oxygen to the brain and blood stream, increasing the risk of heart attack & stroke. The most common type of apnea treatment is a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine. Patients wear a mask that blows a constant stream of air through their mouth and nose. The CPAP is effective at treating sleep apnea but it is encumbering and unnatural. Dr. Littner is pleased to offer another effective more comfortable alternative: The TAP (Thornton Adjustable Positioner)      The Thorton Adjustable Positioner is FDA approved for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea and is the only oral appliance proven effective for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. TAP® is made of two custom bite guards that fit over the upper and lower teeth. The upper portion of the device hooks into the lower portion, enabling the lower jaw to be pulled slightly forward. By holding the lower jaw slightly forward, the airway is expanded and held open. The TAP® maintains a clear airway to reduce snoring and improve breathing. If you or someone you know suffers from sleep apnea or snoring Dr. Littner can help. Call us to today to schedule an appointment. Thomas E. Littner D.D.S.,P.C., General Dentistry , Orthodontics 123 Academy Avenue, Middletown, New York 10940 (845) 342-4668	Services Please choose a service below for more information. If you are interested in any of the products below, please fill out our online form and we will contact you.