Dental Appliances

The RANA Sleep Apnea Clinic works with dentists who use a variety of dental appliances for treating both snoring and sleep apnea.

These appliances hold your jaw and soft throat tissues in a position to allow for easier breathing. The dentist will examine your past medical history, dental habits and the severity of your snoring and/or sleep apnea to determine which appliance to recommend for your treatment.

The TAP®

The TAP® (Thornton Adjustable Positioner) uses a hook and socket mechanism to shift the lower jaw forward. An adjustment key for the TAP® permits the patient, after consultation with their dental specialist, to adjust the protrusion of the lower jaw to the most effective and comfortable position. The metal components found in the TAP® are composed of medical grade stainless steel. A nickel-free TAP® (TAP® NF), containing a biocompatible alloy, is available for patients with nickel allergies.

The EMA®

The EMA® (Elastic Mandibular Advancement) device uses bands of varying elasticity to move the jaw forward to the desired position, but it also allows the jaw to move in all directions.

The freedom of movement granted by an EMA® may significantly reduce the occurrence of temporomandibular joint dysfunction and pain.

The Herbst

The Herbst appliance consists of 2 acrylic splints held together by adjustable Herbst screw assemblies. 

The design of the Herbst appliance allows the patient to move their jaw up and down and from side to side.