TAP® Products
Free At Last and Quiet Too
 |
There is a new solution available to those who snore or have sleep apnea – The Thornton Adjustable Positioner® (TAP®), an oral appliance similar to an athletic mouth guard that is worn while sleeping. Developed with advanced technology, the TAP® reduces sleep apnea and associated health risks without the need for surgery, medications, or other more cumbersome therapy. |
Learn more about the TAP® through this video clip from the American Medical Review. >>Play Video Clip: “American Medical Review"
A Unique Approach
The TAP® is a medical device that treats sleep disordered breathing. It alleviates snoring and sleep apnea by holding the mandible forward during sleep to prevent the tongue and soft tissue of the throat from collapsing into the airway. The TAP® is based on the same principle as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The airway must be open to allow air to pass through the throat.
The TAP® device consists of an Upper Tray that fits over the upper teeth and a Lower Tray that fits over the lower teeth. A hook mechanism attached to the Upper Tray fits into a Socket attached to the Lower Tray and positions the lower jaw forward, preventing the soft tissue of the throat from collapsing and obstructing the airway. The Adjustment Key of the TAP® permits the patient to adjust the protrusion of the lower jaw to the most effective and comfortable position. |
 |
Fit and Function
 |
The unique design of the TAP® permits the patient to adjust the device and the degree to which the mandible is pulled forward. This allows the patient to be actively involved in the treatment of his/her own sleep-disordered breathing.
For example, if the patient begins to snore or have apneic episodes after wearing the TAP® for a few weeks, he/she can turn the Adjustment Key to adjust the protrusion of the lower jaw to the most effective and comfortable position to stop the episodes. |
Making the TAP®
The metal components found in the TAP® are composed of medical grade stainless steel. There is also a TAP® Nickel-Free (TAP® NF) that is made of a nickel free, biocompatible alloy to those who may be allergic to nickel.
The outer shells are a thermoplastic orthodontic polycarbonate hard material, and the TAP® is then available in two significantly different linings, ThermAcryl™ and Triple Laminate.
ThermAcryl™
| The ThermAcryl™ lining is a unique polymer that becomes soft when heated, and can be molded to the patient’s dentition when seated in the mouth. Once the ThermAcryl™ hardens, it has less than 1% shrinkage so it snaps tightly over the patient’s teeth. The ThermAcryl™ appliance can be easily relined and modified to accommodate a patient’s changing dentistry. |
 |
Triple Laminate (TL)
 |
The Triple Laminate (TL) lining offers a different comfort level and seating approach than that of the ThermAcryl™. The TL lining is a dual laminate thermoplastic orthodontic material, which is soft and flexible and suctions around the patient’s teeth for a firm grip. For some patients, the TL lining is a much more comfortable option than the ThermAcryl™. |
How To Get the TAP®
As the TAP® appliance grows increasingly popular, more and more dentists will offer it as one of their services. Simply Find A Dentist in your area, and contact him/her for a first consultation.
>>Find A Dentist
The TAP® is Covered
The TAP® is covered by insurance. If you are going to file for insurance to cover the costs of the TAP®, file for medical insurance not dental insurance. Oral appliances fall under the same category as durable medical equipment and prostheses.
>>Insurance
Daily Use of the TAP®
The TAP® appliance complies with the requirements of directive 93/42/EEC concerning medical devices, and federal (U.S.) law restricts this device to sale by, or on the order of, a dentist or physician.
When fitted with a TAP® appliance, the prescriber will inform the patient of how to properly care for, store, and clean the device. All TAP® appliances also come with instructions for daily use. Read all instructions before using the TAP® appliance.
>>Daily Use of the TAP®
Accessories
Exercise Bite Tab
 |
The Exercise Bite Tab is intended for use as an exercise tool to put the lower jaw back into normal bite position after wearing the TAP®. |
When the lower jaw is pulled forward during the night, it may make the jaw muscles sore and temporarily change the bite. The Exercise Bite Tab is a simple means to help the patient’s bite quickly return to normal.
The Exercise Bite Tab is made of one flexible blue plastic (polyurethane) sheet. The patient places one tab between both sides of the front teeth on each side of the mouth. The patient then pulls his/her lower jaw back and squeezes as if to put the back teeth together. This process is repeated until the patient’s jaw is back in normal bite position and he/she reaches maximum jaw comfort.
Sonic Cleaner
The Sonic Cleaner cleans and freshens the TAP® appliance by vibration. It will encourage patients to practice good appliance hygiene as well as preserve the trays.
Simply fill the cup with warm water, a Retainer Brite tablet and the TAP®, and turn it on for a few minutes. It will eliminate odor and brighten discolored appliances, even if the TAP® has been worn for months. |
|
The Sonic Cleaner deep cleans the TAP® at 6500 waves per second. Its design is compact at 3½” x 4” and stores easily. It operates on two AA batteries and has a 6-month replacement warranty.
Retainer Brite
 |
Retainer Brite is effervescent cleaning tables that help remove plaque and tartar, kill germs and bacteria, clean and brighten the TAP® appliance, and keep it fresh and minty.
Retainer Brite is sold in either stock boxes of 1, 3, or 12-month supplies, or in trial packs. |
Parts
Airway Management, Inc. (AMI) also supplies laboratories and dentists with parts and tools for the different TAP® appliances.
>>Dentists section (Login Required)
>>Laboratories Section (Login Required)
|
