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TAP Dental Appliance


Posted by John (In Texas) on June 11, 2000 at 18:29:29:

I have just been measured for a Thornton Adjustable Positioner, or TAP dental appliance for short. I am fortunate to live about 20 miles from Dr. Keith Thornton's Dallas office. So, it was a real pleasure to have my consultation and fitting by Dr. Thornton.

My family dentist noticed evidence of teeth grinding. While discussing my diagnosis of mild to moderate sleep apnea and snoring, he recommended that I consult with Dr. Thornton. He had great praise for his work and his national reputation. At this point in my apnea problem I had already been through a sleep study, tried a CPAP with three different masks, and was considering somnoplasty. Now that I needed to protect my teeth from grinding, the dental appliance sounded like something that would help solve both problems.

Actually, the teeth grinding is related to the apnea. You might ask (as I did), how could someone who sleeps with his jaw open in a snoring position be grinding his teeth? Dr. Thornton explained that the grinding probably takes place when awakening with each apnea event. As one is startled awake it is almost a fight or flight reaction to not breathing. At that point I clench my teeth with great force and awaken. So, ask your dental hygienist or dentist to look for signs of grinding on your teeth. You might be damaging your teeth too.

I am pleased to report that Dr. Thornton is a man who is excited about the device he developed and the continuing research in which he is engaged. I am very optimistic and look forward to getting delivery of my appliance in mid-July after I return from vacation.

I will keep you posted on my progress.

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