Thornton Adjustable Positioner - TAP

Much like snoring, sleep apnea starts when the jaw opens and the tongue falls into the back of the throat, narrowing the airway.  When the airway completely collapses, blocking airflow into the lungs, obstructive sleep apnea is the result.  The blocked air passage does not allow you to receive enough oxygen.  You then will be partially awoken by the brain allowing you unconsciously to return your tongue and throat to normal by closing your jaw.

Thorntion Adjustable Positioner, better known as TAP, is a prevention of snoring and sleep apnea.  TAP is an oral appliance, worn while sleeping, that holds the lower jaw forward, preventing the tongue and soft tissue of the throat from collapsing into the airway.

The success rate of people treated with TAP is 96%.

Reasons for getting TAP:

• Sleep apnea can cause chronic sleepiness, strokes, heart attacks, heartburn, morning headaches, depression, high blood pressure, and impotence

What does getting TAP involve?

     Impressions are taken of your upper and lower teeth. These impressions are sent
to the laboratory to fabricate the TAP appliance.  About a week to 10 days later we have you return and pick up the appliance.  Both appointments are about 30 minutes in length.