Description of Oral Devices

The following are some of the devices I use currently in my practice for either benign snoring or sleep apnea. I have utilized over a dozen different devices over the years. There are over 80 FDA approved oral devices, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. No one device is ideal.

Device Advantages Disadvantages
Snore Guard
Example of "off the shelf" "boil and bite" non adjustable device.
Snore Guard

Less expensive, one visit, no mechanisms

Guessing as to position of jaw, not enough retention to stay in mouth all night, can cause movement of teeth that are not covered by this device.
Device Advantages Disadvantages
TRD
(Tongue Retaining Device):  Primarily relies on keeping tongue from falling to the back of throat.
TRD

(Click to Enlarge)

Doesn’t require sound teeth, healthy gums, or having a “TMJ” problem. Easy to use.

Not effective in moderate and severe apnea; not a good choice for mouth breathers.
Device Advantages Disadvantages
NAPA
Example of non adjustable mandibular (lower jaw) repositioning oral device.
NAPA
(Click to Enlarge)

NAPA in mouth
(Click to Enlarge)

Effective in snoring, mild to severe apnea, no mechanics to break or learn how to adjust.

Guessing as to where to position jaw. May not be forward enough to be effective or too far forward causing jaw problems.
Device Advantages Disadvantages
TAP Devices
Examples of adjustable repositioning devices.
TAP I

TAP I (Click to Enlarge)

TAP ! In Mouth
TAP I (Click to Enlarge)

TAP II
TAP II (Click to Enlarge)

TAP III
TAP III (Click to Enlarge)

Effective in snoring and all degrees of apnea. Adjustment is ¼ mm. at a time, can be adjusted easily during follow-up sleep study if needed.

TAP I and TAP II hooks encroach on tongue space and may irritate tongue. Mechanical parts can break or wear out.
Device Advantages Disadvantages
Somnomed
An adjustable device that allows mouth to open.
Somnomed
(Click to Enlarge)

Similar to TAP devices in effectiveness, but allows for the patient to open their mouth to yawn or sip water.

Has two mechanical adjustment devices, allowing for possible greater chance of breakage. Not as easily adjustable as TAP.


This is only a brief listing of advantages and disadvantages. Every patient brings a unique set of circumstances. The clinician needs to have knowledge of many devices to be effective. Also, dental devices can be used with other treatments such as CPAP.