Dental Sleep Medicine
For a Better Night’s Sleep
The EMA® (Elastic Mandibular Advancement) oral appliance is a customized removable appliance created for the noninvasive treatment of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The appliance is designed to both advance the mandible (lower jaw) and open the bite to allow for less restricted airflow during sleep.
OSA afflicts over 40 million Americans. Untreated, OSA can lead to heart disease, strokes, excessive daytime sleepiness and diminished overall quality of life.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Snoring
What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea? Obstructive sleep apnea is a debilitating sleeprelated breathing disorder defined as the cessation of breathing for 10 seconds or more (apnea is a Greek word meaning “without air”). During sleep, the body’s muscles relax, causing the soft tissue of the airway to collapse — which obstructs the airway. The body reacts to the closure of the airway by disrupting deep sleep in order to begin breathing again. This disruption prevents a restful night’s sleep, negatively impacting one’s health and well-being.
Snoring and Sleep Disruption
At least 80 million Americans snore, which is a sign of restricted airflow and impeded breathing during sleep. Snoring can adversely affect the sleep quality of the snorer’s bed partner, contribute to excessive daytime sleepiness and diminish overall quality of life.
Simply Life-Changing
The EMA® appliance fits entirely inside the mouth, is portable and allows the wearer to change sleep positions. In addition, there is no electricity or noise to potentially wake a sleeping partner. You can talk and drink water while wearing an EMA® appliance, and the elastic straps can easily be changed at home. EMA® devices are FDA-cleared for the treatment of both obstructive sleep apnea and snoring, and are only available through dental professionals. EMA® elastic straps are not made with natural rubber latex.
EMA® devices help promote a deeper, more restful sleep by preventing snoring and relieving the symptoms of OSA. The EMA® does not interfere with breathing through the mouth, even in cases of congested nasal passages. It has many options for advancement with nine strap lengths (13 mm–21 mm) and four different elastic tension options, indicated by color.
The shorter the strap, the farther the mandible is advanced. The 36 different straps allow for the most effective repositioning of the jaw with maximum comfort. Due to the varying elastic bands, non-restricted side-to-side movement is possible while wearing the device.
Improved Health
Among patients with obstructive sleep apnea, both continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and mandibular advancement devices (MADs) were associated with reductions in blood pressure.
A mandibular advancement device for obstructive sleep apnea reduces nocturnal blood pressure in women.
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine now recommends oral appliances such as EMA® as a frontline treatment for snoring and sleep apnea. OSA afflicts over 40 million Americans. Untreated, OSA can lead to heart disease, strokes, excessive daytime sleeping.
Patient Satisfaction
Oral appliance therapy (OAT) is very effective in treating patients with sleep-disordered breathing, with a compliance rate shown to be as high as 90% over a 2.5-year period.
OAT is associated with greater patient satisfaction than nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy.
In a randomized crossover trial comparing OAT to CPAP in patients with obstructive sleep apnea, about 81% preferred OAT.
Schedule an Appointment
Dr. Katie Bell would be happy to evaluate you if you are interested in a snore guard. Call the office at 301.620.8869 to schedule an appointment. Due to insurance companies shifting away from providing reimbursement that adequately compensates this type of dentistry, purchasing an appliance is considered elective and no forms will be produced for insurance billing.
