Category 4: Dual Action Appliances

It is fair to say patients who have crowded teeth and small or narrow arches will also have a greater chance of having an airway issue. This is the case because patients who have these problems have less intraoral volume for the tongue and a diminished nasal airway. Although these patients may benefit from a standard sleep appliance alone, it has become clear that combination therapy that also addresses their orthodontic needs may be a better approach.

THE ALIGNER SLEEP APPLIANCE (ASA)™
The ASA is an appliance that can be worn to manage a patient’s apnea while they are undergoing aligner therapy to correct their malocclusion. To be successful at providing this combined approach it is necessary to coordinate the treatment plans between the clear aligner therapy and the Aligner Sleep Appliance.  

Therefore we have developed a system that will provide the necessary diagnostic services for successful combined ASA/aligner therapy. This system’s features include:  

• Expert review and consultation of your ClinCheck / ClearComm or other clear aligner plan for appropriate fit with Aligner Sleep Appliance including bite positioning, IPR considerations and 3D case review. 
• Treatment planning assistance to identify possible contra-indications and complexities within ASA cases.
• Detailed consultation, instruction and support on delivery and adjustments of the ASA throughout the patient’s treatment.

• The ASA System is managed by our SleepArchiTx diagnostic team. SleepArchiTx can be contacted at 888-777-3198 to review enrollment details and case processing.

THE mRNA™
The mRNA is designed to address those patients who need a significant amount of orthopedic/orthodontic change to correct their airway issue. It is considered ideal for moderate-to-severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) patients. The two-piece, multi-functional appliance changes the dental tissues, hard tissues, soft tissues and functional spaces. All are addressed via the unique PneumopedicTM approach. The unique design of this appliance includes: 

• Six degrees of freedom for airway development 
• A-P, T-V and vertical mandibular repositioning 
• 4 Expansion Screws – 2 on upper and lower arches, 2 on buccal  
• 2 Adjustable Occlusal Pads (optional) on upper arch 
• Airway support during active development

To use this appliance we suggest attending one of the excellent educational courses presented by Dr D. Singh or one of his other instructors.