Overview: This guide explains how to deliver Nylon sleep apnea appliances and achieve a precise fit.
Standard Delivery Process
Initial Seating and Evaluation
- Inspect the fit: Check the nylon appliance on the upper and lower arches for stability, smooth edges, and uniform contact.
- Verify retention: Ensure the low-profile nylon material flexes smoothly to engage dental undercuts without exerting excessive pressure on individual teeth.
- Check initial bite: Confirm the mandible is positioned forward according to the specified laboratory bite registration or midline setting.
Patient Adjustment and Titration
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Demonstrate insertion and removal: Instruct the patient on how to seat and disengage both the upper and lower components.
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Insertion Steps
- Inspect the device: Check the clean nylon trays for any debris or damage before placement.
- Align upper tray: Place the upper tray over your upper teeth and push up gently until it seats evenly.
- Align lower tray: Guide your lower jaw slightly forward into the predetermined protrusive position and seat the lower tray over your bottom teeth.
- Check fit: Ensure both trays snap or slide securely into place without excessive pressure points on the gums or soft tissues.
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Removal Steps
- Disengage lower arch: Place your thumb nails under the lower shell parallel to your teeth and lift up slowly on both sides while opening your mouth.
- Remove upper arch: Place your fingers just above the canine teeth area and pull down gently to unseat the upper tray.
- Clean and store: Rinse the appliance with cool water and store it in its designated ventilated case
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- Review advancement mechanism: Show the patient how to adjust the incremental advancement settings (rod or clip) if self-titration is permitted.
- Manage expectations: Inform the patient about transient side effects like increased salivation, morning tooth tenderness, or temporary muscle tightness in the jaw.
Follow-Up Care
- Monitor adaptation: Schedule a short-term follow-up to evaluate mucosal health, bite changes, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) comfort.
- Coordinate sleep efficacy tests: Re-evaluate the patient's sleep apnea symptoms and coordinate with their sleep physician for objective follow-up testing if titration adjustments are completed.
Fit New Crowns to Existing Sleep Apnea Device
Maintain Dentition Dimensions
Always ensure the opposing device is in the mouth when reforming it to the new dentition. This maintains the current dimensions and helps reshape the appliance.
Heat the device
Place the sleep apnea device in water at 85°C - 90°C (185°F - 194°F) for about 1 minute. Caution: If the water is too hot, the sleep apnea device will warp. If the water cools or does not deform where preferred, reheat the device.
Adapt the Device to New Dentition
Quickly remove the sleep apnea device and allow the device to cool for approximately 10 seconds. Fit the heated device to the new dentition while the opposing device remains in place.
Cool and Trim
Cool the device with short bursts of air using an air/water syringe for 30-60 seconds. Caution: Do not leave the sleep apnea device unattended. The sleep apnea device will permanently lock onto teeth if it fully cools in the mouth. Once removed, use curved scissors to trim away the flashed excess material (if present). Do not pull the material.
Smooth and Finish
Finish cooling the device with cold water or freeze spray until entirely cool. Use a polishing brush to remove the remaining edges are smooth.
Instructions for Use