Effective appliance therapy for OSA

Myofunctional Research Co. has launched its new myOSA® range of myofunctional intra-oral appliances designed to provide the medical and dental professions with an effective means of treating sleep disordered breathing (SDB) and TMJ disorders. Rather than just focus on alleviating the symptoms of SDB, the myOSA appliance range, created by Australian industry leader and developer of the highly successful Myobrace System™ Myofunctional Research Co., aims to treat the upper airway and neuromuscular dysfunction, which can cause Sleep Disordered Breathing. The range includes appliances to suit patients from as young as two years of age through to adults as well as specialty appliances targeted at TMJ disorder and bruxing.

Sleep Disordered Breathing in adults is often manifested as snoring, which typically occurs when the flow of air through the nose or mouth is obstructed during sleep. While this airflow obstruction is typically caused by relaxation and poor muscle tone around the throat and jaws, there are many underlying causes of snoring. The most common of these underlying causes are chronic mouth breathing, poor diet, obesity and poor forward development of the jaws. Additionally, orthodontics with extractions can make breathing problems worse.

myOSA for Snorers™

The myOSA for Snorers™ range includes two appliances specifically designed for snorers who breathe through their mouth while sleeping. The appliances alleviate snoring by slightly advancing the sleeper’s lower jaw, correcting tongue position and opening the bite, which has the effect of opening the airway. The myOSA For Snorers™ - S1 is made from flexible material so it is gentle on the jaw joints and suitable for people with TMJ Disorder. The myOSA for Snorers™ - S2 is specifically designed for snorers who are not chronic mouth breathers or who have already undergone treatment with the S1 appliance.

myOSA for Teeth Grinders™

Teeth grinding, or bruxing, is another common symptom associated with Sleep Disordered Breathing and is often caused by mouth breathing then exacerbated by stress or nervous tension. This bruxing can cause damage to the teeth including visible enamel wearing, tooth cracking or excessive tooth mobility. While the entire myOSA® appliance range will offer some protection against the damage caused by bruxing, the myOSA for Teeth Grinders™ is designed specifically for this purpose and provides a protective barrier between the teeth. Intended to wear with use, these appliances can be easily replaced to prevent damage to the dentition.

myOSA for TMJ™

The myOSA for TMJ™ range of myofunctional appliances has been designed with the purpose of assisting with immediate diagnosis and symptom relief right from the first patient consultation. Because TMJ Disorder involves the teeth, facial muscles and jaw joints interacting to produce a wide range of symptoms, the myOSA for TMJ™ range works by decompressing the TMJ and moving the mandible into Class I while treating mouth breathing, incorrect myofunctional habits and bruxing.

The myOSA for Teeth Grinders™ range also includes two appliances; the TG, which is specifically designed to work best for bruxers who do not show any symptoms of TMJ Disorder and the TGH, which is specifically designed for heavy tooth grinders who may also experience symptoms of TMJ Disorder.

myOSA for Kids™ and Juniors

Sleep Disordered Breathing in children has also been recognised as causing widespread health, developmental and behavioral problems, including difficulty concentrating at school. Additionally, as well as being detrimental to the development of the face, jaws and teeth, if left untreated, paediatric Sleep Disordered Breathing can lead to significant and serious health problems causing poor quality of life later in adulthood. Rather than allow airway dysfunction to persist into adulthood, the myOSA for Juniors™ (ages 2-6) and the myOSA for Kids™ (ages 6-12) corrects SDB by addressing the upper airway compromise and neuro-muscular dysfunction, which causes it.