At 615 Smile Design we help people who snore and those who have sleep apnea sleep better. Sleep apnea happens when the airway closes or becomes very narrow while you sleep. This can make you wake up many times during the night and make you feel tired during the day. Left untreated, sleep apnea can raise the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and other health problems. We work with each patient to find the right treatment for their needs.
What Is An Oral Appliance?
An oral appliance is a small, removable device you wear in your mouth at night. It gently holds your lower jaw forward so the tongue and soft tissues do not block the airway. For many people with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, or for those who cannot use a CPAP machine, an oral appliance is a good option. The leading sleep medicine organizations support the use of oral appliances for patients who prefer them or cannot tolerate other treatments.
What is the DreamTAP?
The DreamTAP is a custom, titratable mandibular advancement device. It is made to reduce snoring and help treat obstructive sleep apnea by holding the jaw forward while you sleep. The appliance uses a proven TAP-style adjustment system that lets your dentist move the lower jaw forward in small steps until breathing improves and symptoms lessen. See our DreamTAP brochure here.
Why some patients like the DreamTAP
The DreamTAP is designed for comfort and patient fit. It gives the tongue more space because the hardware is placed on the outside of the trays. The device uses soft liners that help it stay in place and can be adjusted by your dentist as needed. The design allows gradual, precise changes in jaw position, which helps patients find the setting that treats their breathing while staying comfortable.
Who can use an oral appliance?
Oral appliances are for adults who have mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea or for those with more severe apnea who cannot use CPAP. Your dentist will check your teeth and gums to make sure an appliance is safe and will fit well. Some devices require a minimum number of healthy teeth in each jaw to hold the appliance securely. The DreamTAP has specific fit requirements that your dentist will review with you.
What to expect at 615 Smile Design
First, we start with a sleep evaluation. We will review your health, sleep symptoms, and any sleep study results you have. If an oral appliance looks like a good option, we take impressions or digital scans of your teeth and work with a trusted lab to make your custom device.
When your DreamTAP is ready, we fit it and teach you how to put it in and take it out. The appliance is adjustable, so you will come back for gradual “titration” visits. During these visits we move the lower jaw a little at a time until your breathing and sleep improve. You may also be asked to go back to your sleep doctor for a follow-up sleep test to measure how well the appliance is working. Glidewell provides clinical instructions and support to help dentists fit and adjust the DreamTAP.
Follow-Up And Long-Term Care
Oral appliance therapy works best when patients have regular follow-up. We will check your bite, jaw comfort, and overall fit. Some people notice jaw soreness or tooth sensitivity at first; these usually ease as your muscles adapt. Over time your appliance may need adjustments or replacement. Regular dental visits and follow-up sleep care help keep treatment safe and effective. The dental sleep medicine community has clear standards for screening, fitting, and follow-up, and we follow those best practices at our office.
Schedule Your Appointment
If you or a loved one snores loudly, wakes gasping, or feels very tired during the day, call 615 Smile Design or visit our office in Nashville for a sleep evaluation. We can explain options, discuss whether the DreamTAP might work for you, and connect you with a sleep physician if a sleep study or medical follow-up is needed. Call us today or fill out our online appointment request form and a member of our team will reach out to schedule your sleep apnea consultation.