PATRICK TESSIER BSME , MBA
PATRICK TESSIER , BSME , MBA
The hook pushes against a bar in front of the anterior teeth . The shape of the bar transfers this point load to the posterior arch of molars . By doing so , the force can be shared by the largest root forms in the mouth .
• 15mm of Protrusion range
The dreamTAP achieves this by incorporating 3 hooks used in a 5mm advancement screw housing , for a total of 15mm . This feature allows the dentist to adjust the device to the optimal protrusion , regardless of the initial bite . The device never has to be returned to the lab to reset the hardware .
• 10mm of Lateral Excursion
Indicated for lateral bruxers , dreamTAP has the largest side to side excursion in the market . About 10mm in the anterior and nothing to prevent lateral excursions in the posterior . No fins , adjustment screws or bars . Many practitioners feel that this ability to move the mandible allows for a healthy TMJ . It ’ s dental yoga !
• Chromium Cobalt alloy ( Cr-Co )
Stainless steel hardware is the industry standard . The dream- TAP is the first device that uses custom Cr-Co alloy hardware . The same alloy used in dentistry for decades as NP PFMs or partial denture framework . They are metal injection molded , a costly process with very tight tolerances . No Nickel , No Beryllium , No steel or ferrous alloy . Completely bio-compatible and very strong . 100 % American made .
• Quick Release Bar vs Medicare Bar
The dreamTAP has two bars : A thick one ( 1.3mm dia .) and a thin one ( 0.8mm dia .). The Quick Release version uses the 0.8mm bar up front for the hook . This allows the patient to disengage the device , while in the mouth , by protruding about 1mm . The patient can insert or remove the device , one arch at a time .
The Medicare build places the thicker bar up front with a small reduction on one side of the appliance . This allows the patient to engage the hook , prior to placing the entire device in the mouth . The device will not disengage by accident per the Medicare E0486 rules .
I WILL BE SPEAKING AT THE NORTH AMERICAN DENTAL SLEEP MEDICINE SYMPOSIUM ABOUT THE FITTING AND USE OF CHAIRSIDE M . A . D .
PATRICK TESSIER BSME , MBA
Patrick is a Mechanical Engineer with an MBA . A dental labratory veteran and serial entrepreneur specializing in treatments for sleep disordered breathing .
He serves as the Director of Dental Business Development for Airway Management , the leader in OAT . He also founded SnoreMart . com , Modern Dental Laboratory USA and Northwest Laboratories . He can be reached at ptessier @ amisleep . com