The Thornton Adjustable Positioner® (TAP®) is a educational model for teaching display. Shows a simple, patient-friendly treatment solution for snoring and sleep apnea. The TAP holds the lower jaw in a forward position so that it does not fall open during the night and cause the airway to collapse. It maintains a clear airway to reduce snoring and improve breathing.
The unique design allows the patient to fine-tune his/her treatment at home and work with the clinician to achieve the best results. Patients are empowered to manage the degree of lower jaw protrusion over as many nights as it takes to achieve the optimal treatment position. The TAP has a single point of central adjustment, which prevents uneven bilateral adjustment that can create an irregular bite and discomfort.
The TAP has over a 95% success rate. It is the key to a snore-free, restful night of sleep. The TAP also treats sleep apnea without the need for surgery, a mask, or medication. The TAP is recognized as the market leader in oral appliances for snoring and sleep apnea and is currently prescribed by over 7,000 dentists worldwide to treat snoring and sleep apnea. In addition, it is the most researched oral appliances on the market with over 30 independent peer reviewed published studies. A simple dental examination is necessary to know if the patient will be able to use an oral appliance.
Snoring can seriously affect quality of life - both for the person who snores and for their sleep mate. Snoring often leads to sleeping in separate bedrooms and can cause problems in relationships. Studies have shown that the bed partners of people who snore don't get the sleep they need.
Breathing through a narrow airway or windpipe produces vibrations that cause the loud sound of snoring. Snoring happens at night when the muscles relax and have difficulty keeping the airway open. A shift in jaw position changes the shape of the airway. The soft tissue in the throat can collapse and the tongue can fall back into the throat. The result is a small opening to breathe through, a narrow airway. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the airway completely collapses and blocks airflow into the lungs. The more difficult to breathe, the tighter the airway seals. The breathing stops because the airway is closed. Without enough oxygen, the brain has to wake up the patient enough to start breathing again. The patient may or may not be aware that they have stopped breathing. A sleep mate will often hear the patient gasp or choke when they are able to breathe again. People with mild sleep apnea may stop breathing only a few times an hour. People with severe sleep apnea can stop breathing as many as 80 times an hour.

Comfortable, custom fit Durable construction
Easy to use Adjustable while in the mouth
Patient can adjust at home and achieve maximum treatment results night to night Smaller and less bulky than other oral appliances

Convenient for travel No masks or straps involved

Orthodontic Retainer educational model features excellent demonstration and teaching tool for Orthodontic Dental Schools and Students who desired to learn, practice Orthodontic Techniques in Dental School, at home, on the go. This techniques a mast foundation of future professional orthodontic practice.