A dual-laminate snore reduction appliance: a report of four cases

This article describes a snore reduction appliance that can be constructed to advance and hold the mandible in a comfortable prognathic position. The tongue is advanced concomitantly, producing more space in the pharynx while changing the relative positions of the soft palate, posterior tongue, and pharyngeal walls to reduce the incidence of snoring and ameliorate sleep apnea. A dual-laminate appliance, soft inside and hard outside, is vacuformfitted to casts of the maxillary and mandibular teeth and luted in a protrusive relation with cold pressure-cured acrylic. The appliance maintains the mandible and tongue in a protrusive position to open the upper airway, reducing snoring and facilitating breathing. Edentulous patients would require implant-retained appliances for appropriate retention and stability.