Tongue Retaining Device (TRD)...
The TRD is lab constructed of a flexible polyvinyl material adapted to the general contours of the teeth and dental arches. It does not depend on teeth for retention. Rather, the tongue is held forward by the negative pressure created in the vacuum bulb on the front of the appliance.
The appliance is available in four tongue extensions and with or without air way tubes for patients with compromised airway patency. It is constructed in conjunction with the Kel Gauge (described in another section of this program.)
Since the mandible is not rigidly or firmly held by the appliance, freedom of movement is possible during use. This would seem to make the TRD a good choice for the edentulous patient, the patient with periodontal disease and the patient with temporomandibular joint dysfunction.
There is ample research available documenting the effectiveness for treatment of snoring and OSA in certain patients.
NOTE: Mandibular repositioners have been successfully used in edentulous patients over dentures in certain cases where the dentures have had adequate retention. Mandibular repositioners have also been successfully used in patients with compromised periodontal status or TMJ function. In these cases, however, the clinician needs to be especially careful in design and follow up.
FDA Approval: Approved for both snoring and OSA
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