Virtually planned oral appliance treatment for obstructive sleep apnea

Oral appliances are well known as a treatment option for patients who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea. They are, however, frequently inconvenient and time-consuming to produce. Now, with SICAT AIR, there is a very simple solution for the analysis and, with OPTISLEEP, an oral appliance that is comfortable for the patient.

Complete digital workflow

SICAT Air is the first 3D solution that enables the analysis of the upper airway in the 3D volume and visualizes the workflow of appliance-based treatment completely digitally. Using this software, dentists can very quickly and easily order oral appliances that reduce or alleviate snoring and mild to medium obstructive sleep apnea.

SICAT Air software shows the airway segmented in a 3D view, displays all airway parameters and visualizes constrictions. In consultations with the patients, the practitioner can clearly demonstrate why the suggested treatment is necessary. First experiences show that SICAT Air is ideal for discussing treatment options with patients.

Comparing the airways enables the direct comparison of the airway situation in a normal condition and with the lower jaw protruded. This way, it becomes clear whether oral appliance treatment can bring the desired success. A bite fork, for example, the George Gauge, measures the maximum protrusion of the lower jaw, and based on this, a treatment position can be determined. Then, the attending physician creates a 3D X-ray image in protruded position. The subsequent optical impression with the CEREC Omnicam enables the completely digital order of the oral appliance.

OPTISLEEP – optimal comfort and high stability

OPTISLEEP is a two-part appliance that, thanks to its slim design, offers a high level of comfort and therefore a high level of compliance. The sturdy material and the connector design are especially stable. The patient can close his or her mouth completely and can breathe normally. The exchangeable connectors are available in 10 sizes and therefore guarantee optimal positioning. OPTISLEEP includes all of the teeth to ensure an optimum fit. The virtual planning of the oral appliance also takes the mandibular joints into account.

ABOUT SICAT

SICAT is an innovative company which was established in 2004 as a joint venture between HICAT GmbH – a spin-off of the caesar research center – and Sirona Dental Systems GmbH. Active in three-dimensional imaging with a selection of products and solutions for dental implantology, functional diagnostics and therapy as well as oral and maxillofacial surgery, SICAT concentrates on the development of user-friendly and cost-efficient software and hardware.

ABOUT DENTSPLY SIRONA

Dentsply Sirona is the world’s largest manufacturer of professional dental products and technologies, with a 130-year history of innovation and service to the dental industry and patients worldwide. Dentsply Sirona develops, manufactures, and markets a comprehensive solutions offering including dental and oral health products as well as other consumable medical devices under a strong portfolio of world class brands. As The Dental Solutions Company, Dentsply Sirona’s products provide innovative, high-quality and effective solutions to advance patient care and deliver better, safer and faster dentistry. Dentsply Sirona’s global headquarters is located in York, Pennsylvania, and the international headquarters is based in Salzburg, Austria. The company’s shares are listed in the United States on NASDAQ under the symbol XRAY.