What is Vivos Therapeutics for sleep apnea?
Vivos is a modality that uses orthodontics to treat sleep apnea. Vivos uses nonsurgical, noninvasive, and cost-effective oral appliance technology to treat dentofacial abnormalities, sleep apnea, and snoring.
How does Vivos treat sleep apnea?
Using Vivos, we create more space in the mouth so that you have an easier time breathing when sleeping. For instance, if you have a very narrow mouth or small jaws and no space for your tongue, then space needs to be created so that the tongue doesn’t block your airway while you’re in different positions when sleeping.
With Vivos, we create appliances that can increase both your transverse width (widening your jaws) and we can also move your jaws in an anterior/posterior direction. If we’re able to move your upper jaws forward 5 millimeters, then your lower jaw will follow, and in doing so, the tongue follows, and the airway opens.
Using Vivos treats the problem and may lessen or even eliminate the need for a CPAP machine.
How long does a Vivos treatment take?
Generally, Vivos appliance therapy takes around two years. Depending on the patient, sometimes a second phase is needed. Once the airway is opened in phase 1, it may be necessary to bring the teeth into proper alignment so that everything remains in its right place. Creating a nice balance between the teeth and bite also creates enough space for the tongue.
A CPAP machine must be used for the rest of your life, but if we fix the root issue with Vivos and orthodontics, then a machine is not necessary to live a normal, healthy life.
For improved results, Dr. Frank may suggest combining Vivos treatment with Myofunctional Therapy.
Our Services
