A unique initiative called Laila Ragua has developed a dental device designed to address snoring and obstructive sleep apnea without surgery. The dental device, made from a delicate metal framework of chrome-cobalt medical-grade acrylic, is worn on the upper and lower jaw only during sleep. The framework is produced using a 3D printer. The device prevents the lower jaw from collapsing, thus keeping the airway open throughout the night.
Yossi Sapoznik, a dental technician with over 40 years of experience, specialized in understanding the structure of teeth and jaws and identified the lack of knowledge in treating snoring and sleep apnea.
Sleep apnea syndrome occurs in many adults when the base of the tongue, the walls of the palate, and the pharynx collapse backward towards the respiratory system, creating a blockage that prevents air from reaching the lungs. During this time, the body stops breathing for a few seconds, oxygen levels drop, and the body struggles significantly to supply the respiratory system with the air it needs.
This phenomenon can recur multiple times throughout the night and sometimes pose a life-threatening risk. "People are unaware of this problem and may have a heart attack," warns Yossi Sapoznik. According to him, there is no solution to sleep apnea that prevents the jaw from collapsing, blocking the airway, and causing snoring or breath cessation. For 15 years, he developed a dental device that allows individuals to sleep with it from the first night without any issues.
The device prevents the lower jaw from collapsing, thereby keeping the airway open throughout the night. The device is fitted during a visit to a dentist participating in the initiative. There, patients undergo diagnosis and customization, determining the minimal advancement each jaw needs. The impact of the device is demonstrated, and an assessment is conducted with the dental team to ensure the individual's teeth can withstand the load. Of course, sleep study results are also considered when preparing the device.