Could 3D Printing Be the Answer to Sleep Apnea and Snoring?

Could you imagine the creation of an easy-to-use and convenient treatment for snoring and sleep apnea in our lifetime? While this might seem like a pipe dream, this might actually be a reality thanks to 3D printing. Leading dental solution provider Glidewell has announced a fully digital, 3D printed sleep appliance, named Silent Nite® 3D Sleep Appliance and available by prescription, which could be used for patients who suffer from snoring and mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea is a common but serious condition where a person’s breathing stops and restarts while sleeping, thus potentially preventing sufferers from getting enough oxygen and leading to problems with the brain, heart, kidney and metabolic health conditions. And current estimates from the National Council of Aging show that obstructive sleep apnea affects approximately 39 million adults in the US and 936 million adults around the world. Snoring is even more prevalent.

The Silent Nite 3D Sleep Appliance

What’s worse? Treatment is often cumbersome. The most common is a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine that is used to keep the airways open while you sleep. But it is noisy and can be hard to travel with. For Glidwell, this mandibular advancement device, meaning it holds the lower jaw and tongue forward to make more space to breathe and prevent snoring, is the solution.