FDA clears MicroDental’s MicrO2, the first CAD/CAM-milled sleep apnea device

MicroDental Laboratories announced that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cleared the company’s MicrO₂ obstructive sleep apnea device. The first CAD/CAM-milled obstructive sleep apnea device, the MicrO₂ offers dentists a new and innovative option for treating the growing number of patients diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

“Dentists are the front line for screening and managing patients with obstructive sleep apnea,” noted Kim Bradshaw, CEO and President of MicroDental Laboratories. “Many of our partner dentists asked for a small, precise, and easy-to-use obstructive sleep apnea device. The MicrO₂ device has been designed, from the very beginning, with these goals in mind.”

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“I believe the MicrO₂ will revolutionize dental sleep medicine,” stated Dr. Bill Dickerson, DDS, FAACD, LVIM. “I can honestly say that I don’t think there is a better appliance out there. With its [lingual-free] design, airway constriction preventing fins, and unobtrusive size, this device is a winner.”

Featuring a patent-pending design and a precision-milling production process, the MicrO₂ is able to utilize a PMMA material that is cured under controlled conditions. These aspects allow the MicrO₂ to be small yet strong, precise, and predictable. The MicrO₂ also features a unique approach to titration that is intended to make the device easier to use for the dentist and the patient.

“The MicrO₂ does not require patients to manage any mechanical adjustments, such as turning screws or changing positions with elastics. Instead, the MicrO₂ comes with one pair of upper and lower arches set to the prescription and a second pair set in any amount of advancement increments. Advancements are easily achieved by simply removing the current upper or lower arch device and inserting the next advancement device in the MicrO₂ series,” commented Laura Sheppard, Senior Director of Compliance and Regulatory Affairs for MicroDental.

Obstructive sleep apnea is one of the fastest developing frontiers in dentistry. A report by the Institute of Medicine estimates that 50 to 70 million Americans suffer from chronic sleep disorders. More than 18 million Americans have obstructive sleep apnea, which has been linked with snoring, memory loss, headaches, depression, and an increased risk of stroke, heart problems, and motor vehicle accidents.

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“MicroDental Laboratories has a legacy of partnering with dentists who are committed to enhancing the lives of their patients,” noted Len Liptak, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for MicroDental. “With our FDA-registered MicrO₂ device, we look forward to partnering with these dentists as they manage the growing number of patients who are diagnosed with this serious condition.”

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