At Merrell Clinic we work closely with the dental and medical community through referrals and additional assessment/testing for the diagnosis and treatment of sleep disordered breathing. The term Sleep Disordered Breathing refers to Snoring, High Upper Airway Resistance and Sleep Apnea. We follow practice guidelines from the Canadian Thoracic Society, American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine and American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Only after a physician diagnosis, will we provide treatment. All options are considered for patients including dental appliances, CPAP, surgery and in some cases no treatment. The pros and cons will be explained because we want patients to make informed decisions.

 

Merrell Clinic assists in the diagnosis, treatment and long term management of snoring, unrefreshed sleep, sleep apnea, insomnia, sleep restriction and shift-work. The solution may be as simple as sleep hygiene education or a custom-made dental device. Offices are located in Calgary and Edmonton.

 

The clinics were founded by general dentist Dr. David Merrell. In 1995, he began helping sleep apnea patients. His work focuses on the use of dental appliances. The clinics will also arrange CPAP trials if indicated. In collaboration with a patient’s family physician, we strive to ensure each patient receives the treatment that is best suited to their individual needs. Often this can include testing and referral to various medical specialists such as Respirologists, Otolaryngologists, Allergists, Sleep Certified Physicians and Respiratory Therapists. In addition the services of hospital based or private sleep centers with in laboratory polysomnography testing are used.

 

Research has shown that there is never one appliance that works for everyone. Consequently Merrell Clinic offers several types of each category of oral device: 1

 

Mandibular Repositioning Devices – These appliances reposition your lower jaw forward and down slightly to keep your airway open while you sleep. Mandibular repositioning devices are the most widely used types of oral appliances. The device fits much like a sports mouth guard or orthodontic retainer.

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Tongue Retaining Devices - These types of appliances hold your tongue in place to keep your airway as open as possible.

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You must be custom fitted for an oral appliance in order for it to be effective. Over-the-counter devices are not recommended as a treatment option for snoring or sleep apnea. 2

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At Merrell Clinic, strict treatment guidelines set out by the Canadian Thoracic Society, the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine and the American Academy of Sleep Medicine are followed.

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Stop snoring and start sleeping today! Get started here.

 

Sources 

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1. Letter JCSM 2011 

2. Kushida Sleep 2005 

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Dr. Everett Postill is now our leading provider for the Edmonton Merrell Clinic practice at Avalon Dental and it is a privilege and an honour to continue to provide care to the Merrell Clinic patients.

For direct line call 780-465-0994.