Using its state of the art 3D printing and scanning facilities, Ashford Orthodontics will work with ResMed’s Lyon based production facility to supply 3D scans of patients’ mouths, which will enable the company to manufacture its innovative 3D printed Narval CC TM appliances for the treatment of sleep apnea and snoring. People suffering from sleep apnea, of which snoring is a common symptom, can frequently stop breathing during sleep and the condition puts immense strain on major functions of the body.
The most common treatment for sleep apnea is CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) provided by ResMed in the form of a face mask and small machine, which uses positive air pressure to maintain an open airway to regulate their breathing, but the Narval CC TM appliance is a small, custom made device that fits comfortably in the patients mouth, which holds the jaw in a forward position, keeping the airways open and preventing the cessation of breathing during sleep. The Narval appliance is ideal for people who do not want or cannot tolerate CPAP but can also be tried first before CPAP if desired. This approach could potentially save the NHS millions of pounds, as many patients needing CPAP are being diagnosed younger and also living longer, so the financial benefits can’t be ignored.
Ashford Orthodontics is also providing quality control services to ensure that the new appliances fit patients correctly before being dispatched to the clinicians.
Ashford Orthodontics director Sean Thompson commented, “This is a fantastic opportunity for Ashford Orthodontics, as well as for Sunderland, as it is another commendation from an industry leader that we have the skills and professionalism to embark on this project in the UK. Our investment in 3D technology has opened a lot of doors for us and we have created ten jobs over the last 12 months – we aim to do the same again this year.”
Ashford Orthodontics, which manufactures bespoke orthodontic appliances, has seen continuous growth over the last 15 years, and has an extensive client base both nationally and internationally with clinicians in The Netherlands, Belgium, Australia and New Zealand now using Ashford Orthodontics’ digital capabilities to place orders for the company’s leading orthodontic appliances.
Ross Phillips, commercial director from ResMed commented: “We are delighted to be working with Ashford Orthodontics to bring this innovative technological advanced dental sleep solution to the UK. Ashford has an excellent reputation within the profession, and they are now backed up by a large body of research and science, and we are delighted that the team will be partnering with us.”
ResMed supplies sleep medicine treatments on a global basis, employing more than 4,000 people and having a presence in over 100 countries. The company has been pioneering new and innovative devices and treatments for sleep disordered breathing, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and other chronic diseases for more than 25 years. ResMed's products and innovative solutions are designed to improve the quality of life for patients, reduce the impact of chronic disease, and save healthcare costs.
For more information visit the website at www.ashfordorthodontics.co.uk