Steven Hernandez I’ve seen a few posts lately regarding the OptiSleep oral appliance and wanted to give a general overview of how to use the Sidexis software to segment the airway, import the necessary CEREC data, and ultimately order the OptiSleep device.
Once a CBCT volume is obtained, selected the TOOLS tab and then select SICAT SUITE.
Once on the SICAT AIR page, select the ANALYZE tab. Please note the blue, vertical arrows. The single arrow is used when you wish to segment one airway. If you wish to compare airways, perhaps after treatment with the OptiSleep, use the icon with two blue arrows.
In this screen, you need to identify the patient’s airway. I selected a spot on the hard palate and double-click to begin the segmentation and then drag my cursor to the bottom left, somewhere on the patient’s spine. Again, double-click to end the segmentation and form a box denoting the patient’s airway. The software will trace out what it believes to be the airway and highlight this in yellow. Just like when we merge CEREC & CBCT data, you will need to confirm that the segmentation is correct before proceeding. If you are satisfied with the tracing, hit OK.
The software will complete its calculations and you will now see a 3-D model of your patient’s airway, complete with coloring. The parameters for the colors themselves can be adjusted, but that is far beyond the scope of this post. IMPORTANT!! This software cannot diagnose obstructive sleep apnea. This representation is merely a conversation starter with your patient. Only a sleep physician can diagnose your patient with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
Moving forward…
Your patient has OSA and can be treated with an oral appliance. Consent forms are signed, finances secured, and the patient is ready to have an OptiSleep oral appliance fabricated.
Full mouth CEREC images are captured, as well as a bite registration obtained using a George Gauge.
The patient’s CBCT is opened, and the ORDER tab is selected. There is an icon that resembles teeth and that should be clicked to begin importing the CEREC images.
Again, similar to the workflow when importing CEREC data into the Galaxis software, you will BROWSE your computer and import the correct CEREC images.
Both arches will be imported. An order will be created and placed.
I hope this helps and please remember this is a generalized overview of the process. Remember, CEREC Doctors has a wonderful seminar on Airway Prosthodontics if you’re looking to go down this path.
