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THE CPAP PRO®The original lab made CPAP PRO uses a custom maxillary splint to hold a nasal mask made of Lite-touch Silicone Nasal Pillows directly under the nose. These Micro-porous foam diffusers seal the dual exhalation ports to eliminate forced air arousal and skin irritation. Another benefit of this design is that it eliminates the need for straps to hold the mask in place. This prevents any pressure marks on the face, something female patients particularly appreciate. When paired with a custom advancement appliance like the Adjustable Dorsal or Adjustable Herbst Appliance, it may be possible to lower the forced air pressures and/or minimize the advancement needed to be effective. This combination therapy adds an unparalleled new dimension…

Do you have a patient who has recently lost one of their posterior teeth? A molar? A bicuspid? Whatever the reason may be that caused the lost of the tooth, they may not be able to afford replacing it right away. They may also feel it is not necessary to replace it since the gap isn’t noticeable to anyone.  As you know they are wrong!

It is imperative we tell them the risk factors in not replacing it. As you know leaving a space in a patient’s mouth can change their bite and lead to a host of other problems. Here is a list of just a few of the most common side effects. Malocclusion, poor chewing, clenching, grinding, and jaw pain are…

It is fair to say patients who have crowded teeth and small or narrow arches will also have a greater chance of having an airway issue. This is the case because patients who have these problems have less intraoral volume for the tongue and a diminished nasal airway. Although these patients may benefit from a standard sleep appliance alone, it has become clear that combination therapy that also addresses their orthodontic needs may be a better approach.

THE ALIGNER SLEEP APPLIANCE (ASA)™The ASA is an appliance that can be worn to manage a patient’s apnea while they are undergoing aligner therapy to correct their malocclusion. To be successful at providing this combined approach it is necessary to coordinate the treatment plans between the…

Dental Sleep Medicine: The Advanced Course 8 CE Credits

Most of us think about mouth guards in relation to high impact sports, like football, wrestling, boxing, and basketball. In these instances, mouth guards can protect teeth from the impact of a stray elbow or knee. For many Americans, however, the greatest risk of tooth destruction comes from grinding, also known as bruxism.

Though some people grind their teeth out of habit during times of stress, anxiety, or boredom, most bruxism sufferers have no idea of their affliction. That’s because they tend to grind their teeth in their sleep. Over time, teeth grinding can wear away the enamel on teeth and cause chronic headaches and jaw pain.

One very simple solution to decreasing teeth trauma and alleviating the symptoms of bruxism is for a person to simply use a mouth guard. Just as it protects teeth in contact sports, a custom-fitted mouth guard can also protect teeth from grinding to decrease trauma. If you suspect that you grind your teeth at night, talk to your dentist…

If your patients chose clear braces to correct malocclusions, these decisions indicate that they care about limiting the visibility of dental work. Many teens do not like the idea of smiling with a “mouth full of metal.” This is especially true for adults who work in a professional environment. However, after the braces come off, patients still need to wear a retainer to maintain their progress. Patients who are sensitive to highly visible dental work may prefer the Zendura Invisible Retainer.

As its name suggests, the Zendura Invisible Retainer is made from a clear polymer that achieves a high level of translucence. Patients will appreciate that this retainer is not easy to see and is also simple to remove. These…

As a dentist, you can play a primary role in improving your patients overall health. According to the American Sleep Apnea Association, as many as 40 million Americans could have sleep apnea – and up to 80% of those with the condition are undiagnosed. Chances are at least some of your patients are suffering from sleep apnea and may not even be aware of it.

Developing a screening program for your patients is the best way to identify those who might be suffering from sleep apnea.  A good start is to ask a few simple questions.  For example, ask your patients if they feel tired when they get up in the morning, have trouble focusing, and/or struggle to remain alert and energetic throughout…

Molars are some of the trickiest and most problematic teeth in the mouth. Often, they don’t erupt just right, and as a dentist or orthodontist, you have to act to prevent poor molar eruption from negatively affecting the rest of your patient’s teeth.

At SML Global, we offer three unique Wilson orthodontic appliances that can assist you in molar tip, torque, and rotation. The appliances are:

All three appliances can help with multi-purpose maxillary arch development, but they can also be used for managing poorly positioned molars as well. To find out which Wilson appliance is the best option for your patient, call SML (Space Maintainers Laboratories. Our…