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For the majority of us, going to the dentist means enduring some scraping, deep cleaning, flossing, and the occasional X-ray. Once in a while, we might have a cavity filled or a crown placed. Most of the general public doesn’t realize that dentists can do so much more!

Many might never think to ask their dentist for help with TMJ or jaw pain, sleep apnea, or their child’s thumb-sucking habit. The truth is, dentists can help in all of these situations by fitting the patient with specialized appliances. Dentists can also use appliances to maintain space between teeth, close space, or correct tooth movement.

Dentists don’t just clean teeth. Every dentist is a specialist. Make sure your patients know that…

Early recognition and treatment of orthodontic and orthopedic issues is critical to the prevention of abnormal conditions and/or dental problems, which – if minimized or ignored – can persist (often disastrously, always expensively) into adulthood.

Consider the profound, continuing need for interceptive pediatric care – especially in light of all we are discovering regarding the nature and treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea. The message is clear: EVERYBODY benefits from it – often in potentially BIG ways.

Now compare the cost of early interceptive care to that of extensive orthodontics, surgeries, crowns and veneers, sleep therapy, and potentially psychiatric or…

Pediatric space management is often the key to the prevention of potential disastrous abnormal conditions and/or dental problems which could persist into adulthood.

Once thought to be the sole responsibility of medical GP’s, the incidence of Obstructive Sleep Apnea is increasing significantly…and there is compelling evidence that many adult airway issues begin in childhood.

Many kids today that are diagnosed with ADHD (and prescribed medication accordingly) may suffer from an underdeveloped maxilla, a posterior placed mandible, and an airway problem which effects their oxygen saturation level.

Even something as simple as interceptive therapy to maintain space can positively affect the…

Is it always the best option to recommend permanent restorations and bridges to older patients? Many dentists and cosmetic dentists would tend to answer “yes,” but today’s practitioner needs to carefully consider the best interests of the patient.

Not every elderly patient will do well with the lengthy and sometimes grueling appointments required to perform permanent restoration. This is especially true if the patient is already suffering from health-related issues and might not be highly compliant. In these cases, a dentist may want to consider the application of much simpler interim appliances, which can preserve both aesthetics and function.

Also worthy of consideration is the…

Mandibular Repositioners (aka MAD’s, i.e. Mandibular Advancement Devices) are available in a variety of designs based on the needs and adaptability of the individual patient.  Appropriate planning and monitoring is important to assure success and avoid negative outcomes.  Numerous studies discuss the effectiveness of MAD’s in that they increase the airway diameter with soft tissue displacement by controlled and measurable mandibular protrusion.  The tongue is therefore affected either directly or indirectly by forward movement of the mandible which aids in preventing airway collapse. 

Studies show that MAD’s reduce the AHI (apnea-hypopnea index – the number of apnea and hypopnea events per hour of sleep.  Additionally, they improve…