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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…