The Relationship between Sleep Apnea and Dental Health

The health of your smile has an impact on your total body wellness. Medical issues that are present in the body can take a toll on teeth and soft tissue, while severe dental health problems can affect disease diagnosis and blood pressure. This relationship is especially apparent regarding sleep apnea and dentistry.

If you’re wondering how dentistry plays into treatment for sleep apnea, consider the following about your oral health and physical wellbeing:

Teeth Grinding

Soft tissue collapse at the back of the throat causes obstructive sleep apnea, which closes airways and brings patients out of deep sleep several times throughout the night. When this happens, it’s common for many patients to begin grinding their teeth in an attempt to change jaw position and potentially open airways.

While teeth grinding is common and may not seem like a serious dental problem, flattened dental enamel affects patients’ ability to chew. Teeth that have been compromised after a lifetime of grinding will need to be restored or even replaced entirely if damage is significant.

Jaw Alignment

The position of your jaw is important for your comfort and wellbeing. Patients with an overbite, underbite, or cross bite place uneven stress on different parts of their smiles, often requiring orthodontic intervention. But jaw alignment is also important for your ability to breathe easily while you sleep. Patients whose jaw arches are not ideally positioned commonly experience the soft tissue collapse that causes sleep apnea. A severe overbite can increase patients’ risk for sleep breathing issues, as the bottom jaw arch is more likely to move back toward the throat while relaxed.

Dental Solutions to Sleep Apnea

There are many ways Dr. Gurman can alleviate sleep apnea symptoms; they can recommend restorations to change the height of worn-down teeth, thereby creating better bite alignment. In severe cases, and when a specialist diagnoses your case of sleep apnea, Dr. Gurman can provide oral appliances. These devices are made to hold the jaw in proper position, preventing blockages that cause disrupted nighttime breathing.

At Alpine Dental Center, Dr. Gurman and his team provide customized dental treatment for sleep apnea patients. If you have questions about how we can help you breathe easier and enjoy better dental health, contact our office today!



 

What Are the Benefits of Dental Implants?

Replacing lost or extracted teeth is important to your overall well-being and oral health. Dental implants are a complete solution to missing teeth that supports proper jaw function and prevents deterioration of bone. Patients wearing dentures for a long period of time or those who will soon undergo tooth removal can achieve a completely natural-looking smile with this comprehensive procedure.

Some of the life-long benefits dental implants can provide include:

Restoring Natural Appearance - Dental implants are the close in feel and function to your natural teeth. They are made of titanium, a metal with the unique ability to fuse to bone. After several months, the replacement tooth root becomes permanent and feels completely natural.

Rebuilding Jaw Structure - Dental Implants promote a healthy environment for your smile by fusing to the structure of your jaw and stabilizing bone for durable, long-lasting results. No other tooth replacement method can offer this advantage.

Improved Way of Life – Implant-supported prosthetic allow your smile to function normally, resulting in increased comfort and confidence while smiling, eating, and speaking. These implant-supported teeth improve eliminate the need for adhesives or clasps commonly used to hold traditional dentures and partials in place. 

Convenience – Implant prosthetics require brushing and flossing daily, but you do not have to remove them for cleaning, depending on the attachment and prosthetics you choose. With good at-home care that is similar to cleaning your natural teeth, along with routine dental visits, your smile remains healthy and beautiful.

Regular professional cleanings and check-ups are the best way to ensure that your dental implants will last as they are designed to, for a lifetime.

Are Dental Implants Right For Me?

Nearly anyone in good health a viable candidate for implants. Individuals that were born with congenitally missing teeth or have lost teeth due to injury, decay, periodontal disease, or infection can benefit from this comprehensive treatment. Dental implants are an ideal solution for patients who do not want to wear removable dentures.

Contact Dr. Gurman for Customized Dental Implant Treatment

Alpine Dental Center offers dental implant care for those looking to improve the function, appearance, and overall health of their smiles. Dr. Gurman is your experienced dental professional who provides the care you need for comfortable teeth replacement.  

Benefits of Invisalign® Clear Braces

Invisalign trays are popular and innovative alternatives to conventional braces. For many adults and seniors, traditional metal braces are not their desired choice to correct dental misalignment. Invisalign however, is designed to be completely transparent and comfortable. These aligner trays are made of smooth, BPA-free clear plastic and are worn over teeth to gently straighten the smile. Although traditional braces achieve results in severe situations, they consist of metal components making them less discreet and less convenient.  

If you’re interested in cosmetic braces, consider the following advantages of this alternative to bracket-and-write orthodontics:

Correcting Orthodontic Conditions Conveniently 

The freedom to continue everyday routine without changes to your lifestyle makes Invisalign clear braces popular. Patients do not have to make adjustments to their nutrition or daily hygiene since these clear braces are removable before eating or brushing teeth. Care for the aligners is convenient and only requires rinsing before placing them back in the smile.

Individuals who tend to be more self-conscious or who want to maintain a pleasing appearance may choose Invisalign for straightening teeth. These practically invisible aligners make them an ideal solution to help patients feel confident in any situation.

A Clear Course of Treatment

Invisalign is a customized process where virtually invisible trays are fabricated based on each patient’s digital bite impressions. Patients are carefully instructed on the proper wear and care of their trays. These aligners should be worn no less than 22 hours a day and should only be removed when eating, brushing, or flossing. A follow-up visit is scheduled every two months for patients to receive their next set of trays.

Taking the Steps towards Straighter Teeth

As we age, our dental needs may advance, making multiple procedures necessary to achieve desired results. Invisalign braces can be included in extended cosmetic treatment plans to completely improve health and aesthetics, such as teeth whitening, teeth replacement, and restorations with crowns and veneers. Invisalign clear braces reposition teeth into an ideal position to support the results of other aesthetic and functional improvements.

For a personalized consultation on Invisalign clear braces, call Alpine Dental Center today. Dr. Gurman determines if you can benefit this innovative treatment and attain the ideal smile you’re looking for.