Sleep apnea is a potentially life-threatening sleep disorder characterized by repeated pauses in breathing during sleep. Individual cases vary, but pauses in breathing may last anywhere from several seconds to minutes and may happen as often as thirty or more times per hour. This continued disruption of breathing causes an imbalance between carbon dioxide and oxygen levels in the bloodstream. Simply put; not enough carbon dioxide is exiting and not enough oxygen is entering the body.

People suffering with sleep apnea partially awaken in their effort breathe, often resulting in loud snoring or a choking sensation. But at San Bruno, CA Sleep Apnea Dentistry we often see patients where the condition remained undiagnosed because people with sleep apnea don’t always awaken completely during the episodes.

There are two main types of sleep apnea:

 

Central sleep apnea occurs when the brain fails to send important signals to the breathing muscles

Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the body is trying to breathe, but air flow through the nose or mouth is obstructed. This is the more prevalent form of sleep apnea and is treatable by a qualified dentist.

 
The fact that someone suffering from sleep apnea  stops breathing several times per hour can quickly turn into a deadly situation. If sleep apnea is suspected it is very important to seek medical attention. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the soft tissue lying at the back of the patient’s throat collapses into the airway. The tongue then falls towards the back of the throat which tightens the blockage and prevents oxygen from entering the lungs.
 
Our San Bruno, California Sleep Cure Apnea Treatment dentist will conduct tests to diagnose the problem and determine the proper treatment. Depending on the diagnosis, we can offer various treatment options, and the choice depends on the exact diagnosis and the health of the patient. The dentist will determine the patient’s lifestyle and may advise the patient to curtail habits that aggravate sleep apnea such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and tranquilizer use.

Traditionally, sleeping masks were used to ensure that a patient’s airways were open while they slept. Fortunately, modern treatments provide less intrusive options. The use of dental devices to promote forward movement of the lower jaw is very effective as they prevent the tongue from blocking the main air passage.  The devices provided are gentle and easy to wear. In a best-case scenario they help patients avoid unwanted surgeries.

If you suspect you’re suffering from sleep apnea, contact your dental professional immediately. A dentist with training in treating sleep apnea can make a determination as to the best course of action for your situation.

Patients who come to San Bruno, CA Invisible Braces Dentistry often have concerns about their need for orthodontic work and the impact that traditional metal braces will have on their smile.  It can be very discouraging, especially for adults, to consider the prospect of wearing unattractive metal braces for long periods of time. Invisalign® offers an almost invisible aligning system that straightens teeth fast without any metal.

What kind of bite problems can Invisalign® correct?
Invisalign® can correct the same dental alignment issues as traditional metal braces. However, Invisalign® trays are almost invisible to the naked eye, and can be removed as needed.

Some of the problems that can be corrected with Invisalign are:

Overcrowding – Overcrowding occurs when there is too little space for the teeth to align normally in the mouth, causing tooth decay and increasing the likelihood of gum disease.
Large gaps between teeth – This can sometimes occur because teeth are missing or because the jaw continues to grow abnormally.
Crossbite – This is a common dental problem that occurs when one or multiple upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth, leading to bone erosion and gum disease.
Overbite – Another common problem, overbite occurs when the upper teeth project further than the lower teeth, creating the potential for jaw pain and TMJ.
Underbite – The opposite of the overbite with lower teeth projecting further than the upper teeth.  Eventually, jaw pain and TMJ can occur.

What does Invisalign® treatment involve?
Our San Bruno, California Invisible Braces Dentist begins developing a treatment plan by taking three-dimensional digital images of the entire jaw.  These images allow the dentist to move specific teeth on the screen and view the jaw from different angles. This technology actually allows you to see how Invisalign® trays will change your appearance. Once planning is complete, a customized set of aligners is created.

Do I have to wear Invisalign® all the time?
Invisalign® trays should be worn constantly, except when eating and drinking.  Removing the trays is important because food or drink can become trapped between the tray and the teeth, causing tooth decay.

New trays are usually introduced every two weeks and progress between appointments can be seen with the naked eye.  Renowned for being both comfortable and effective, Invisalign® aligning trays have revolutionized orthodontics. Contact our office for more information or to schedule an appointment.