Sleep Apnea
The most common form of sleep apnea is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), which is often caused by malformation of the jaws, throat, or mouth. Patients with OSA may have excessive soft tissue toward the back of the mouth, poorly formed jaws, crowded teeth, or a tongue that’s too large to comfortably rest in the mouth.
When the body relaxes during sleep, the soft tissues of the mouth and throat may relax too much, partially obstructing the airway in the process. This leads to interruptions in breathing, which can last anywhere from a couple of seconds to a full minute between breaths.
Symptoms and Side Effects
Common symptoms of sleep apnea include:
- Morning headaches
- Dry mouth upon waking up
- Difficulty concentrating
- Snoring at night
- Restlessness
- Daytime sleepiness
For some individuals, sleep apnea is inconvenient and unpleasant, but the disorder can be far more serious in terms of leading to other health issues. When left untreated, sleep apnea can contribute to heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, and overall poor sleep quality.
Treatment for Obstructive Sleep Apnea
A dental professional can closely evaluate a patient’s condition, determine the underlying cause and severity of the condition, and recommend the most effective treatment method.
Some patients utilize a CPAP machine during sleep, which provides a steady supply of oxygen to prevent breathing interruptions. Other patients use mouth guards to keep the jaws and tongue in a position that promotes optimal breathing during sleep.
Both can be effective, but neither are permanent solutions.
For individuals looking for a treatment option that produces permanent results, the Vivos System may be the best choice. This system utilizes oral devices that reshape the structure of the mouth to promote healthy breathing.
If you know or suspect you have OSA, reach out to Signature Dentistry Centennial. Our independent, family-owned practice serves the Centennial area, which includes Dove Valley, Parker, Denver Tech Center, Foxfield, Highlands Ranch, Aurora, Cottonwood, The Pinery, and Lone Tree.
Step 1
Evaluation of your facial structure, smile and lip line, gums, and teeth in planning a Smile Transformation that strikes an artist balance, to bring out your best features.
Before
Creation of a 3D Model of your new smile design based upon this evaluation and your expressed goals. Every aspect of your face, lips, gums, and teeth, go into the creation of your new Signature Smile. You now have an opportunity to see the 3D Model and see the final result BEFORE starting treatment.
Step 2
Creation of a 3D Model of your new smile design based upon this evaluation and your expressed goals. Every aspect of your face, lips, gums, and teeth, go into the creation of your new Signature Smile. You now have an opportunity to see the 3D Model and see the final result BEFORE starting treatment.
Your treatment begins. This is when your smile is transformed. At this appointment, any old restorations and decay are removed, and the underlying teeth made healthy and rebuilt. Care is taken by our doctors to save as much of the healthy teeth as possible. Impressions are made of the new structure, and beautiful temporary teeth are artistically sculpted by the doctor, so when you walk out of our office after the first visit you have a new smile!
Step 3
Your treatment begins. This is when your smile is transformed. At this appointment, any old restorations and decay are removed, and the underlying teeth made healthy and rebuilt. Care is taken by our doctors to save as much of the healthy teeth as possible. Impressions are made of the new structure, and beautiful temporary teeth are artistically sculpted by the doctor, so when you walk out of our office after the first visit you have a new smile!
While you try out your new smile for the next few weeks, our Master Ceramist will artistically design and create your new smile. The skill and artistry of the technician is a critical step in creating a beautiful smile with veneers. Our technician MJ is truly one of the best in the entire world, know for creating flawless, natural smiles.
Before
After
Step 4
While you try out your new smile for the next few weeks, our Master Ceramist will artistically design and create your new smile. The skill and artistry of the technician is a critical step in creating a beautiful smile with veneers. Our technician MJ is truly one of the best in the entire world, know for creating flawless, natural smiles.
Before
After
Completion of your full mouth reconstruction. When you return for your treatment appointment we bond the final restorations in place. Our doctors take time at this appointment to get the fine details of your smile looking perfect- completely natural, befitting of your smile line, face, and enhancing your overall appearance. Smile Transformations, if maintained properly, should look and feel great for up to 15 years after placement.
Before
After
Step 5
Completion of your full mouth reconstruction. When you return for your treatment appointment we bond the final restorations in place. Our doctors take time at this appointment to get the fine details of your smile looking perfect- completely natural, befitting of your smile line, face, and enhancing your overall appearance. Smile Transformations, if maintained properly, should look and feel great for up to 15 years after placement.