Sleep apnea is a common condition characterized by pauses in breathing or shallow breathing during sleep and can potentially lead to all kinds of health issues. 

At VIP Smiles, we understand that your overall health and oral health are intimately connected. That’s why we’re proud to offer custom dental devices designed to keep your jaw properly aligned while you sleep, helping your airway stay open so you can breathe easier. 

If you’re struggling with sleep apnea, keep reading to learn about mandibular advancement devices, who’s a good candidate for them, and how VIP Smiles can help you get the restful, restorative sleep you need.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

First, let’s establish what exactly this condition is and why it happens. There are two main types: obstructive and central.

With obstructive sleep apnea, the soft tissue in the back of the throat collapses during sleep, blocking the airway. With central sleep apnea, the brain doesn’t automatically send signals to the body to breathe in and out. 

Symptoms include loud snoring, daytime fatigue, headaches, difficulty concentrating, a dry mouth or sore throat, and gasping for air during sleep. If these issues persist, there’s an increased risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and stroke.

What Is a Mandibular Advancement Device (MAD)?

As we mentioned before, obstructive sleep apnea is typically caused by the soft tissue in the back of the throat collapsing during sleep, blocking the airway. The position of the jaw and tongue can make the airway more likely to collapse, which is where a mandibular advancement device comes in. 

These custom-fitted oral appliances are designed to hold the lower jaw slightly forward, helping to keep the airway open during sleep. No more obtrusive than a retainer, mandibular advancement devices are a sleeker, more comfortable alternative to CPAP therapy. 

Because MADs are more comfortable and less invasive than CPAP machines, patients are more likely to use them as directed, leading to greater treatment effectiveness. They’re portable, making them great for individuals who travel often. Plus, they’re completely silent, unlike noisy CPAP machines that can keep partners and roommates awake. 

Who Is a Good Candidate for This Type of Treatment?

If you have mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea and want an alternative to CPAP therapy, a mandibular advancement device may be a good solution for you. Keep in mind that this treatment sometimes requires a prescription from a doctor, and you may need to be formally diagnosed through a sleep study.

Those who have significant bite problems may not be suitable for this type of treatment. The device may not be able to keep the jaw in the proper place, inhibiting treatment. Additionally, those with severe TMJ issues or who grind their teeth at night may wear down the device quickly, necessitating frequent replacements.

The Treatment Process

The process of treating sleep apnea through a mandibular advancement device typically looks like this:

1. Consultation and evaluation: At the initial consultation with the dentist, they’ll go over your health history and evaluate your jaw alignment and oral health to determine whether you’re a good candidate. They’ll discuss whether you need to undergo a sleep study or get a referral from a doctor before starting treatment. 
2. Custom impressions and fitting: Once you have the all-clear, the dentist will take digital or physical impressions of your mouth to ensure the device fits perfectly. You’ll typically have to come back a couple of weeks later once the device has been created for a final fitting. 
3. Adjustment period: A mandibular advancement device may take some time to get used to. Some patients may need minor adjustments as time goes on. It’s important to attend all follow-up visits with your dentist and/or doctor to monitor your treatment progress.
4. Ongoing care: Take good care of your device. Clean and maintain it according to your dentist’s instructions to ensure it lasts for years to come.

Find Relief from Sleep Apnea with VIP Smiles

Don’t let sleep apnea hold you back from living the happy, healthy, and energized life you deserve. If you or a loved one is struggling with sleep apnea or snoring, contact our office today to see if a custom dental device is right for you. With the help of our expert VIP Smiles team, we’ll get you back to breathing easier and sleeping better in no time. 

Recently, you may have seen your favorite celebrities and influencers sporting tooth gems, which are small crystals or jewelry that are bonded to the teeth. While there’s no doubt that this trend is a surefire way to make your smile sparkle, it may not be as harmless as it seems.

If you’re considering ways to achieve a more eye-catching smile, keep reading to learn more about tooth gems, their potential risks, the importance of professional application, and some alternatives to consider. 

What Are Tooth Gems and Why Are People Getting Them?

First, let’s go over what tooth gems are and why they’re appealing. They consist of small crystals, gold, or diamonds that are adhered to the teeth, typically with a semi-permanent adhesive. 

When you have a tooth gem professionally done, it’s a similar process to installing the brackets for braces. They can stay on for months or even years, depending on the type of adhesive used, the placement, and your habits. 

While the concept of adding jewelry to your teeth may seem strange to some people, others see it as a way to express themselves. Celebrity influence has a lot to do with its appeal, as well, making tooth gems seem like a glamorous way to improve your appearance. Plus, since they’re temporary, they’re perceived as a low-risk body modification, especially compared to piercings or tattoos. 

The Potential Risks of Tooth Gems

However, despite their impermanence, tooth gems come with some potential risks. Most dentists don’t recommend them due to the potential for damage. Even with professional application, this trend isn’t 100 percent safe. 

The potential risks of tooth gems include: 

• Enamel damage: There’s a chance your tooth enamel could erode or weaken, especially with improper application or removal. 
• Tooth decay: Depending on the gem’s size and placement, plaque and bacteria can build up around the gem. Plus, it can cause difficulties with brushing and flossing, making it harder to remove this buildup. 
• Gum irritation: Plaque and bacteria can cause gum irritation, contributing to gum disease. Plus, if gems are placed too close to the gumline, it can cause inflammation. 
• Choking hazard: If the gem dislodges, it can be swallowed or inhaled. A lot of the time, the gems are too small to harm your digestive system; however, accidental inhalation can be a serious emergency.
• Allergic reactions or sensitivities: You may be sensitive or allergic to the adhesives or materials used, especially if you opt for DIY or low-budget options.

Professional Application vs. DIY Kits

As long as you have your tooth gem properly applied by a dental professional and maintain good oral hygiene habits, the risks are relatively small. However, those risks increase exponentially when you do it yourself. 

One of the biggest risks is improper preparation. If you apply a gem to a tooth that hasn’t been properly cleaned and prepared, you could trap bacteria underneath, leading to tooth decay. Non-sterile tools can also lead to infection, 

There’s also no way to know for sure what materials these DIY kits contain. Either the gem or the adhesive could contain toxins that may put your health at risk. Plus, low-quality metals can tarnish or rust over time or even cause allergic reactions. 

Alternatives to Tooth Gems

If you want a way to improve your smile’s aesthetics, there are better ways to do it. At VIP Smiles, we offer a wide range of safe cosmetic dentistry options that can help you achieve that beautiful, eye-catching look you’ve always wanted. 

Professional whitening, veneers, and bonding are all excellent ways to address imperfections like discoloration, misshapenness, or minor damage. These options will refresh your smile — and your confidence — without the risks that come with tooth gems. Plus, the results often last much longer, making them a smarter investment. 

Expert Cosmetic Dentistry by VIP Smiles

At VIP Smiles, we understand that your smile isn’t just functional — it’s a key part of your appearance, allowing you to express your personality. If you have questions about tooth gems or other cosmetic dentistry procedures, don’t hesitate to reach out and speak with a member of our team. Our goal is to give you all the information you need to make informed decisions about your oral health. 

Contact us today to schedule an appointment and learn more about how we can help you achieve the bright, beautiful smile you’ve always dreamed of. 

Nobody is born with completely straight teeth. There’s nothing inherently wrong with not having a perfect Hollywood smile, but some people choose to fix their crooked teeth for cosmetic reasons, to improve their oral health, or to boost their confidence. 

While braces are a common solution, they’re not the only option for fixing crooked teeth. Some alternative treatments may be better suited to your smile depending on the severity and cause of the misalignment. 

If you’re considering ways to straighten your smile, keep reading to learn more about what causes crooked teeth, when braces may be the best choice, and other options you may not have considered.

What Causes Crooked Teeth?

First, let’s explore some root causes of crooked teeth. There are many possible reasons why your teeth didn’t grow perfectly straight, and the cause of the misalignment may affect your treatment options. 

Crooked teeth can be caused by:

• Genetics and family history
• Childhood habits like thumb sucking and prolonged pacifier use
• Jaw size and structure
• Tooth loss or crowding

It’s important to work with your dentist to determine the cause before choosing a treatment to ensure the best possible results. 

When Are Braces the Best Option?

While braces are not anyone’s first choice for fixing crooked teeth, they’re the most effective option for complex bite issues, severe crowding, and significant misalignment. Other options may fail to fully address these more complicated cases of crooked teeth. 

Alternatives to Braces for Crooked Teeth

Braces are a tried-and-true method for addressing crooked teeth, but they’re not the only option. Thanks to modern dental advancements, you may not have to be stuck with a mouth full of metal to achieve a straighter, more uniform smile.

Clear Aligners

Clear aligners like SureSmile are smooth plastic trays designed to gently guide your teeth into their proper place. Because they’re unobtrusive and customized to your unique smile, clear aligners are a more comfortable, streamlined alternative to braces. Plus, they’re nearly invisible when worn, allowing you to undergo orthodontic treatment discreetly. 

Aligners are ideal for mild to moderate alignment issues, but may not be able to handle more complex cases. Plus, they require strict patient compliance — if you forget to wear your aligners as directed, treatment will take much longer. 

Dental Veneers

Dental veneers are another option to cosmetically correct minor misalignments, such as slightly crooked or gapped teeth. These thin porcelain or composite shells are bonded to the front surface of the teeth, covering imperfections such as misshapen teeth, discoloration, or chips. 

However, they don’t fix actual alignment problems; they just make them less noticeable. If your crooked teeth are contributing to oral health problems like gum disease or tooth decay, veneers won’t do anything to address the issue. 

Dental Bonding

Dental bonding consists of a special tooth-colored resin material that’s applied to the tooth and sculpted to improve a smile’s appearance. It can fix small gaps, minor crookedness, or misshapenness; however, like veneers, it doesn’t actually move the teeth into their proper positions — it only disguises their misalignment.

Because it’s quick, affordable, and non-invasive, dental bonding is a great choice for minor cosmetic improvements like improving the appearance of crooked teeth. The resin is less durable than veneers, though, and may stain or chip over time, requiring occasional repairs.

How to Know Which Option Is Right for You

If you’re thinking about addressing your crooked teeth, it’s essential to consult with your dentist about the available options. Everyone’s smile is different, which means certain treatments may be more effective for you than others. 

At your consultation, your dentist will consider the following factors to ensure you choose the best results:

• The severity of your teeth’s misalignment
• Your oral health status
• Your cosmetic goals
• Your budget and insurance coverage
• Lifestyle considerations, such as your willingness or ability to wear your aligners as directed

Fix Your Crooked Teeth with VIP Smiles

While braces are often an effective way to achieve a straighter smile, they’re not the only solution. At VIP Smiles, we specialize in both orthodontic and cosmetic dentistry, giving you a wide range of options to choose from. Whether you’re dealing with severe crowding or minor  misalignment, we can guide you through a personalized treatment plan that ensures satisfactory results. 

If you’re ready to straighten your smile, contact VIP Smiles today to explore your options and learn more about how we can help you achieve your goals.