Sleep Medicine in Wayne

Sleep has a powerful effect on our lives. If we don't sleep well, it can have a ripple effect that affects everything we do. Two conditions that damage sleep quality are obstructive sleep apnea and TMJ (temporomandibular joint) syndrome. For example, sleep apnea can cause damage to the organs of body, including the brain, heart, liver, and kidneys, due to low oxygen levels. 

Fortunately, Fine Dental Care can help you reduce the effects of sleep problems. We can prescribe and custom-fit oral appliances that hold the jaws properly for restful sleep.

• Improves Sleep Quality
• Reduces Tooth Damage
• Reduces Daytime Pain and Discomfort
• Allows Normal Jaw Function
• Prevents Health Complications

Snoring is a common problem and can affect men and women of all ages. Snoring is caused by a narrowing or blocking of the airway. The disruption of airflow causes the soft palate and tissues of the throat to vibrate. The narrower the airway becomes, the louder the snoring.

Snoring may appear to be a minor inconvenience, but it is actually something we take seriously in our office. Snoring can lead to dementia and stroke due to vibration that can cause plaque in the arteries to loosen and flow into your brain via the bloodstream. 

Some common causes of snoring include:

• Inflammation of the tissues in the mouth nose or throat (including tonsils)
• Blocked nasal passages (often caused by a cold or allergies)
• Lack of muscle tone (due to aging or poor fitness levels)
• Obesity causing the airway to narrow due to fat
• Medicines that cause relaxation

Obstructive Sleep Apnea Treatment using Invisalign

Obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA, is becoming more common. It causes overnight stops and starts in a patient's breathing, affecting oxygen supply and contributing to heart disease and diabetes.

In special cases, orthodontic misalignment can contribute to obstructive sleep apnea. Suppose the bite is severely crowded or too narrow. In that case, the tongue does not have sufficient room to rest in the right place at night. It might fall backward and disrupt the airway.

In this situation, oral appliances like Invisalign and Vivos can help to reposition the teeth and improve dental bite to improve sleep apnea symptoms.

New Technology for Improving Sleep Apnea

Dr. Fine explores new technologies to help improve sleep apnea symptoms. ExciteOSA is a tongue stimulation device worn during the daytime that improves tongue strength to prevent it from obstructing the airway. Circul+ and other devices can help monitor the patient’s vitals. The BONGO and iNAP devices also provide good alternatives to traditional CPAP and oral appliance therapy.

TMJ

TMJ (temporomandibular joint syndrome) is a painful condition that can affect your quality of life by disturbing your sleep and causing discomfort when chewing, talking, and eating. TMJ can also damage your teeth through constant grinding or bruxism.