When to Visit a Sleep Apnea Dentist for an Oral Appliance

If you think you have sleep apnea, it may be time for you to visit a sleep apnea dentist for an oral appliance treatment. When you do not have enough adequate sleep, you may feel fatigued, weak, and agitated. The lack of sleep can also lead to a weaker immune system. We can help you to combat all of these negative aspects of sleep apnea at our Chicago office.

When should I visit a sleep apnea dentist?

People that go to bed every night at a reasonable hour, yet still wake up feeling exhausted, may have sleep apnea. When an individual has sleep apnea, different factors like jaw placement or extra throat tissue work together to block the airway. This blockage of the airway causes snoring and persistent waking, even when the individual does not realize it.
Sleep apnea is frustrating, but it is also dangerous to overall health. When someone has sleep apnea, he or she is more at risk for stroke, heart disease, high blood pressure, low blood oxygen levels, and obesity among many other negative diseases and disorders. Sleep apnea can even lead to an early death. People who think they may be experiencing some side effects of sleep apnea, need to visit a sleep apnea dentist to get fitted for an oral appliance that will help.

What is oral appliance therapy from a sleep apnea dentist?

The most commonly used treatment for sleep apnea is oral appliance therapy. These appliances are also commonly referred to as sleep apnea mouthpieces. The oral appliance looks like a mouthguard or retainer but fits more comfortably. The oral appliance works to help realign the jaw and teeth. It can also help hold the tongue in place, so it does not fall toward the back of the throat, creating an airway obstruction. As needed, our oral appliances can also keep soft tissues in the back of the throat from falling out of place during sleep. This treatment is far more convenient than wearing a loud and bulky CPAP machine.
The oral appliance therapy at our sleep apnea dentist office can reduce and eliminate the side effects of sleep apnea. It can also help to alleviate any discomfort associated with TMJ disorders. The mandibular advancement device oral appliance is mainly used to move the jaw forward as the individual sleeps. The tongue re-training device is another less commonly used option since it is a splint used to hold the tongue in place. These are the two most common types of oral appliances used in sleep apnea treatment. They both work to keep tissues and jaw position from obstructing the intake of oxygen.
Once you receive your oral appliance, and we ensure it fits properly at our sleep apnea dentist office, you will immediately notice a difference in how you feel when you wake up. Receiving enough oxygen at night allows you to sleep without waking and to wake up refreshed. It also leads to a healthier lifestyle overall. Visit Mitchell Dental Spa today to learn more about the benefits of wearing an oral appliance.

What You Should Know About the Different Types of Dentures

Dentures, a common apparatus used as a replacement for missing teeth or any associated loss of functionality, come in different types selected based on the needs of an individual. You may require a complete or partial set of dentures or another replacement such as an implant or a bridge. As all of the options listed above have different associated costs, functions, and appearances, it is important to know which type of denture is appropriate for your needs before making a decision.

Options for replacing missing teeth

The costs associated with each type of tooth replacement vary on location and the specific type of denture one requires. Complete dentures replace an entire set of teeth, whether that be the entire lower jaw, upper jaw, or entire mouth. Partial dentures are best for replacing a few missing teeth and will not be the same as a full denture replacement. Also, partial dentures may be more affordable than a bridge. A dental bridge is one false tooth, or as many as three false teeth, that we anchor to neighboring natural teeth.
Lastly, a more permanent solution is an implant - a prosthetic tooth that we attach to the jaw with a metal anchor and place in the jaw bone. Higher quality dentures will cost more than lower quality ones and a complete set may cost anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000. However, dentures are still more affordable than dental implants or bridges.

Finding the right functionality

In addition to the cost of the replacement, it is important to consider the function of each type of denture. The ease of speaking, eating, and the comfort and fit of each type of denture may vary. Custom complete dentures may require some practice eating and speak as one becomes accustomed to the denture. It is important to start slowly with soft foods and increase in difficulty with time. Patients may find that speaking is also difficult at first, but with practice, this should become easier. The comfort of dentures will also increase over time.
It is important to visit us early and often when wearing new dentures so that they can be realigned to increase comfort. Additionally, it may be necessary to wear dentures overnight to identify which areas of the mouth are most irritated. Properly cleaning dentures is another important aspect of functionality, but remains the same for both partial and complete dentures. When not worn, they should be kept in a container of water or denture cleaner. Further, they should be cleaned daily with a soft toothbrush.
One of the major advantages of complete or partial dentures is their appearance. Dentures can often be visibly indistinguishable from natural teeth. As the majority of our patients are concerned with the appearance of tooth loss, restored confidence is often a large benefit of either partial or complete denture as they spare people from this situation. If this is you, make sure that you properly research different types of dentures before making a decision about which type would be best. We can help you with this decision process.

Signs That You Should Get a Dental Implant

We can provide you with a dental implant to restore your missing tooth. Dental implants are an excellent solution for tooth loss and a more modern option than dentures. While you can still use dentures, and they are a dependable solution, there are many inconveniences with wearing a removable prosthetic. These inconveniences lead many of our patients to search for a better and more convenient solution to tooth loss: dental implants.

Reasons you should consider a dental implant if…

1) You want a natural-looking smile
To make the crown (tooth portion of the implant), we first make an impression of the mouth, take measurements, and use a shade card so that the dental lab has all the information they need to create a natural-looking tooth that blends in with surrounding teeth. This level of precision is necessary for ensuring that the patient has a tooth replacement that looks so natural that it is not distinguishable from the other teeth. In fact, implants look so natural that it is difficult for our patients to tell the difference.
2) You are looking for a durable solution
A dental implant is the most durable way to replace a missing tooth. It is the only solution that replaces both the missing root and the tooth. In this procedure, we implant a titanium post under the gums and secure it to the jawbone. Over time, the metal and bone will fuse together through the process of osseointegration. The process of osseointegration is completely unique to implants and it causes the jawbone to provide the same level of support that it can to a natural tooth.
The implant provides the stimulation the jawbone needs just like a tooth does. Overall, this is a symbiotic relationship that is extremely beneficial for the body. As a result, the patient can engage in high impact activities (like running a marathon) and eat all of his or her favorite foods without restriction or express concern that the tooth may become loose or fall out.
3) You want a hassle-free smile
When one wears dentures, there are steps that patients must take on a daily basis. The patient may have to remove the dentures in order to clean with a gentle toothbrush and special paste, while also soaking them overnight. This has given dental prosthetics a bad reputation as being inconvenient. None of this is necessary, however, when the patient has to replace teeth with dental implants. An implant functions just like the natural tooth would.
All one needs to do is brush his or her teeth throughout the day and floss daily for the smile to remain healthy. There are no additional steps necessary, so the patient can quite literally go about the day without worrying about his or her teeth. The only thing we will advise is wearing a mouthguard if one plays sports because an implant can be knocked out just like a natural tooth can.
To learn more about getting a dental implant, call us at (312) 948-8807 and schedule a consultation.

Teeth Straightening Solutions for an Improved Smile

If you are seriously considering a teeth straightening procedure, then you need to know all of the different options that are available for you to achieve this process. When you visit our orthodontics office in Chicago, you are taking the first step toward a perfectly straight and beautiful smile. However, you may find that there are more options and choices to choose from than you expected. As such, it is important for you to come in for an initial consultation where we can go over the amount of straightening you need, what your goals are, and then explain all the different options that you have for completing the process.
At this initial consultation, we are also going to be addressing a realistic timeline and expectations. One of the things that patients need to remember upon visiting us for teeth straightening. No matter which treatment option the patient chooses, it takes years for teeth to grow in incorrectly. Thus, it is going to take some time for proper alignment.
Fortunately, we have some of the best options available and can provide patients with a comprehensive service in order to make sure the teeth straightening goes according to plan. Keeping that in mind, here are two of the more common options that we use for teeth straightening.

Common teeth straightening options

Traditional Metal Braces

Traditional braces are the tried-and-true method for straightening teeth. The technology continues to improve, making traditional braces significantly smaller than the ones from 20 years ago. Traditional metal braces work by using metal brackets and wires. We secure the metal bracket in place and we then thread a thin metal wire through the back of the bracket using rubber bands.
These rubber bands slowly tighten the braces, ensuring that the patient's teeth move along a specific path in order to accomplish the straightening process in a specific amount of time. There are pros with having traditional braces for teeth straightening, including the fact that they are cost-effective.

Ceramic Braces

For patients who have a more discreet bend, there are ceramic braces. Ceramic braces are difficult for other to notice since they camouflage into the natural teeth. The way that we accomplish this camouflage is by placing ceramic brackets that match the shade of the patient's teeth. We also use ceramic to create fake teeth, so the braces are going to blend perfectly.
In addition, the wires also consist of a tooth-colored material that helps with the blending process. We do not recommend that patients use ceramic braces for children because of ceramic braces stain very easily. Patients cannot clean the stains unless they are willing to replace the entire ceramic piece. For adults who are interested in teeth straightening, ceramic braces may be a perfect option.
Call our dental office at (312) 948-8807 for more information.
We can explain your options in further detail during a consultation.

Problems Solved by Orthodontics for Children

If your child does not like his or her smile, visit our Chicago dental office for orthodontics for children. We enjoy working with children and helping shape their smiles into something truly beautiful. Children can usually begin with early orthodontic treatments as young as 6 or 7 years of age. By the time they are older, they may be a good candidate for traditional braces and be able to straighten their teeth. We encourage you to bring your child in, regardless of what age the child is, so we can make recommendations and monitor the growth and development of their teeth.

4 Problems Solved by orthodontics for children

#1.Hyperdontia
If a child is born with one or more additional teeth than necessary, then the child struggles with hyperdontia. This condition is actually fairly common, with most cases only involving one additional tooth. Typically, the tooth requires removal during the orthodontic treatment.
#2.Overcrowding
A leading cause of crooked teeth, overcrowding is an issue when the palate is simply not large enough to hold all the teeth in a correct position. When this happens, the teeth are forced to turn sideways and grow in crooked. Genetics play a role in this, as do accidents, with teeth subsequently moving out of position. In any case, we can work to expand the palate using a palate expander or to create space between teeth by using metal spacers. Once there is enough room for their teeth, they can begin to be straightened using braces.
#3.Crooked teeth
If children have crooked teeth, this can negatively impact their appearance and put them at risk for additional health problems. Food can become trapped between crooked teeth, creating additional opportunities for cavities and infections — something children do not need any extra help with. By straightening their teeth, we can give the child a better smile and work to improve their oral health at the same time.
#4.Overbites, underbites, and crossbites
Jaw problems are incredibly common. An overbite, underbite, or crossbite can create oral health problems because it can put strain and pressure on your teeth, causing them to wear out too quickly or suffer from basic erosion. This is in addition to the negative impact a misaligned jaw can have on one's appearance. The good news is that we can correct it.

Why You Should Visit our Chicago dentist office for orthodontics for children

We are friendly and we love kids. That is step #1. As a parent, this is something you will want to take into consideration because having a child excited about and involved in their treatment is an excellent way to get started. We work with children on their level, explaining the process, helping them to understand what to expect, and showing them the valuable contribution they can make to the treatment process. Most kids will rise to the occasion and make the effort when given the chance. We view this as a team effort between the three of us, and working together, we can give them a beautiful smile in no time.

Do You Want BOTOX®? Visit a Dentist in Chicago

If there are aspects of your appearance that you wish to enhance, we can help as a dentist in Chicago. While most people do not think of visiting the dentist for BOTOX®, we offer this process as a stand-alone solution and as part of a full smile makeover. We understand that regardless of how much we improve a smile, an individual may still want to deal with the wrinkles on his or her face. Patients can have both their teeth and the skin around the smile improved at the same time. We make it so convenient to do both, you will wonder why you did not schedule the procedure sooner.

Teeth Whitening and BOTOX®

Our Chicago dental office often schedules an appointment for our patients to receive a teeth whitening treatment and BOTOX® during the same visit. Both solutions are fast, have a quick recovery time and can make a significant difference in one's appearance. Upon visiting our office for a teeth whitening, we will quickly examine the teeth to ensure that the patient does not have any oral health problems or damage that we need to address. If so, we will resolve those issues before proceeding. Otherwise, we can place the whitening solution onto the teeth and use it to remove the deep stains and discoloration. Our solution is significantly stronger than what an individual can buy in the store, and the results are dramatic. Since white teeth are a sign of youth and vitality, this procedure will turn back the clock and help patients look years younger. This is why BOTOX® is such a natural fit for this procedure. After we whiten the teeth, we can use BOTOX® to remove the fine lines and wrinkles on the patient's face.

Smile Makeovers and BOTOX®

If a patient wants a full smile makeover and is looking to close gaps between his or her teeth, make them whiter, change their shape or size, or even replace missing ones, we can help. Our comprehensive cosmetic services include dental bonding, dental veneers, dental crowns, dental bridges, dental implants, and more. To complete the process, we recommend using BOTOX®. This treatment is a simple step that can serve as the finishing touch to help you appear much younger and more refreshed. As a benefit, we can perform the procedure here, so you do not need to visit a second provider to complete your new look.

How BOTOX® Works

When you visit our dental office in Chicago, we can inject BOTOX® into your face, in between your eyebrows, around your mouth and more. It works by making it difficult for the muscles underneath your skin to contract and make wrinkles in the first place. By relaxing your muscles, your appearance will look youthful and beautiful.

The Many Benefits of Laser Dentistry

In our dental office, we use laser dentistry to improve the quality of care that we are able to provide our patients.  We are passionate about oral health and about identifying ways to make our patients' experience better. Understanding that many adults suffer from dental anxiety, we are replacing traditional dental equipment with lasers.

How lasers will enhance your experience

The main reason that people are afraid of visiting the dentist is because of the noise, heat, vibration and smell that originates from the dental drill. While effective, the dental drill has created generations of anxious patients and if you are in this group, there is no need to fear the dentist office anymore.
We use lasers to replace the drill since they are quiet and eliminate both the heat and vibration that you would have felt in the past. Many of our patients are so pleased with how much better they feel, that they do not request sedation or pain relief during their treatment.

How lasers are improving dentistry
As a dentist, we enjoy using lasers because the laser energy is so fine that it allows us to target very specific and small areas without irritating any of the surrounding gum tissue. This is particularly helpful when treating a condition like gum disease. Gums can become inflamed and swollen when plaque and tartar become trapped on the teeth, underneath the gums. Typically, the best way to remove it is by using metal dental tools to break up the tartar and scrape it off.

While necessary, this can certainly be uncomfortable. Laser dentistry has revolutionized how we complete this procedure. We can use the laser to break up the tartar and plaque without needing to insert anything under your gums. You will have very little if any, irritation during or after the procedure while still gaining the benefits of a deep cleaning.

Laser dentistry also works for treating hard tissue. For example, we can use lasers to treat tooth decay without causing you discomfort. This is an improved method when compared to using a dental drill because we can target only the decayed portion of the tooth and the vibration and pressure that is felt with traditional dental tools does not apply when using a laser.

If we need to complete more invasive procedures like placing dental implants or removing a tooth, we can use lasers to help stop the bleeding. In fact, lasers can stimulate the healing process so that your gum tissue is less swollen or irritated. By using dental lasers throughout the procedure, you will require less gauze once complete and, in general, you will feel like yourself much faster.

Laser Dentistry in Chicago

For anyone that is fearful of visiting the dentist, laser dentistry can change all of that. We recommend that you call our office and schedule an appointment so that you can experience how much better dentistry can be for you and your family.
Live in Chicago, IL and have questions about laser dentistry? Give us a call at (312) 948-8807.

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