4 Options For Making Your Smile Beautiful

Teeth are designed to work together to help with chewing, speaking and smiling.  When teeth are missing, it is difficult to do these things.  Even the loss of a single tooth may cause adjacent teeth to shift and cause spacing between other teeth.  Fortunately, missing teeth can be replaced. If you are struggling with your smile, don’t wait for treatment, contact Dr. Lee and her team today and enjoy a beautiful smile tomorrow.

Here are a few treatment options the dentist may suggest, depending on your needs.

1.     Implants can help to replace missing teeth. While this process may seem extensive, depending on how many teeth you have missing, it can provide you with the smile you deserve.

2.     Fixed Bridges can help to increase your smile back to its full function. If you are impacted by missing teeth it may be difficult to consume some of your favorite foods. A bridge is a device that is placed in the mouth and attached to the teeth on both sides of the missing teeth. It is important to take care of your bridge once it is placed in order to keep your smile looking healthy.

3.     Removable Partial Dentures, are another possible option depending on what you and Dr. Lee decide is best for you. Removable partial dentures may be just the option you are looking for.

For more information on creating a beautiful and healthy smile, contact Dr. Anna Lee and her team today.

A Breathing Device for Sleep Apnea: Continuous Positive Airflow Pressure (CPAP)

Continuous Positive Airflow Pressure (CPAP) is the most common treatment for moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea.  A CPAP device is a mask-like machine that covers the nose and mouth, providing a constant stream of air that keeps the breathing passages open while sleeping.

CPAP technology is constantly being updated and improved, and the new CPAP devices are lighter, quieter, and more comfortable.  Here are some of the tips for choosing the right CPAP machine for you:

·       Make sure the CPAP device fits correctly-Straps should not be too tight or too loose and the mask should seal completely over the nose and mouth.

·       Ease into it-Start by using the CPAP device for short periods during the day. It is normal to need several months to get used to sleeping with the CPAP device.

·       Upgrade the CPAP device with customized options-Customize the mask, tubing and straps, to find the right fit.

·       Use a humidifier to decrease dryness and skin irritation.

·       Try a saline nasal spray for nasal congestion.

·       Keep the mask, tubing and headgear clean.

·       Mask the sound of the CPAP machine-Place it beneath the bed to reduce the noise. 

·       Use an oral appliance in conjunction with the CPAP can assist in opening the airway.

“Some patients still may not be able to tolerate a mask over the nose and mouth while they are sleeping,” says Dr. Lee. “If you are someone who still struggles, contact us. There may be an option that will work for you.”

*CPAP treatment may cause side effects: dry or stuffy nose, irritated skin on the face, dry mouth, and headaches. If the CPAP device is not adjusted properly, patients may get stomach bloating and discomfort while wearing the mask.

Treatment Options for Sleep Apnea

 Sleep apnea is a treatable medical condition. There are self-help strategies and lifestyle modifications that can reduce sleep apnea.

1.     Bedtime tips for preventing/reducing sleep apnea symptoms

·       Sleep on the side-Some patients snore or have sleep apnea when sleeping on their back.  Patients can eliminate or reduce airway blockage simply by learning to sleep on their side.

·       Prop the head up-Elevate the head of the bed by 4 to 6 inches, or elevate the body from the waist up by using a foam wedge or use a special cervical pillow.

·       Open the nasal passages-Try to keep the nasal passages open at night using a nasal dilator, saline spray, breathing strips or a neti pot.

2.     Alternative remedies for preventing/reducing sleep apnea symptoms

·       Singing can increase muscle control in the throat and soft palate, reducing snoring and sleep apnea caused by lax muscles.

·       Throat and tongue exercises may reduce the severity of sleep apnea symptoms by strengthening the muscles in the airway, making them less likely to close.

For more information on your options for sleep apnea, contact Dr. Anna Lee and her team today.

Self-Help Treatments for Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea can impact you if you are tall, short, male, female, thin or overweight. No matter who you are, sleep apnea can greatly impact your life. But there are ways that you can naturally treat your sleep apnea. Here are 6 choices you can make that will help improve your life.

Lifestyle changes

·       Lose weight-People who are overweight have extra tissue in the back of their throat, which can cover the airway and block the flow of air into the lungs while they sleep.  A small amount of weight loss can open up the throat and improve sleep apnea symptoms.

·       Quit smoking-Smoking is believed to contribute to sleep apnea by increasing inflammation and fluid retention in the throat and upper airway.

·       Avoid alcohol, sleeping pills, sedatives-They relax the muscles in the throat and interfere with breathing, especially before bedtime.

·       Avoid caffeine and heavy meals within two hours of going to bed.

·       Exercise regularly helps to reduce sleep apnea symptoms and improves the quality of sleep.

·       Maintain a regular sleep hour helps to reduce sleep apnea symptoms.

            For more information on how to naturally treat sleep apnea contact Dr. Lee and her team today.       

Surgery

Is surgery an option for your sleep apnea? Dr. Anna Lee gives some suggestions of things you should consider before surgery.

It is an option after other treatments have failed. The goal of the surgery for sleep apnea is to enlarge the airway through the nose or throat that may be causing the snoring or blocking the upper airway passages.  Surgical options may include:

·       tissue removal from the rear of the mouth and top of the throat, removal of tonsils & adenoids

·       jaw repositioning

·       implants

·       creating a new air passageway (tracheostomy)

For more information on sleep apnea options before surgery contact Dr. Lee & her team today!