It has been a while since my last post, and there have been some major developments in the practice during that time. This article is meant to bring you up to date; and, then, I plan to write blogs on a more regular schedule to explain in detail exactly how these improvements will help our patients.

I am also putting the finishing touches on a “Cosmetic Checklist” to assist patients in determining if they are candidates for cosmetic procedures, and specifically what issues need to be addressed. This checklist should prove very informative for patients, and allow them to become more involved in the process of developing an appropriate treatment plan for themselves. This checklist should be ready in a week or two, and, at that time, I’ll provide an overview of it on this blog as well as details of how to obtain a copy.

First, Tracy Ivie of NJSavvy Living Magazine interviewed me for the Annual Health and Beauty issue. In the article entitled “The Teeth Have It”, current trends in cosmetic dentistry ranging from whitening to implants to complete smile makeovers were explored. In the article, one of our cases was featured to demonstrate the dramatic results which can be attained using up-to-date techniques and technology. I was quoted on a variety of subjects including the importance of establishing underlying dental health before any cosmetic procedure is initiated. As you may imagine, this experience was very gratifying on a professional level. I believe that this issue of the magazine is currently on your newsstands…

Second, our team has taken advanced training in snoring and sleep apnea. This subject has proved fascinating for us, as we have always been concerned with the airway issues of our patients, especially the young ones. Patients often ask why we ask about snoring or allergies or sore throats. Such questions are meant to uncover any airway issues which may have a detrimental effect on their bites. Mouth breathing, large tonsils, large tongues, high or deep palates, improper baby bottle or pacifier shape or usage are some potential causes of malocclusion (bad bites) as well as snoring and sleep apnea. We now have a new understanding of how integrally related are the airway and the mouth and the bite. More importantly, we learned that most people with nighttime breathing issues are unaware of their problem. And, some of these patients have a potentially life-threatening condition. Many others have been diagnosed with sleep apnea and have been treated for their illness with a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine which forces air through their nose while sleeping to maintain an open airway. Unfortunately, roughly ninety percent of such patients stop using this device after the first year for a variety of reasons which places them at risk. Fortunately for these patients, alternative dental devices have been developed which help relieve snoring and sleep apnea by repositioning the jaw to reduce or eliminate closed airways. There are a variety of such appliances which are chosen based upon each patient’s individual circumstances.

Finally, we have a fantastic new technology in our office called the K-7 Evaluation System. This device measures and records jaw function and muscle activity through the computer, and provides critical diagnostic information to assist in our neuromuscular restorative dentistry. In addition, using joint sonography, the K-7 provides data about vibrations occurring in the temporomandibular (jaw) joint to evaluate the status of the joint and its cartilage disk function. Using multiple sensors, jaw movement can be tracked and analyzed. And, with a series of electrodes, we can observe jaw muscle activity and truly determine when the muscles are tensed and when they are at rest. This information is invaluable in treating TMJ problems as well as in determining the best position at which to restore a bite. This technology is totally comfortable for the patient and provides a series of on-screen displays which are easily understandable and amazing to witness.

So, now we are up to date with what is going on in the office. Thank you for your patience. I look forward to delving more into snoring and sleep apnea as well as the K-7 in upcoming blogs. If you have any questions pertaining to these or other dental concerns, please do not hesitate to call us @ 908.359.6655 or through our website at www.DesignsForDentalHealth.com.

NOTE: Originally posted April 17th, 2009