13
Feb
Improving Sleep and Health with Dental Sleep Therapy in Milford, Massachusetts
At Advanced Cosmetic & Prosthetic Dentistry in Milford, Massachusetts, we understand that quality sleep is essential for overall health and well-being. Many patients who struggle with fatigue, snoring, or other sleep disturbances may have sleep apnea, a condition that can be effectively managed through dental interventions. Our team specializes in dental sleep therapy, including custom oral appliances and permanent changes to the oral structure, such as expansion, to support better breathing at night, reduce snoring, and improve overall wellness. Understanding the signs of sleep apnea and how dental solutions can help is key to achieving healthier, more restorative sleep.
How do I know if I have sleep apnea and should see a dentist for evaluation?
Sleep apnea often goes undiagnosed because its symptoms can be subtle. Signs that indicate you may need a dental evaluation include loud snoring, frequent waking during the night, morning headaches, and excessive daytime fatigue. A dentist trained in sleep medicine can review your medical history, examine your oral structures, and recommend appropriate tests or referrals to determine whether a dental sleep appliance may benefit you. We also provide Type III sleep study in our office through a ring that pairs with your phone via Bluetooth. The data gets sent to a licensed sleep physician for interpretation.
What are the most common signs that indicate sleep apnea in adults?
Common indicators include snoring, pauses in breathing during sleep, restless sleep, difficulty concentrating, irritability, and chronic fatigue. Patients may also notice dry mouth or sore throats upon waking. Recognizing these symptoms early can help prevent long-term complications such as high blood pressure, heart problems, and metabolic issues.
Are there dental signs, such as teeth grinding or jaw alignment issues, linked to sleep apnea?
Yes. Dentists often identify indicators of sleep apnea during routine exams. Signs like bruxism (teeth grinding), misaligned bites, and worn tooth surfaces can suggest that airway obstruction is affecting nighttime breathing. Early detection through dental evaluation allows for interventions that protect both your oral health and overall wellness.
How effective are custom oral appliances prescribed by dentists for treating sleep apnea?
Custom oral appliances are highly effective for many patients, particularly those with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. These devices work by gently repositioning the jaw and tongue to keep the airway open during sleep. Clinical studies have shown that oral appliances can significantly reduce snoring, improve oxygen levels, and enhance overall sleep quality.
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How does an oral appliance compare to CPAP for mild to moderate sleep apnea?
While CPAP machines remain the gold standard for severe sleep apnea, oral appliances are often a more comfortable, convenient option for patients with mild to moderate cases. Many patients prefer the ease of use and portability of oral appliances, and they can be an effective alternative for those who struggle with CPAP compliance.
How often should oral appliances be adjusted or replaced for optimal results?
Regular follow-up is essential. Oral appliances should be checked and adjusted periodically to ensure proper fit and effectiveness. Most devices last several years but may require replacement sooner if they become worn or if changes in dental structure occur. Routine maintenance ensures both comfort and continued improvement in sleep quality.
Discover how dental sleep therapy in Milford, Massachusetts, can help you breathe easier and sleep better. Schedule a consultation at Advanced Cosmetic & Prosthetic Dentistry to explore personalized solutions that improve your airway, protect your oral health, and enhance your overall wellness. To learn more about dental sleep therapy and schedule your evaluation, call (508) 850-0686 today.
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Alan Ko, DMD
Alan Ko, DMD, studied Biology at Washington University in St. Louis (BA Magna Cum Laude), Dentistry at the University of Pennsylvania (DMD Magna Cum Laude, Dean’s Scholarship recipient, Louis I. Grossman Award in Endodontics, and Academy of General Dentistry Award Recipient), did his residency at Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH)/Harvard Medical School (General Practice Residency and Clinical Instructor Massachusetts General Hospital), was a guest lecturer at Harvard School of Dental Medicine, and Massachusetts General Hospital (General Practice Residency). Dr. Ko’s clinical focuses are craniofacial development in children, sleep/airway dentistry, TMD and occlusion, regenerative oral surgery, and reconstructive restorative/prosthetic dentistry, including Invisalign and dental implants. He is a member of the American Dental Association and Massachusetts Dental Society and has been named as Boston’s Top Dentists since 2012.
Brittany Bressler, DMD
Brittany Bressler, DMD, attended the University of New Hampshire-Durham (magna cum laude, studying psychology and pre-dental studies). Then, she attended Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in Boston, MA (Doctorate in Dental Medicine). At Tufts, she was the Vice President of the local chapter of the American Association of Women Dentists. Dr. Bressler has been named one of Boston Magazine’s Top Dentists for the last four years.
Saeed Kashefi, DMD, FAGD
Saeed Kashefi, DMD, FAGD, attended Harvard University (Bachelor of Liberal Arts in Literature and Creative Writing, cum laude), the Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine (doctorate, cum laude: He also won the JR Schmidt Fixed Prosthodontics Award), and the BWH/ Harvard-Wide General Practice Residency Program in Hospital Dentistry (residency and fellowship). He stayed on the BWH staff before taking over as clinician attending at the Massachusetts General Hospital, where he served for 16 years. Dr. Kashefi was also the Clinical Instructor at Harvard Medical School and Harvard School of Dental Medicine during this time. He is a Fellow of the American Association of Hospital Dentists and Academy of General Dentistry.
Cristina Hantavis MS, CCC-SLP
Cristina Hantavis MS, CCC-SLP, is a licensed and certified Speech and Language Pathologist with extensive training in orofacial myology. She believes that oral health is deeply connected to our general health and takes a holistic approach that targets the whole body by working with the muscles of the face and mouth. Cristina previously worked in private and elementary school settings with children experiencing moderate to severe cognitive, linguistic, and behavioral challenges. She uses this experience to help children facing such issues in her current role.
David Goodman, DMD (retired)
David Goodman, DMD (retired), joined our practice in 1984. Our office was founded in 1975 by Dr. Carl DiGregorio, and since partnering with him, Dr. Goodman has been devoted to delivering exceptional dental care to Milford families. Although he retired in 2021, our practice still carries his philosophy of treating patients as whole people beyond just their teeth.