Sleep apnea, or obstructive sleep apnea, is a dangerous and often frightening disorder, where the tongue obstructs the back of the throat and prevents air from entering the lungs during sleep. This condition results in a very low blood oxygen level, and can result in numerous additional physical and psychological medical problems. Patients with sleep apnea will often jolt awake to gasp for air, and have reported depression, trouble concentrating during the day, and constant fatigue.
Nearly 90 million people are chronic snorers. However, only about half of them have sleep apnea. So, no, snoring does not always equal sleep apnea. What we do know is that snoring is a major indicator of the common sleep condition, but not mere snoring. A person with sleep apnea will typically snore very loudly for a time and then “quit” snoring. The quiet indicates that there is no air passing through the airway.
The National Sleep Foundation reports that sleep apnea is directly linked to heart disease, and can even lead to an early death.Sleep apnea affects the body in two ways. One is by inhibiting quality sleep. Lack of sleep means there is less energy in the cells to function well, thereby inviting disease. Another effect of sleep apnea is a persistent chemical stress response caused by oxygen deprivation in the brain. Every time there is an apnea episode, the body gets infused with adrenaline.
If you’re concerned that sleep apnea is affecting your quality of life, please contact us immediately at (310) 276 4537. We work closely with doctors who specialize in sleep disorders and cosmetic dentistry and can make a recommendation based on your specific needs.
For most patients, Invisalign takes about 12 to 18 months. However, those with very mild cases often see results within the first 6 months, while those with more severe cases may need up to 24 months. Traditional braces usually take about 12 to 18 months, with some patients needing up to 24 months. Very rarely does it take less time to treat malocclusion with traditional braces.
Some dental insurance providers will cover dental insurance, while others will not. Our office staff will be happy to contact your provider to determine coverage. We strive to help you get the most out of your benefits.
Invisalign clear aligners are not suitable for baby teeth or for teeth that are severely rotated or with large gaps between them.
Yes, you can get Invisalign treatment through a general dentist. However, it is important to make sure that they are an Invisalign provider. This is because this treatment option requires specialized treatment to ensure the best results.
Yes, Invisalign clear aligners are considered a type of orthodontic treatment. However, this option is much more comfortable, convenient, and aesthetically pleasing than traditional metal braces.
Invisalign aligners can be removed as many times as necessary- but the time should not exceed 4 hours. While the aligners need to be removed when eating/drinking or when brushing/flossing, the longer they are worn, the more effective they will be.
Patients who still have baby teeth or who have teeth with wide gaps between them or teeth that are severely rotated should not consider Invisalign treatment. It is possible to use Invisalign after other methods for more precise movements.
The success of Invisalign depends on several factors including the type and severity of the malocclusion, as well as the compliance of the patient. Most patients have been satisfied with their results.
Invisalign clear aligners should be worn for 20 to 22 hours a day. Each set should be worn for 1 to 3 weeks. This will be outlined in your treatment plan, depending on the type and severity of your malocclusion.
One of the primary reasons that orthodontic treatment in general is expensive is because of the additional training the dentist needs. Invisalign is slightly more expensive due to the many benefits it brings.
One of the biggest concerns that patients have is Invisalign cost. However, the average cost is comparable to that of traditional braces. Unfortunately, while many dental insurance providers will cover a portion of treatment, many others still classify this as a cosmetic procedure and will not cover any portion of it.
If you do not have insurance or if your provider does not cover treatment, we offer some financing options as well.
The cost of Invisalign treatment varies depending on several factors including the type and severity of your malocclusion the location of the clinic and the experience/expertise of the dentist. The average cost in California ranges from around $4,500 to $9,000, which is slightly higher than the national average.