Month: November 2022

Losing most or all of your natural teeth is not an enjoyable experience for anyone, and no one understands that like the team at Smith Dentalworks. Luckily, there are multiple ways to restore your previous smile or achieve one of your dreams. While conventional dentures used to be the only option for replacing missing teeth, other methods, such as implant-supported dentures, are rising in popularity. No matter which type better fits your lifestyle, educating yourself on each choice is crucial. Weigh the pros and cons of implant-supported and traditional dentures in our blog below to discover which method works best for you. 

Conventional Dentures

Conventional dentures are the oral appliance that most people are familiar with. These dentures are crafted from an acrylic base attached to a set of either full or partial artificial teeth. They rest on the top of your gums and are removed at night to be cleaned. 

Pro – Affordable

One of the biggest advantages of conventional dentures is that they are affordable because they do not require oral surgery. If you are on a limited budget and need a cost-effective replacement for multiple teeth, this is a great option.

Pro – Easy to Care For

Another positive aspect of his method is that conventional dentures are easily cleaned. Since they are removable, you are not obstructed by your mouth or hand when brushing your teeth. You can also soak them in a solution overnight, cleaning and maintaining your dentures more thoroughly than brushing alone.

Con – Fit Can Change

A downside to the traditional method is that this oral appliance may need to be replaced every five to eight years. Bone loss over time affects the shape of your jaw and gums, changing the fit of your dentures. This may cause them to shift uncomfortably in your mouth throughout the day or even fall out.

Implant-Supported Dentures

Implant-supported dentures are a type of denture that is anchored to dental implants inserted in the jawbone with titanium screws. Unlike the conventional method, these dentures stay in place permanently and are cleaned inside your mouth like natural teeth.

Pro – Secure

Since they are anchored in place, implant-supported dentures are secure in your mouth. They give your teeth structural support, allowing for a more comfortable and natural fit. This allows you the confidence to eat, speak, and smile freely throughout the day. 

Pro – Improves Oral Health

Another important aspect that sets implant-supported dentures apart from conventional methods is that they play a role in improving oral health. They virtually eliminate bone loss by stimulating healthy growth in your jaw bone where they are anchored. This prevents the development of a sunken appearance that is often associated with tooth loss.

Con – Cost

One of the drawbacks of this type of denture is the cost. They are more expensive than their traditional counterparts, and dental insurance will not always cover the price of implants. However, many patients find that the benefits and longevity of this method outweigh the fees.

Choosing the Right Type of Dentures For You

Whether you decide conventional or implant-supported dentures are a better fit for your lifestyle, Smith Dentalworks can help restore your smile. We offer multiple denture options and will discuss your specific situation with you to make tailored recommendations based on your needs.

To discuss conventional and implant-supported denture methods, contact a professional at Smith Dentalworks today.

Getting enough high-quality sleep each night is essential for your health and well-being. Unfortunately, many people do not sleep enough or have poor sleep when they do manage to rest. Sometimes this is due to external factors, but sleep disorders play a role as well. Up to 70 million adults in the United States suffer from one or more sleep disorders, and sleep apnea is a common one. It’s helpful to understand the biggest risk factors for developing sleep apnea and to talk to a professional if you have concerns about your sleep.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

First, what exactly is sleep apnea? This is a sleep disorder where a person repeatedly stops breathing during sleep. This is often, but not always, accompanied by snoring. It’s also important to note that not all snoring occurs due to sleep apnea.

There are three types of sleep apnea: obstructive (OSA), central (CSA), and complex. OSA occurs when your throat muscles intermittently relax and block the airway. CSA occurs when your brain fails to tell your body to breathe regularly during sleep. Complex sleep apnea is a combination of these two forms.

Risk Factors

Certain factors increase an individual’s risk of developing sleep apnea. It’s important to be aware that none of these guarantees that a person will have the condition, and even someone without any risk factors can have sleep apnea.

Here are some of the most common sleep apnea risk factors:

• Weight: Studies have shown a correlation between an increased body mass index (BMI) and the risk of developing sleep apnea.
• Age: Risk increases the older a person gets, up until the 60s or 70s.
• Anatomy: Those with a larger tongue and/or a shorter, lower jaw are more likely to develop OSA.
• Sex: Males are more likely to develop sleep apnea, especially in early adulthood.
• Smoking: Individuals who smoke cigarettes are more likely to have sleep apnea. Quitting smoking reduces this risk.
• Hormonal Conditions: Certain hormonal abnormalities and conditions, such as an underactive thyroid, can contribute to swelling near the airway, increasing the risk of sleep apnea. Many of these conditions also affect body weight, which could explain the increased risk.
• Family History: If others in your family have developed OSA, you may be at a greater risk.
• Other Medical Issues: Heart and lung conditions can increase the risk of sleep apnea.

Signs Of Sleep Apnea

If you have any of the above risk factors, it’s worth paying extra attention to see if you notice signs of sleep apnea. Again, since anyone can develop this condition even without risk factors, it’s worth seeing a doctor if you see these signs regardless of other factors.

• Snoring
• Gasping for air at night
• Dry mouth upon waking
• Mood changes, e.g. irritability
• Difficulty staying focused during the day
• Lower libido
• Dizziness
• Sleepiness during the day
• Urinating frequently during the night
• Insomnia
• Morning headaches
• Forgetfulness
• Excessive sweating during the night

Sleep Apnea Treatment

Treating sleep apnea improves your quality of sleep and helps preserve your health. At Smith Dentalworks, we collaborate with Vivos doctors to offer the innovative Vivos system. This reshapes your palate and helps correct sleep apnea, providing lasting relief.

Contact us today to learn more about your options for sleep apnea treatment in Tucson.