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What Is Airway Dentistry and How Is It Different from Regular Dental Care?

If you snore regularly, wake up feeling tired, or experience frequent morning headaches, these symptoms could signal an underlying airway issue impacting your sleep quality and overall health. Many people dismiss these signs as normal inconveniences, but they often point to sleep-disordered breathing conditions like obstructive sleep apnea. Airway dentistry offers a specialized approach to identifying and addressing these problems at their source. Airway-focused dental care evaluates how your oral structures and jaw positioning affect breathing during sleep. At DG Dental, Dr. Dory Green combines comprehensive dental training with advanced airway evaluation techniques to help patients breathe better, sleep better, and improve their overall wellness. With medical insurance credentialing and specialized equipment like a pharyngometer/rhinometer combo, we provide solutions beyond what traditional dental practices offer. Understanding Airway Dentistry Airway dentistry is a specialized branch of dentistry that combines orthodontic and sleep medicine principles to improve nasal airflow and address sleep-disordered breathing. Unlike traditional dental care, which primarily focuses on teeth, gums, and oral health maintenance, airway dentistry examines the relationship between oral structures, jaw positioning, and breathing function. This approach recognizes how anatomical factors like tongue position, palate shape, and airway dimensions directly impact respiratory health during sleep. Sleep-disordered breathing encompasses a spectrum of conditions ranging from chronic snoring to obstructive sleep apnea. These disorders occur when the airway becomes partially or completely blocked during sleep, reducing oxygen flow to vital organs. The consequences extend beyond poor sleep quality. Research indicates adults with sleep-disordered breathing face substantially higher risks of cardiovascular disease and stroke, while children may experience developmental delays and behavioral challenges that mimic ADHD symptoms. How Traditional Dentistry Differs from Airway-Focused Care Standard dental visits typically address immediate oral health concerns like cavities, gum disease, cleanings, and restorations. Dentists examine teeth and surrounding tissues, perform preventive treatments, and restore damaged tooth structure. The scope centers on maintaining oral health within the mouth itself. Airway dentistry takes a broader perspective by evaluating how oral anatomy affects whole-body health through breathing function. An airway-focused dentist looks beyond teeth to assess tongue size and position, soft palate structure, tonsil size, nasal passage health, and jaw alignment. These factors collectively determine whether airways remain open during sleep. Rather than only treating dental diseases, this approach identifies structural issues contributing to breathing disruptions and develops targeted interventions. The diagnostic process differs significantly as well. While traditional dentists rely on visual examinations and X-rays of teeth and jaw bones, airway dentists utilize specialized tools. These include cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans providing detailed 3D imaging of airways and sinuses, pharyngometer and rhinometer equipment measuring airway dimensions with precision, and comprehensive sleep assessments evaluating breathing patterns throughout the night. Conditions Treated Through Airway Dentistry Airway-focused care addresses multiple conditions affecting breathing and sleep quality. Obstructive sleep apnea represents the most serious condition, characterized by repeated breathing pauses during sleep when the throat tissues collapse and block the airway. According to the American Dental Association, dentists play a crucial role in screening patients for sleep apnea risk factors during routine examinations, including large tongue or tonsils, jaw size discrepancy, high arched palate, and nocturnal choking or gasping. Upper airway resistance syndrome causes increased effort in breathing during sleep without complete airway obstruction. Patients experience frequent sleep disruptions and daytime fatigue despite not having full apnea episodes. Chronic snoring, often dismissed as merely annoying, frequently indicates partial airway obstruction requiring evaluation. Mouth breathing during sleep can dry oral tissues, increase cavity risk, and signal airway restrictions. Temporomandibular joint disorders sometimes connect to airway issues when jaw positioning affects breathing patterns. Treatment Options in Airway Dentistry Oral appliance therapy provides a non-invasive alternative for managing mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. These custom-fitted devices reposition the lower jaw and tongue forward during sleep, preventing soft tissue from collapsing into the airway. Many patients prefer oral appliances over continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines because they are quieter, more portable, and easier to tolerate long-term. Orthodontic interventions can expand dental arches and create more space for the tongue, improving airway dimensions. Clear aligner systems or traditional braces may be recommended when narrow palates contribute to breathing restrictions. For children and adolescents, early intervention through palatal expanders can guide proper jaw development and prevent future airway problems. Myofunctional therapy trains oral and facial muscles to promote nasal breathing and proper tongue positioning. This approach addresses the root causes of mouth breathing habits. Advanced Diagnostic Technology at DG Dental Our practice utilizes cutting-edge pharyngometer and rhinometer technology to measure airway dimensions with exceptional precision. This equipment provides objective data about nasal passages and throat anatomy, allowing for highly individualized fitting of oral appliances. Rather than relying solely on visual assessment, these measurements ensure treatment devices are optimized for each patient's unique anatomy. The pharyngometer evaluates the cross-sectional area and volume of the oropharynx, while the rhinometer assesses nasal airway clarity and resistance. Together, they create a comprehensive airway profile guiding treatment decisions. Digital scanning technology replaces traditional impressions in most cases, providing more accurate models for custom appliance fabrication. Patients appreciate the comfort and efficiency of digital workflows compared to conventional impression materials. CBCT imaging reveals 3D anatomical details invisible on standard X-rays, including airway dimensions, sinus structures, and jaw relationships. This comprehensive view allows identification of structural factors contributing to breathing difficulties. Who Benefits from Airway Dentistry Adults experiencing unexplained daytime fatigue, morning headaches, difficulty concentrating, or witnessed breathing pauses during sleep should consider airway evaluation. Chronic snorers whose partners complain about noise levels may have underlying airway restrictions requiring treatment. Patients struggling with CPAP compliance often find oral appliance therapy offers a comfortable alternative they can use consistently. Those diagnosed with temporomandibular joint disorders should be evaluated for potential airway connections, as jaw positioning affects both joint function and breathing. Adolescents showing signs of sleep-disordered breathing benefit from early intervention during active growth periods. Warning signs include persistent mouth breathing, restless sleep, behavioral issues resembling ADHD, and orthodontic problems indicating narrow dental arches. Addressing these issues during development can prevent more serious problems in adulthood and support healthier facial growth patterns. Insurance Coverage and Accessibility Medical insurance frequently covers oral appliances for diagnosed obstructive sleep apnea, particularly when CPAP therapy has failed or proven intolerable. At DG Dental, Dr. Green has obtained credentialing with major medical insurance providers, making airway dentistry treatments more accessible and affordable for patients. Traditional dental insurance typically provides limited coverage for airway-focused treatments unless procedures are deemed medically necessary. Our team helps navigate insurance benefits, file claims on your behalf, and explore financing options when needed. Experience Airway Dentistry at DG Dental in Fort Lauderdale Dr. Dory Green brings extensive training in craniofacial sleep medicine and over 500 hours of advanced continuing education as a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry. Her background combines clinical precision with an artistic approach to comprehensive care. Our Fort Lauderdale practice offers a comfortable, spa-like environment where patients receive personalized attention addressing both dental and airway health concerns. We accept Aetna, Cigna, Delta Dental, Humana, and UnitedHealthcare, along with all out-of-network PPO plans. Whether you struggle with sleep quality, have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, or want to explore alternatives to CPAP therapy, our team provides the specialized care you need. Contact us through our web portal to schedule a comprehensive airway evaluation and discover how targeted treatment can transform your sleep, energy levels, and overall health.

What Makes Our Sleep Appliance Fitting Process Different?

Sleep appliances offer an effective alternative for treating obstructive sleep apnea, yet not all fitting processes deliver the same level of precision. Recent research confirms that different oral appliance designs demonstrate significantly different rates of efficacy for treating obstructive sleep apnea, with proper fitting playing a crucial role in treatment success. Understanding how your sleep appliance is fitted can make the difference between transformative results and disappointing outcomes. At DG Dental in Fort Lauderdale, Dr. Dory Green, DMD, FAGD, brings specialized training in craniofacial sleep medicine to every sleep appliance consultation. With advanced training in the non-surgical treatment of sleep-disordered breathing and participation as a clinical investigator in multiple National Dental Practice-Based Research Network studies, Dr. Green combines evidence-based protocols with cutting-edge diagnostic technology. This commitment to precision has led her practice to invest in specialized airway evaluation equipment that sets the fitting process apart from conventional approaches. Advanced Airway Evaluation Technology The foundation of an effective sleep appliance begins with accurate airway assessment. DG Dental utilizes a pharyngometer/rhinometer combination system to perform comprehensive airway evaluations before creating any sleep appliance. This FDA-approved diagnostic technology uses acoustic reflection to measure both nasal and oral airway dimensions, providing detailed information about airway size, stability, and potential obstruction points. The pharyngometer measures the oral airway from the back of the throat to the vocal cords, while the rhinometer evaluates nasal passage clarity. Sound waves project into the airway passages and reflect back, allowing the system to create a detailed map of the airway's cross-sectional areas. This non-invasive evaluation takes just minutes to complete and provides objective data that guides appliance design and positioning. Precision Positioning for Optimal Results Generic sleep appliances or boil-and-bite options cannot account for individual airway anatomy. The pharyngometer evaluation at DG Dental reveals the specific areas where your airway narrows or collapses during sleep. This information allows Dr. Green to determine the precise mandibular advancement needed to open your airway effectively without over-advancing the jaw, which can lead to discomfort and poor compliance. The acoustic measurements show how your airway responds to different jaw positions while you're awake. By testing various advancement positions during the evaluation, the team can identify the optimal position that maximizes airway opening while minimizing potential side effects. This precision approach eliminates the guesswork that often leads to multiple adjustment appointments or treatment failure with standard fitting protocols. Medical Insurance Credentialing Cost concerns prevent many people from pursuing sleep appliance therapy. DG Dental addresses this barrier by accepting medical insurance benefits for sleep appliance treatment. Dr. Green maintains credentials with most major medical insurance companies, allowing patients to utilize their medical benefits rather than dental insurance for this medical condition. Digital Scanning for Superior Comfort Traditional impressions with putty materials can trigger gagging and discomfort, particularly for patients with airway concerns. DG Dental uses digital scanning technology to capture precise measurements of your dental structures. These digital scans provide the laboratory with highly accurate data for fabricating your custom appliance, ensuring a comfortable fit from the first night. Digital scans also allow for easier modifications if adjustments become necessary. The digital records remain on file, making it simple to create a replacement appliance or adjust the design based on treatment progress without repeating uncomfortable impression procedures. Individualized Treatment Planning Every patient's airway anatomy presents unique challenges. Sleep apnea can result from multiple factors, including tongue position, soft palate collapse, or nasal obstruction. The comprehensive airway evaluation identifies your specific collapse patterns, allowing Dr. Green to select the most appropriate appliance design for your anatomy. Some patients benefit from specific appliance styles that provide lateral jaw stability, while others require maximum vertical opening control. The pharyngometer data informs these design decisions, ensuring your appliance addresses your particular airway collapse pattern. This individualized approach increases the likelihood of treatment success and long-term compliance. Comprehensive Follow-Up Monitoring Sleep appliance therapy requires ongoing assessment to ensure effectiveness. DG Dental monitors your treatment progress through follow-up appointments that include repeat pharyngometer measurements. These objective assessments verify that your appliance continues to maintain adequate airway opening and allow for precise adjustments if your airway changes over time. Regular monitoring also identifies any dental changes that may occur with long-term appliance use. While research shows that properly fitted appliances produce mostly subclinical dental changes that don't preclude continued use, monitoring ensures any concerns are addressed promptly to maintain both treatment effectiveness and oral health. Experience the DG Dental Difference At DG Dental, Dr. Dory Green combines over 16 years of clinical experience with specialized training in sleep medicine and access to advanced diagnostic technology. Her fellowship with the Academy of General Dentistry and participation in multiple clinical research studies demonstrate a commitment to evidence-based care that prioritizes patient outcomes. The practice accepts medical insurance benefits for sleep appliance therapy, making effective treatment accessible to more patients throughout Fort Lauderdale and the surrounding areas. Contact us to schedule your comprehensive airway evaluation and discover how precision fitting can transform your sleep quality.

Why Precise Airway Measurements Matter for Sleep Apnea Treatment Success

Generic solutions rarely address complex medical conditions effectively, yet many people with sleep apnea receive oral appliances fitted using trial-and-error methods. Precise airway measurements eliminate the guesswork and dramatically improve treatment outcomes by identifying exactly where breathing restrictions occur and how much jaw advancement you need for unobstructed nighttime breathing. DG Dental takes airway treatment beyond the standard approach. Dr. Green uses a pharyngometer/rhinometer combination device to map your unique airway anatomy and create customized treatment plans. With credentialing from most major medical insurance companies, we make advanced sleep apnea care accessible to adolescents and adults throughout Fort Lauderdale. How Pharyngometer/Rhinometer Technology Changes Treatment A pharyngometer/rhinometer combination device provides detailed measurements of both your throat and nasal passages. This dual assessment reveals the complete picture of your upper airway, showing where soft tissues collapse during sleep and whether nasal obstruction contributes to your breathing difficulties. The pharyngometer component uses acoustic reflection technology, sending sound waves through your throat to measure cross-sectional areas at multiple points. The rhinometer evaluates your nasal cavity in the same way, identifying congestion, structural abnormalities, or inflammation blocking airflow. These precise measurements replace the traditional approach of making educated guesses about oral appliance positioning. When you know exact dimensions and collapse points, you can design an appliance that addresses your specific anatomy. The data shows whether your airway narrows in your soft palate area, at the base of your tongue, or in multiple locations. This information proves critical for effective treatment planning. The Problem With One-Size-Fits-All Approaches Many dental offices provide oral appliances using standard impression techniques and basic adjustment protocols. While these appliances may help some patients, they often fail because they position your jaw based on general guidelines rather than your individual airway needs. Some people need minimal jaw advancement, while others require more substantial repositioning. Without precise measurements, providers must rely on symptom reports and multiple adjustment appointments to find effective positioning. This trial-and-error method extends treatment time and may lead to patient frustration. You might experience jaw discomfort from excessive advancement or continue suffering from apnea symptoms because the appliance doesn't advance your jaw enough. Pharyngometer/rhinometer data eliminates these problems by showing exactly how much advancement opens your airway sufficiently. The technology also reveals whether an oral appliance will work for you at all. Some patients have anatomical features, like severe nasal obstruction, requiring different interventions. Identifying these issues early prevents wasted time pursuing ineffective treatments. Creating Individualized Treatment Plans Armed with precise diagnostic data, Dr. Green designs oral appliances tailored to your specific measurements. The pharyngometer/rhinometer results guide every aspect of your appliance design, from the degree of jaw advancement to the vertical opening dimension. This customization ensures your appliance maintains an open airway throughout the night without causing unnecessary jaw strain or discomfort. Digital scans capture additional anatomical details, creating a complete picture of your oral structures. These scans replace uncomfortable traditional impressions in most cases while providing superior accuracy. The combination of airway measurements and digital scanning produces appliances fitting precisely and functioning effectively from the start. We may also identify complementary treatments enhancing your results. For example, if your rhinometer data shows significant nasal congestion, addressing this issue alongside oral appliance therapy may improve your outcomes. Some patients benefit from positional therapy or referrals to other providers for comprehensive airway management. Why Medical Insurance Coverage Matters Sleep apnea qualifies as a medical condition, making many treatments eligible for medical insurance coverage rather than dental benefits. However, most dental offices lack the credentialing required to work with medical insurance companies. Dr. Green has completed this extensive credentialing process with major medical insurance providers, including Aetna, Cigna, Humana, and UnitedHealthcare, and we also accept all out-of-network PPO plans. Dr. Green is proudly partnered with the VA, ensuring that veterans and active duty service members can receive the care they deserve. This credentialing allows us to file claims with your medical insurance for covered sleep apnea treatments. We handle the paperwork and work directly with your insurance company to maximize your benefits. Many patients find this dramatically reduces their out-of-pocket costs compared to paying entirely through dental insurance or self-pay options. The combination of advanced diagnostic technology and medical insurance credentialing remains relatively rare in dental offices. These factors make comprehensive airway care more accessible and effective for patients seeking solutions beyond basic approaches. Measuring Success Beyond Symptom Relief Precise initial measurements also enable accurate progress tracking. Follow-up assessments show whether your oral appliance maintains adequate airway dimensions during sleep. This objective data confirms treatment effectiveness beyond your subjective symptom reports. While feeling more rested and experiencing less snoring indicates improvement, pharyngometer/rhinometer measurements prove your airway remains open throughout the night. Periodic reassessments also catch any changes requiring appliance adjustments. Weight fluctuations, aging, and other factors may affect your airway over time. Regular measurements ensure your treatment continues working optimally as your needs evolve. Get Advanced Airway Assessment at DG Dental Effective sleep apnea treatment starts with understanding your unique airway anatomy. Precise measurements using pharyngometer/rhinometer technology eliminate guesswork and create treatment plans addressing your specific breathing obstacles. Dr. Green combines this advanced diagnostic approach with personalized care and medical insurance credentialing to make comprehensive airway treatment accessible. Dr. Green has served Fort Lauderdale with a focus on the oral-systemic health connection since 2012. She is a Fellowship Award recipient from the Academy of General Dentistry and completed advanced training in craniofacial sleep medicine. Our practice provides comprehensive dental care for adolescents and adults in a comfortable, upscale environment designed around your needs. Ready to experience the difference precise airway measurements make? Contact us through our web portal to schedule your comprehensive airway evaluation.

From Diagnosis to Treatment: Your Complete Sleep Apnea Care Timeline

Waking up exhausted despite a full night's sleep signals something disrupts your rest at a fundamental level. Sleep apnea affects over 22 million Americans, causing repeated breathing interruptions throughout the night and leaving you struggling with daytime fatigue, concentration problems, and serious health risks if left unaddressed. DG Dental guides adolescents and adults through every step of sleep apnea care, from initial evaluation through successful treatment. Dr. Green combines advanced diagnostic technology with comprehensive airway management, and with credentialing from most major medical insurance companies, we make quality care accessible throughout your entire treatment journey. Initial Consultation and Symptom Assessment Your timeline begins with recognizing warning signs. Chronic snoring, morning headaches, gasping for air during sleep, and persistent fatigue despite adequate sleep time all suggest breathing difficulties disrupting your rest. Partners often notice breathing pauses or unusual sleep patterns before you realize anything's wrong. These observations provide valuable information during your first consultation. During your initial visit, we review your complete medical history and discuss your symptoms in detail. This conversation covers more than just nighttime breathing. We ask about daytime sleepiness, concentration difficulties, mood changes, and any diagnosed conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes. Many people don't realize these health issues connect to poor sleep quality caused by breathing obstruction. A thorough oral examination follows. We evaluate your jaw position, tongue size, soft palate structure, and tonsil size. These anatomical factors significantly influence airway patency during sleep. We also assess your nasal passages for obstruction. The information gathered during this initial appointment determines which diagnostic tests provide the most valuable insights for your specific situation. Comprehensive Airway Evaluation The next phase involves precise measurements using advanced diagnostic equipment. At DG Dental, we use a pharyngometer/rhinometer combination device to map your upper airway dimensions. This technology reveals exactly where your airway narrows or collapses depending on your jaw position, providing objective data rather than relying solely on symptom descriptions. The pharyngometer measures cross-sectional areas throughout your throat using acoustic reflection. Sound waves travel through your airway, and the device analyzes the returning echoes to create a detailed dimensional map. The rhinometer evaluates your nasal passages in the same manner, identifying any blockages, structural abnormalities, or inflammation restricting nasal breathing. This complete assessment typically takes 30 to 45 minutes and produces immediate results. Digital scans complement these measurements by capturing additional anatomical details. These scans replace uncomfortable traditional impressions in most cases while providing superior accuracy for treatment planning. The combination of airway measurements and digital scanning creates a comprehensive picture of your unique anatomy and breathing challenges. Treatment Planning and Insurance Coordination Armed with precise diagnostic data, we design your personalized treatment plan. For many patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea, a custom-fitted oral appliance provides effective relief. The pharyngometer/rhinometer measurements guide every aspect of appliance design, from the degree of jaw advancement needed to open your airway to the vertical dimension preventing excessive bite pressure. These oral appliances work by gently repositioning your lower jaw forward during sleep, preventing soft tissues from collapsing backward and blocking your airway. The exact positioning depends entirely on your individual measurements. Generic devices or guesswork often fail because they don't account for your specific anatomical needs. We also address insurance coverage during this phase. Sleep apnea qualifies as a medical condition, making treatment eligible for medical insurance benefits rather than just dental coverage. Dr. Green's credentialing with major medical insurance providers, including Aetna, Cigna, Humana, and UnitedHealthcare, allows us to file claims on your behalf. She is also proudly partnered with the VA, ensuring that veterans and active duty service members can receive the care they deserve. We handle all paperwork and work directly with your insurance company to maximize your benefits. This process typically adds 2 to 3 weeks to your timeline as we obtain necessary preauthorizations, but it significantly reduces your out-of-pocket costs. Appliance Fabrication and Fitting Once insurance approval comes through, appliance fabrication begins. Creating a truly custom device using your precise measurements takes approximately 2 to 3 weeks. The result fits comfortably and positions your jaw exactly where your airway measurements indicate optimal breathing occurs. Your fitting appointment ensures proper appliance function and comfort. We verify the device maintains the prescribed jaw position and make any minor adjustments needed for optimal fit. You'll receive detailed instructions for appliance care, insertion, removal, and gradual adjustment if your device includes advancement features. Most people adapt to wearing their appliance within a few nights, though some experience minor jaw soreness initially as muscles adjust to the new position. We schedule a follow-up appointment approximately 2 to 4 weeks after you start using your appliance. This visit allows us to assess your initial response, make any necessary adjustments, and address any comfort concerns. Many patients report noticeable improvements in sleep quality and daytime energy within the first week of consistent use. Ongoing Care and Progress Monitoring Successful sleep apnea management requires periodic monitoring. We schedule follow-up appointments at 3 months, 6 months, and annually thereafter. These visits include repeat pharyngometer/rhinometer measurements showing whether your appliance continues maintaining adequate airway dimensions during sleep. Objective data confirms treatment effectiveness beyond your subjective symptom improvement. Weight changes, aging, and other factors may affect your airway over time. Regular assessments catch these changes early, allowing appliance adjustments and maintaining optimal results. We also inspect your device for wear and recommend replacements when necessary. Most oral appliances last 3 to 5 years with proper care and maintenance. Start Your Treatment Journey at DG Dental Your path from sleep apnea diagnosis to successful treatment follows a clear timeline when you work with experienced providers using advanced diagnostic tools. Dr. Green's combination of pharyngometer/rhinometer technology, personalized treatment planning, and medical insurance credentialing streamlines the entire process while ensuring optimal outcomes. DG Dental has provided comprehensive dental care in Fort Lauderdale since 2012, with a focus on the oral-systemic health connection. Dr. Green completed advanced training in craniofacial sleep medicine and is a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry. Our practice serves adolescents and adults in a comfortable environment designed around your needs and schedule. Ready to begin your journey toward better sleep and improved health? Contact us through our web portal to schedule your comprehensive airway evaluation.

What to Expect During Your Comprehensive Airway Assessment

Understanding how your airway functions can reveal why you're experiencing interrupted sleep, chronic fatigue, or persistent snoring. A comprehensive airway assessment provides detailed insights into breathing patterns during sleep and identifies obstacles to proper airflow, allowing for targeted treatment solutions. At DG Dental, Dr. Dory Green combines advanced diagnostic technology with a thorough understanding of airway health to help adolescents and adults breathe easier and sleep better. With recent credentialing from most major medical insurance companies, we make comprehensive airway care accessible and affordable. Advanced Diagnostic Technology for Precise Results Your airway assessment begins with cutting-edge measurement tools designed to capture accurate data. We use a pharyngometer/rhinometer combination device, specialized equipment that maps the dimensions and characteristics of your upper airway passages. This technology measures both your throat (pharynx) and nasal cavities (rhino) to identify specific areas where breathing becomes restricted. The pharyngometer component uses acoustic reflection to measure the cross-sectional area at multiple points along your throat. Sound waves travel through your airway, and the device analyzes how they bounce back to create a detailed map of any narrowing or collapse points. The rhinometer portion evaluates nasal passages in a similar manner, detecting congestion, structural abnormalities, or inflammation affecting your ability to breathe through your nose. These measurements happen quickly and comfortably, without invasive procedures. The entire diagnostic process takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes, and you'll receive results immediately. Digital scans capture precise anatomical information, eliminating the need for uncomfortable traditional impressions in most cases. What the Assessment Reveals Your comprehensive evaluation provides specific information about where and why breathing difficulties occur. The data shows exact measurements of airway dimensions, highlighting constriction points during sleep. Many people discover their airway collapses at certain locations when horizontal or relaxed, explaining snoring and sleep disruptions. We also assess jaw position, tongue placement, and soft tissue structure. These factors significantly influence airway patency during sleep. The pharyngometer/rhinometer combination reveals whether nasal obstruction forces mouth breathing, which often worsens sleep apnea symptoms. Understanding these relationships allows us to recommend targeted interventions rather than generic solutions. Individualized Treatment Planning Armed with precise diagnostic data, we create treatment plans tailored to your unique airway anatomy. For many patients, a custom-fitted oral appliance provides effective relief. Unlike generic devices, appliances designed using pharyngometer/rhinometer measurements fit precisely and position your jaw optimally to maintain an open airway throughout the night. These oral appliances work by gently advancing your lower jaw forward, which prevents the tongue and soft tissues from collapsing backward during sleep. The exact positioning depends on your individual measurements. Too little advancement may not resolve the obstruction, while too much can cause jaw discomfort. Our advanced diagnostic equipment eliminates the guesswork. We may also recommend complementary approaches based on your assessment findings. Nasal congestion treatment, positional therapy, or referrals to myofunctional therapists can enhance your results. Some patients benefit from combining multiple strategies for optimal airway management. Using Your Medical Insurance Benefits One significant advantage of seeking airway assessment at DG Dental is our ability to work with your medical insurance. Sleep-related breathing disorders qualify for medical insurance coverage, not just dental benefits. Dr. Green is credentialed with Aetna, Cigna, Humana, UnitedHealthcare, and accepts all out-of-network PPO plans. She is also proudly partnered with the VA, ensuring that veterans and active duty service members can receive the care they deserve. We file claims on your behalf and work directly with your insurance company to maximize coverage for eligible treatments. This credentialing represents a major benefit for patients since comprehensive airway assessments and oral appliance therapy can be costly without insurance support. Few dental offices have completed the extensive credentialing process with medical insurance providers, making this service relatively rare in the Fort Lauderdale area. Begin Your Path to Better Sleep at DG Dental You don't need to accept poor sleep quality, daytime exhaustion, or disruptive snoring as inevitable parts of life. A comprehensive airway assessment reveals exactly what's happening when you sleep and provides the foundation for effective treatment. Dr. Green's combination of advanced diagnostic technology, individualized treatment planning, and medical insurance credentialing makes high-quality airway care accessible. At DG Dental, we focus on whole-body wellness and the oral-systemic health connection. Our practice serves adolescents and adults in a comfortable, upscale environment designed to complement your lifestyle. Dr. Green graduated from Temple University School of Dentistry in 2010 and has provided comprehensive dental care in Florida since 2012. Ready to understand your breathing patterns and explore solutions for better sleep? Contact us through our web portal to schedule your comprehensive airway assessment.

Guide to Gum Contouring: The Secret to a Picture-Perfect Smile

Your smile's balance depends on more than just straight, white teeth. The relationship between your teeth and gums creates the framework for your entire smile, and sometimes excess gum tissue can hide the true beauty of your teeth. At DG Dental in Fort Lauderdale, Dr. Dory Green, DMD, FAGD offers advanced laser dentistry for gum contouring procedures. Our approach combines precision technology with an artistic eye, reshaping your gum line to reveal a more balanced, confident smile in our relaxing, upscale environment. What Gum Contouring Can Accomplish Gum contouring, also called gum reshaping or tissue sculpting, adjusts the gum line to create better proportion between your teeth and gums. The procedure addresses several aesthetic concerns that traditional teeth-focused treatments cannot resolve. When excess gum tissue covers too much of your teeth, they appear short or small, even if they're actually normal size underneath. An uneven gum line creates visual imbalance across your smile. Some teeth may show more gum tissue than others, drawing attention away from the teeth themselves. This irregular appearance happens naturally for many people and doesn't indicate any health problem, but it can affect how you feel about your smile. The procedure also complements other cosmetic treatments beautifully. Before placing veneers or crowns, contouring the gums can create the ideal foundation for restorations. The improved proportions enhance the final results and help new restorations look more natural. For some patients, gum contouring alone transforms their smile without needing additional cosmetic work. How Laser Technology Transforms the Procedure Modern laser technology has revolutionized gum contouring compared to traditional surgical methods. Dental lasers precisely remove excess tissue while simultaneously sealing blood vessels, which means less bleeding during the procedure and faster healing afterward. The precision allows dentists to sculpt gum tissue with remarkable accuracy. The laser energy also sterilizes as it works, reducing infection risk and promoting cleaner healing. Patients typically experience less discomfort both during and after laser procedures compared to conventional techniques. The technology allows for extremely controlled tissue removal, so dentists can make subtle adjustments that create natural-looking results. Recovery from laser gum contouring generally happens faster than traditional methods. Most patients return to normal activities within a day or two, though you'll want to follow specific care instructions during the healing period. The precision of laser treatment also means less chance of needing touch-ups or additional procedures. Understanding the Gum Contouring Process Your journey begins with a comprehensive evaluation of your smile. Dr. Green examines the relationship between your teeth and gums, discussing your aesthetic goals and explaining what contouring can realistically achieve. Digital imaging may help you visualize potential results before committing to treatment. The procedure itself typically requires only local anesthesia to keep you comfortable. The laser carefully reshapes the gum tissue according to the planned design, creating a more balanced gum line. Treatment time varies depending on how many teeth need attention, but many cases take just one appointment to complete. Immediately after the procedure, you might notice some tenderness or sensitivity, but this typically remains manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers. Your gums will appear pink and slightly swollen at first, then gradually settle into their new contours over the following days. Most patients feel comfortable returning to work the next day. Combining Gum Contouring with Other Cosmetic Treatments Gum contouring often works as part of a comprehensive smile makeover. When combined with teeth whitening, the improved gum line showcases your brighter teeth more effectively. The balanced proportions make whitening results appear more dramatic and natural. For patients considering veneers, contouring the gums first creates the ideal canvas for restorations. The improved tooth-to-gum ratio ensures veneers look proportionate and natural. This combination approach delivers transformative results that address both teeth and gum aesthetics simultaneously. Clear aligner treatment sometimes benefits from gum contouring as well. Once your teeth reach their ideal positions, adjusting the gum line can complete the transformation. The sequence of treatments depends on your specific needs and goals, which Dr. Green will discuss during your consultation. What to Expect During Recovery The first 24 hours require the most attention to your healing gums. Stick to soft foods and avoid anything too hot or spicy. Cold foods and drinks may actually feel soothing against tender gum tissue. You'll want to avoid vigorous brushing near the treated areas, but maintaining good oral hygiene remains important. Over the next few days, any swelling or discomfort should decrease steadily. Your gums will begin settling into their new shape, though complete healing takes several weeks. During this time, your body naturally remodels the tissue to create smooth, healthy contours. Most patients notice their final results within 1 to 2 weeks as swelling completely resolves. The newly shaped gum line frames your teeth more attractively, creating the balanced smile you envisioned. These results remain stable over time, giving you lasting confidence in your appearance. Transform Your Smile at DG Dental in Fort Lauderdale Dr. Green combines advanced laser technology with a comprehensive approach to cosmetic dentistry, understanding how each element of your smile contributes to your overall appearance. Her Fort Lauderdale practice offers the latest techniques in a uniquely comfortable environment, where five-star customer service meets cutting-edge dental care. We accept most major insurance plans and offer flexible financing options to make your smile goals accessible. Our approach focuses on creating natural-looking results that enhance your features rather than looking artificial or overdone. Whether gum contouring is your primary concern or part of a larger smile transformation, we'll develop a personalized treatment plan that aligns with your vision. Contact us to schedule your consultation and discover how gum contouring can reveal the picture-perfect smile you've always wanted.

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Discover the latest advancements in oral health and explore how our innovative approach is transforming dental care for the Fort Lauderdale community.

What Is Airway Dentistry and How Is It Different from Regular Dental Care?

If you snore regularly, wake up feeling tired, or experience frequent morning headaches, these symptoms