Do you snore excessively at night, wake up feeling unrested, or experience drowsiness during the day? You could have a medical condition called sleep apnea , which can cause serious health problems if not addressed.

In this video, a sleep specialist discusses the causes, complications, and treatment options for sleep apnea. You will learn how sleep apnea increases your risk of having a stroke or heart attack. Additionally, you will get to see how dental appliances and other treatment options can alleviate sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea can affect the quality of a person’s sleep and health. If you believe that you or a loved one has sleep apnea, contact Chicago’s University Associates in Dentistry at (312) 704-5511.

Most people hear the phrase “cosmetic dentistry” and immediately think of teeth whitening and other aesthetic treatments—and while the field of cosmetic dentistry does focus on improving the appearance of your smile, many cosmetic procedures can also improve your oral health. Continue reading for more information on the health benefits associated with cosmetic dentistry procedures.

Re-Establish the Function of Teeth
One of the biggest health benefits of cosmetic dentistry procedures is that they can re-establish the original function of your teeth and ultimately reduce the chances of early wear and tear. For example, porcelain crowns are not only used to cover extremely discolored or misshapen teeth, but can also be used to restore the functionality of cracked teeth, broken teeth, and teeth affected by decay.

Increase Tooth Stability
In addition to reestablishing the original shape and function of your teeth, cosmetic dentistry procedures can help restore the stability of teeth that have become chipped, fractured, broken, or weakened by the presence of a cavity. This not only improves the look of your smile, but also helps protect against further dental trauma. Cosmetic dentistry treatments can also be used to keep important restorations, such as dental bridges, in place.

Reduce the Risk of Jawbone Loss
Dental implants are considered both a cosmetic and restorative dental procedure. Unlike partial bridges and removable dentures, dental implants are inserted directly into the jawbone using a titanium replacement root, which fuses to your jaw through a process known as osseointegration. Because the replacement root is located within your jawbone, having a dental implant eliminates the risk of jawbone loss commonly associated with having a missing tooth or temporary dental appliances.

Whether you are interested in cosmetic dentistry, restorative dentistry, or permanent denture replacement, the dentists with University Associates in Dentistry are here to help. We also offer the All on 4 dental implant procedure. Learn more about your treatment options by contacting our Chicago office at (312) 704-5511.

While most athletes take extreme precautions to protect their bodies from injury, few remember that they also need to protect their teeth. Dental injuries can easily occur during athletic activities of any sort and can cause permanent damage to the teeth and surrounding structures. If you are an athlete, here are the essential steps to take to protect your teeth: 

Use a Protective Helmet
Many fast-paced sports require players to wear helmets. Along with protecting the head, certain helmets can also give the face, mouth, and teeth protection. If you play a sport in which dental injuries are common, always wear a helmet that has a mouthpiece when on the field.

Wear a Mouth Guard
Most athletic-related dental injuries occur because people do not wear mouth guards. A mouth guard is a flexible device made from thermoplastic that goes directly over the front teeth. Mouth guards are often effective for preventing tooth loss and other forms of dental damage that occur due to blunt force. If you play football or hockey, you should always wear a mouth guard, as these sports involve a lot of physical contact. A mouth guard should also be worn if you ride a bike, skateboard, or rollerblade, as these activities are also common causes of dental injury.

Choose the Right Mouth Guard
Wearing a mouth guard is important for protecting your teeth, but it is essential to choose the right kind. Many dentists recommend wearing a custom-made mouth guard that is created to fit your teeth exactly. Custom-made mouth guards give you maximum protection and are also very comfortable to wear. While store-bought mouth guards are also available, they usually do not work as effectively. Be sure to consult your dentist if you have questions about selecting the right kind of mouth guard.

If you have any questions about custom-made mouth guards, contact University Associates in Dentistry . We are located in downtown Chicago and specialize in dental implants, cosmetic dentistry, and denture replacement. Call us at (312) 704-5511 today to schedule an appointment.