James Olsen, DDS Blog

Sleep apnea is sometimes seen as niche and unimportant, but the fact is that around 18 million people in the U.S. alone suffer from this condition. While many of these people use a CPAP or oral appliance to mitigate their symptoms, far more of them do what they can to get good sleep via home remedies and other methods.

One trick patients often mention is sleeping with their head elevated, like in a recliner. But does this actually work? Here’s what the science says.

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Should you decide to get a dental crown, you may think there’s not much to consider. You just need to commit to care and let dentists handle the rest, right? Well, the fact is that crowns aren’t all the same. They can be made from many materials, so you should choose the right one for an ideal treatment. Your Ann Arbor dentist will even help with your decision. To that end, read on to learn the best dental crown material for you.

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Is your smile in need of multiple treatments to restore its brilliance? Consider a full mouth reconstruction, a comprehensive plan involving various procedures aimed at rejuvenating your gums and teeth. It’s particularly beneficial for individuals with significant dental or periodontal issues. If you’re contemplating a full mouth reconstruction, discover what to expect during the recovery phase for the different procedures involved.

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Few people have straight teeth or perfect bites naturally. Misaligned teeth can influence your self-esteem and dental health, but those aren’t the only concerns. Alignment issues can also affect your bite, which is the relationship between your upper and lower arches when your mouth is closed. If your jaws don’t fit together correctly, it can affect your appearance and oral functions. An overbite is a common problem that occurs when the upper teeth overlap the lower arch. If you’ve been putting off getting braces, here are a few reasons to fix your overbite, sooner rather than later.

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If your teeth are misaligned, it’s easy to have insecurities about your smile. Not only can your confidence suffer, but alignment issues can also affect your romantic life. According to a popular dating site, 57% of users prefer a possible mate with straight teeth. Invisalign can fix your bite and alignment with no brackets or wires. Here’s how you can give your dating life and confidence a boost with clear aligners.

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Temporomandibular joint dysfunction, or TMJ, can result in headaches, clicking or popping noises during chewing, or pain when yawning. While many people deal with jaw pain or TMJ disorders, few of them probably realize how poor posture can contribute to the problem. Unfortunately, a sedentary lifestyle and a desk job can take their toll on someone’s skeleton, but there are things you can do to prevent TMJ issues from happening. Here’s how poor posture can cause jaw pain as well as what you can do to prevent it.

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For those in search of a subtle alternative to conventional braces, Invisalign emerges as a commendable option. Diverging from traditional metal brackets, Invisalign presents transparent aligner trays that seamlessly conform to your teeth, gradually realigning them. The key to the effectiveness of this treatment lies in the meticulous care of your Invisalign trays. If you find yourself uncertain about the essential maintenance, read on to explore the dos and don’ts that will assist you in preserving your trays in prime condition!

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Experiencing a locked or stiff jaw can be disconcerting, as it often brings discomfort and disrupts everyday activities such as talking and eating. This condition can stem from various causes. By understanding the factors contributing to a stiff jaw and learning effective care strategies, you can alleviate discomfort and take proactive steps to prevent further issues. So, keep reading to learn more about causes and treatment options.

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TMJ disorder, also known as TMD, is a common problem that can adversely affect your oral health and your quality of life. It occurs when the temporomandibular joint (TMJ, which connects your lower jaw to the rest of your skull) is injured or stressed. Do you have this condition? November is TMJ Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to assess your jaw health and seek appropriate care if necessary.

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Whether you’re going out of town for the holidays or staying home, the hustle and bustle that comes with the last few weeks of the year can be overwhelming. That’s why it’s so important that you are proactive about staying on-track with your Invisalign treatment! Otherwise, you can add weeks or months to your timeline, postponing your results even further. Don’t worry – there are a few simple steps that will help you enjoy the holiday season with Invisalign. Read on to learn what they are!

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