Other Treatments

Sleep Apnea Treatment

Do you snore loudly or wake up breathless in the middle of the night? If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, you may be one of more than 12 million Americans who are affected by sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea is a condition in which your breathing stops periodically during sleep, as often as 20 to 30 times per hour. Each time you stop breathing in your sleep, the resulting lack of oxygen alerts your brain, which temporarily wakes you up to restart proper breathing.

Since the time spent awake is so brief, most people with sleep apnea don’t remember it. Many feel like they are getting a good night’s sleep when, in fact, they are not. The constant wake-sleep, wake-sleep cycle prevents those with sleep apnea from achieving deep sleep, resulting in a constant drowsy feeling during the day.

The following symptoms can indicate the presence of sleep apnea. If you notice one or more of these, contact our practice to see how orthodontic treatment can help improve your sleep.

• Insomnia or difficulty sleeping
• Waking up at night short of breath
• Snorting or choking sounds during the night (indicating a restart of breathing)
• Loud snoring at night
• Headaches upon waking in the morning
• Falling asleep unintentionally during the day
• Extreme drowsiness throughout the day

What does treatment look like?

There are three categories of sleep apnea. The most common is called obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and occurs due to a physical blockage, usually the collapsing of the soft tissue in the back of the throat. Less common is central sleep apnea (CSA), in which breathing stops because the muscles involved don’t receive the proper signal from the brain. And some people suffer from “mixed” or “complex” sleep apnea, which is a combination of obstructive and central.

Treatments for sleep apnea depend on the severity of each individual case, and the type of apnea. Basic treatment can be behavioral — for instance, patients are instructed to lose weight, stop smoking, or sleep on their sides instead of on their backs.Beyond that, oral devices can be used to position the mouth in such a way that prevents throat blockage. In more severe cases, surgery may be the best option.

Surgical Orthodontic Care

Oral and maxillofacial surgery corrects a wide spectrum of issues in the head, neck, face, jaws, and the hard and soft tissues of the oral and maxillofacial region. It is a recognized international surgical specialty: one of the nine specialties of dentistry recognized by the American Dental Association. While we don’t perform any of the following procedures at Bergen Orthodontics, we play a critical role in the recovery process. Final adjustments will be necessary after any surgical procedure to ensure long-term success.

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are the only recognized dental specialists who, after completing dental school, are surgically trained in an American Dental Association-accredited hospital-based residency program for a minimum of four years. They train alongside medical residents in internal medicine, general surgery, and anesthesiology, and also spend time in otolaryngology (ear, nose, and throat), plastic surgery, emergency medicine, and other specialty areas.

Their training focuses almost exclusively on the hard and soft tissue of the face, mouth, and jaws, and their knowledge and surgical expertise uniquely qualify them to diagnose and treat the functional and aesthetic conditions in this part of the body. Finding a surgeon you can trust can be a challenging process — particularly if you’re dealing with chronic or severe pain. There’s a lot to consider: track record, reputation, cost, and proximity. To make your life a little bit easier, we’re happy to provide our recommendations of the best surgeons in the area.

We will work with your oral surgeon to provide treatment for a wide range of conditions. Each condition comes with its own specific set of challenges that can impact your quality of life. We’re talking about problems speaking, eating, and even sleeping. The right procedure, performed by a qualified surgeon, followed by post-surgery treatment at Bergen Orthodontics, can go a long way in the mitigation of these issues.

At Bergen orthodontics, we specialize in treating patients both before and after oral and maxillofacial surgery. Our processes are thorough, state-of-the-art, and designed to keep your jaw and teeth functioning properly.

TMJ/TMD Treatment

Millions of Americans suffer from chronic facial and neck pain as well as severe, recurring headaches. In some cases, this pain is due to Temporomandibular Disorder, also known as TMD.

Your temporomandibular joints, or TMJs, connect your lower jawbone to your skull. These joints get a lot of use throughout the day as you speak, chew, swallow, and yawn. Pain in and around these joints can be unpleasant and may even restrict movement.

Symptoms of TMD include:

• Pain in the jaw area
• Pain, ringing, or stuffiness in the ears
• Frequent headaches or neck aches
• Clicking or popping sound when the jaw moves
• Muscle spasms in the jaw area
• A change in the alignment of top and bottom teeth
• Locked jaw or limited opening of the mouth

If you notice that you are experiencing any of these symptoms, let us know at your next appointment. Our orthodontists can determine whether you have TMD and create a customized treatment plan to help relieve your symptoms.

If you feel that you might have TMD, it is always important to see a dentist and receive an exam. Not all jaw pain is associated with TMD, however, and if you do not have TMD there are many different preventive steps you can take to maintain a healthy, strong smile.

• Relax your face — “Lips together, teeth apart.”
• Avoid grinding your teeth.
• Don’t cradle the phone receiver between your head and shoulder. Either use a headset or hold the receiver to your ear with your hand.
• Avoid all gum chewing.
• Chew food evenly on both sides of your mouth.
• Do not sit with your chin resting on your hand.
• Practice good posture. Keep your head up, back straight, and shoulders squared.

Many people get TMD without ever having braces. Symptoms usually wax and wane regardless of whether braces are worn. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above and are concerned that you’re a candidate for TMD treatment, please contact our office for a consultation.

Accelerated Treatment (VPro Acceledent)

At Bergen Orthodontics, we understand that many patients want to achieve their perfect smile as quickly as possible. That’s why we offer accelerated treatment with VPro, a cutting-edge device designed to speed up your orthodontic progress. Whether you’re undergoing Invisalign, braces, or another orthodontic treatment, VPro can help reduce the overall treatment time, so you can enjoy your new smile sooner.

VPro is an FDA-approved device that uses gentle vibrations to enhance the movement of your teeth during orthodontic treatment. These vibrations help aligners or braces work more efficiently by increasing cellular activity around the teeth, which promotes faster and more effective tooth movement. The device is easy to use, requiring just five minutes per day for optimal results.

VPro works by delivering high-frequency vibrations to the teeth and surrounding bone. This technology accelerates the natural process of bone remodeling, which is the biological process that allows teeth to move into their new positions during orthodontic treatment. By using VPro in conjunction with your aligners or braces, you can experience faster tooth movement, which means fewer visits to the orthodontist and shorter treatment times.

Benefits of VPro Accelerated Treatment include:

• Faster Treatment Time: One of the most significant advantages of using VPro is that it can shorten your overall treatment time by up to 50%. Whether you’re wearing Invisalign or braces, VPro helps your teeth shift into place more quickly, so you can complete your orthodontic journey in less time.
• Improved Comfort: The gentle vibrations from VPro can also help reduce discomfort during treatment. Many patients report less soreness when using VPro, as the device helps alleviate some of the pressure that comes with tooth movement.
• More Efficient Treatment: VPro helps aligners fit more snugly and braces work more effectively, leading to more predictable results. This increased efficiency means fewer potential adjustments and refinements during your treatment.
• Convenient and Easy to Use: VPro is incredibly simple to incorporate into your daily routine. All it takes is five minutes per day to experience the benefits of accelerated treatment. The device is lightweight, portable, and easy to use at home, making it a convenient addition to your orthodontic care.

Using VPro is quick and easy. Simply insert the mouthpiece, turn the device on, and bite down gently while it vibrates for five minutes. You can do this while watching TV, reading, or going about your regular activities. It’s a simple daily habit that can significantly reduce your time in braces or aligners.

VPro can be used with both traditional braces and Invisalign aligners, making it a versatile option for most orthodontic patients. If you’re looking to speed up your treatment time without sacrificing results, VPro could be an excellent addition to your orthodontic plan.

At Bergen Orthodontics, we are committed to providing our patients with the latest advancements in orthodontic care. VPro offers a safe, effective, and convenient way to accelerate your treatment, so you can enjoy your new smile faster than ever before.

Cleft Palate Cases

Cleft palate is a congenital condition that occurs when the tissue that forms the roof of the mouth doesn’t fully come together during fetal development. This condition can lead to various challenges, including difficulties with feeding, speech, and dental alignment. At Bergen Orthodontics, we understand the unique needs of patients with cleft palate and are committed to providing comprehensive orthodontic treatment to help them achieve functional and aesthetic oral health.

Orthodontic treatment plays a vital role in managing the dental and skeletal issues associated with cleft palate. Here’s how our orthodontic services can make a difference:

• Improving Alignment and Function: Children with cleft palate often experience misalignment of their teeth and jaws due to the altered anatomy. Orthodontic treatment can help align the teeth and jaws, improving functionality and making it easier for patients to bite, chew, and speak properly.
• Enhancing Aesthetic Outcomes: Many patients with cleft palate are concerned about the appearance of their smile. Orthodontic treatment can help correct any dental irregularities, enhancing the overall aesthetics and boosting the patient’s confidence. Our goal is to create a beautiful, functional smile that the patient can be proud of.
• Coordinated Care with Other Specialists: Orthodontic treatment for cleft palate is often part of a multidisciplinary approach involving various healthcare professionals, including oral surgeons, pediatricians, and speech therapists. At Bergen Orthodontics, we work closely with these specialists to develop a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to each patient’s unique needs, ensuring coordinated and effective care.
• Timing of Treatment: The timing of orthodontic intervention is crucial for children with cleft palate. Early evaluation is recommended to monitor the development of the teeth and jaws. Treatment may begin as early as age seven, which allows us to address any alignment issues and guide proper growth and development. In some cases, comprehensive treatment may be necessary once all permanent teeth have erupted, typically in the late teens or early twenties.
• Use of Advanced Techniques: At Bergen Orthodontics, we utilize the latest orthodontic technologies and techniques to provide the best possible care for patients with cleft palate. This includes digital scanning, custom treatment plans, and, when appropriate, accelerated treatment options like VPro to enhance the effectiveness of the orthodontic process.
• Long-Term Support: Orthodontic treatment for cleft palate doesn’t end with the completion of braces or aligners. Patients often require retainers to maintain their new smile and ensure that teeth remain properly aligned. We provide ongoing support and monitoring to address any changes that may occur over time, helping patients maintain optimal oral health throughout their lives.

Orthodontic treatment for cleft palate is a critical step in improving both functionality and appearance. At Bergen Orthodontics, we are dedicated to helping patients with cleft palate navigate their unique orthodontic journey. Our compassionate and experienced team is here to provide personalized care, ensuring that each patient receives the treatment they need to achieve a healthy, beautiful smile.

MARPE

At Bergen Orthodontics, we are proud to offer advanced orthodontic solutions, including MARPE (Minimally Invasive Rapid Palatal Expansion). This innovative technique is designed to widen the upper jaw (maxilla) in a safe and efficient manner, helping to correct various dental issues and improve overall oral function. MARPE is particularly effective for patients who may not be suitable candidates for traditional expansion methods.

MARPE combines the use of temporary anchorage devices (TADs) and a specially designed palatal expander to achieve rapid and effective results. This method allows for greater control and stability during the expansion process, making it a valuable option for both children and adults. By widening the maxilla, MARPE can help address issues such as crossbites, crowding, and improper alignment of the teeth.

TADs

TADs are small screws that are temporarily placed in the bone of the jaw to provide a stable anchor point during orthodontic treatment. They play a crucial role in the MARPE process, offering several advantages:

1. Enhanced Stability: TADs provide a secure anchorage point that minimizes unwanted tooth movement during the expansion process. This stability is essential for achieving precise results and maintaining control over the expansion.
2. Minimized Discomfort: The use of TADs allows for more gentle forces to be applied during the expansion, reducing discomfort for the patient. Since TADs are placed directly in the bone, they help distribute the forces evenly across the dental arch.
3. Versatility: TADs can be used in conjunction with various orthodontic techniques, making them suitable for a wide range of cases. They can be particularly beneficial for patients with limited bone density or those who have previously undergone orthodontic treatment.
4. Reduced Treatment Time: By providing a more efficient anchorage system, TADs can help shorten the overall treatment time. Patients can experience faster and more effective expansion, leading to quicker results.

Expanders

The palatal expander used in conjunction with TADs is designed to gently widen the upper jaw. Here’s how it works and its benefits:

1. How Expanders Work: The palatal expander consists of a device that is attached to the teeth in the upper jaw. Once installed, the expander is gradually activated using a specific key to widen the maxilla. This process typically begins with small adjustments and can be adjusted weekly or as recommended by our orthodontists.
2. Improved Airway: In addition to correcting dental alignment, palatal expanders can also help improve airway function. A wider maxilla can alleviate issues related to breathing, particularly for patients who may suffer from obstructive sleep apnea or other respiratory problems.
3. Correcting Crossbites: Expanders are particularly effective in treating crossbites, where the upper teeth do not align properly with the lower teeth. By widening the upper jaw, the expander can help align the bite and improve overall dental function.
4. Long-Term Stability: The results achieved through MARPE are typically long-lasting. Once the desired expansion is achieved, a retention phase follows to stabilize the changes and ensure that the results are maintained over time.
5. Suitable for All Ages: MARPE can be beneficial for both children and adults. In children, it can help guide jaw growth and prevent future orthodontic complications. In adults, it provides an effective solution for correcting dental issues without the need for surgical intervention.

At Bergen Orthodontics, we are dedicated to providing our patients with the latest advancements in orthodontic treatment. MARPE offers a minimally invasive, efficient solution for those needing palatal expansion. Our experienced team will work closely with you to determine if MARPE is the right option for your specific needs and develop a personalized treatment plan to help you achieve your best smile.