The Records Process Archives - Eggert Family Dentistry Blog

Seattle Protocol Therapy – Molly’s Story

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

How did this start?

Molly came to us with questions during her recare appointment. She had recently had a sleep study done with her doctor and had been diagnosed with Mild Sleep Apnea. She was given a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine to try, but wanted to know her other options as the CPAP wasn’t working out that well for her. CPAP therapy is the “gold standard” treatment for sleep apnea, but due to the high air pressure needed to prevent the collapse of the airway, some patients find that they just can’t tolerate the therapy. Molly knew about the Seattle Protocol from our blog articles and wanted to know more.

Molly suffered from acid reflux and had severe demineralization and decay with her teeth. She told us she never really slept well and had been taking Ambien for 15 years to help with her sleep issues. Despite the medication, she still found that most afternoons or evenings she needed a nap to help combat her excessive fatigue.

What did Molly want?

Molly wanted to sleep better. She didn’t want to be so fatigued. And, she wanted something more comfortable than the CPAP option for her sleep issues. We talked to Molly about the possibility to undergo the Seattle Protocol to see if using a nighttime appliance could help her sleep better. The Seattle Protocol is a six-step process that runs patients through different types of appliance options to see what is the most non-invasive appliance/splint to improve sleep. Typically at one of the six stages, patients will feel better and the symptoms they have from sleep-disordered breathing or sleep apnea will improve significantly. With the Seattle Protocol, each step builds upon the last, but patients don’t necessarily need to complete the entire process as the purpose of the protocol is to determine the phase that provides the best relief of symptoms.

What was involved?

We did a comprehensive evaluation of Molly’s bite and function to be sure that having her wear a nighttime appliance wouldn’t trigger any joint, muscle, or teeth issues for her. Then, we started Molly with the first phase of the Protocol – Nose Clearing and Mouth Taping. The purpose of mouth taping is to keep your body breathing through your nose, which is the most healthy way to breathe. Mouth taping should only be done under a doctor or dentist supervision, however. Molly did well with the mouth taping and then we worked her through the Protocol using the myTap appliance. The different stages of the Protocol involve different parts of myTap.

Moving through the stages of the Protocol, Molly reported that she was sleeping better and napping less. She found the Stage 3 version of the myTap appliance to be the most effective for her. In this stage, the patient wears a lower arch appliance that holds them in a more forward position.

Molly tried stages 4 and 5 as well, but really felt the most comfortable and the most rested in the Stage 3 appliance so we took impressions of her mouth and had a Mandibular Pull Forward appliance fabricated to custom fit her mouth.

What does Molly think now?

Molly loves her nighttime appliance. She has been wearing it nearly 3 years now and doesn’t want to go back! She reports, “It has just made such a huge difference in being able to function in everyday life. I used to have to take an hour nap every day, but don’t have to anymore.” Molly has had no issues with her teeth or bite changing, as this can be a real side-effect of traditional sleep apnea appliances. She finds her appliance very comfortable.

Molly notes that it might be easy to perceive the Seattle Protocol as being a “great inconvenience,” but she wants to assure people that “IT JUST IS NOT!” Getting used to mouth taping and having an appliance in her mouth were something new, but Molly is so glad she did it because “I couldn’t tolerate the CPAP and my appliance is just SO much better!”

She was very happy to work with Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and liked the attention she paid to having a shared goal. If you have sleep issues, Molly would recommend you have a conversation with the team at Eggert Family Dentistry.

“The entire team is amazing!”

Full Mouth Reconstruction: The Importance of Treatment Planning

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

Whether you’re dealing with extensive tooth loss from injury or aging or severe tooth decay, if you have an array of dental issues that have been causing you problems, you may be a candidate for a full mouth reconstruction.

A full mouth reconstruction is a comprehensive dental treatment that involves restoring or replacing all of the teeth in a patient’s mouth. This process usually includes a combination of restorative, cosmetic, and orthodontic or surgical procedures to address a variety of dental problems, such as missing teeth, tooth decay, gum disease, and bite issues.

As with all complex processes, it’s imperative to plan your course of action ahead of time if you want the best outcome. For a full mouth reconstruction, Eggert Family Dentistry provides quality treatment planning which involves careful assessments, diagnosis, and treatment.

Let’s take a look at the importance of treatment planning for a full mouth reconstruction:

1. Getting an Accurate Diagnosis and Assessment

Treatment planning for a full mouth reconstruction starts with a comprehensive dental examination as part of our Records Process. The Records Process includes gathering x-rays, photographs, and impressions of the teeth and gums. The examination will allow Dr. Jeff Eggert and Dr. Elizabeth Eggert to take note of any bite issues, jaw problems, or esthetic concerns. With this information, we can then make an accurate diagnosis that will help us develop a treatment plan that meets your specific needs and goals.

2. Creating a Customized Treatment Plan That Meets Your Unique Needs

Because every patient’s dental needs and goals are unique, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to a treatment plan for a full mouth reconstruction. A customized treatment plan will be developed based on your dental assessments and preferences.

At this stage, Dr. Jeff Eggert or Dr. Elizabeth Eggert will provide a detailed explanation of why we recommend a certain course of treatment and what it involves. This plan will outline the recommended procedures and expected timeline for completion. We will review the entire treatment plan with you, including follow-up visits, and provide you with instructions to support your treatment plan at home. During this stage, we may also create a dental mock-up, or a 3-D model of your smile that will show you the expected outcome of your treatment.

3. Taking A Comprehensive Approach to Treatment

A full mouth reconstruction typically involves multiple dental procedures, such as dental implants, crowns, bridges, and veneers. Oftentimes, ways to improve the bite, like splint therapy or orthodontics may also be indicated. Dr. Jeff Eggert or Dr. Elizabeth Eggert will work to improve the overall look of your smile. The entire treatment will likely take multiple office visits.

4. Minimizing Treatment Time and Cost

Treatment planning for a full mouth reconstruction is essential for minimizing treatment time and cost. By carefully outlining the procedures and optimizing their outcomes, we can reduce the number of visits needed and the duration of the treatment. Additionally, a detailed treatment plan will help you understand the cost of each procedure and plan accordingly, avoiding unexpected expenses.

5. Creating a Better Patient Experience

Treatment planning for a full mouth reconstruction is critical for ensuring a better patient experience. A comprehensive approach that addresses prior dental issues and meets all your goals will help minimize pain, discomfort, and anxiety during the treatment. Additionally, a detailed treatment plan will help you understand the process, prepare for the procedures, and have realistic expectations about the outcome.

Let the Experts at Eggert Family Dentistry Plan Your Treatment

At Eggert Family Dentistry, we understand that quality treatment planning is crucial for a successful full mouth reconstruction. If you’re considering a full mouth reconstruction, it’s essential to work with a qualified and experienced dentist who can develop a detailed treatment plan and guide you through the process. If you’re interested in talking to Dr. Jeff Eggert or Dr. Elizabeth Eggert about a full mouth reconstruction, contact us today or give us a call at 651.482.8412. We look forward to creating a plan to achieve your healthiest, most beautiful smile!

How Eggert Family Dentistry Uses “The Records Process” and Mock-Up Procedures to Create New Smiles

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

Our smile is often the first thing that people notice about us, and it plays a significant role in our self-esteem and overall well-being. People who experience frequent dental problems, however, can feel robbed of that sense of contentment and confidence. Fortunately, advances in modern dentistry have made it possible to transform even the most challenging smiles into works of art.

At Eggert Family Dentistry, we believe that everyone deserves to feel proud of their smile, which is why we use a combination of the records process and mock-up procedures to create new, beautiful smiles for our patients.

While the records process provides the foundation for developing a comprehensive treatment plan, dental mock-ups provide a visual “preview” of the proposed treatment outcome. Let’s explore how these techniques work and find out if they can help you achieve the smile of your dreams.

What is The Records Process?

The records process is a crucial step in the diagnostic and treatment planning process. It involves gathering and organizing all the necessary information about your dental and medical history, current oral health status, and treatment goals to create a comprehensive care plan.

The records process typically includes the following steps:

Comprehensive dental exam: For this exam, Dr. Jeff Eggert or Dr. Elizabeth Eggert will perform a thorough examination of your teeth, gums, and oral tissues. This may include taking dental x-rays, photographs, and impressions or scans of your teeth and bite.
Medical and dental history: We will then review your medical and dental history, including any medications or supplements you are taking, past dental treatments, any relevant medical conditions, or pain issues.
Diagnostic tests: We may order additional tests or procedures to aid in the diagnosis and treatment planning process. This may include periodontal (gum) assessments, oral cancer screenings, and sleep questionnaires.
Occlusal (Bite) Analysis: We will ask you to move your jaw through different motions as well as palpate your TMJ and muscles to check for consistencies with your bite.
Treatment plan: Based on the information gathered during the records process, we’ll develop a customized treatment plan that addresses your unique needs and goals. This plan may include splint, restorative, cosmetic, or orthodontic procedures, as well as recommendations for sleep or medical follow-up, at-home oral hygiene, or preventive care.

Patient Stories:

The records process is essential for ensuring accurate diagnoses, effective treatment planning, and successful outcomes. It also provides a baseline for monitoring our patients’ progress and adjusting treatment plans as needed.

For example, our patient “M” had recently undergone corrective jaw surgery, but was still experiencing issues with his bite. To make sure we got a holistic picture of M’s oral issues post-op, we put him through the records process and were able to determine that he needed to have his front teeth lengthened slightly to correct his occlusal imbalance. (Read M’s full story here.)

The records process also helps us to determine external factors that may be contributing to our patients’ dental problems. For example, our patient Tom needed a full mouth reconstruction, but we were concerned that his bruxism would damage his new implants if we didn’t correct the underlying cause of it. Because the records process provided comprehensive knowledge of Tom’s other symptoms, Dr. Elizabeth Eggert was able to recommend further treatment that allowed Tom to sleep better and breathe easier at night. (Read Tom’s full story here.)

What is a Dental Mock-Up?

If the records process is the “blueprint” for your treatment plan, then the dental mock-up is the architectural model.

A dental mock-up is a procedure used to create a three-dimensional replica of your teeth, gums, and surrounding tissues. It involves creating a temporary model of the desired outcome of a dental procedure, such as a full mouth reconstruction, to allow you and Dr. Jeff Eggert or Dr. Elizabeth Eggert to preview the results before moving forward with the treatment.

During the mock-up process, Dr. Elizabeth Eggert or Dr. Jeff Eggert will use dental material, such as wax or composite resin, to build up or reshape your teeth. This will allow you to see how your new smile will look and make any necessary adjustments.

Dental mock-ups are most commonly used for cosmetic procedures, such as porcelain veneers or an arch of new dental crowns. They are a valuable tool for both our office and our patients, as they allow for better communication and collaboration in the treatment planning process.

Are You Experiencing Constant Dental Problems?

At Eggert Family Dentistry, we take a holistic approach to oral health and want to make sure our patients not only have a beautiful smile, but a comfortable one too. If you’re experiencing a constellation of oral health problems and are interested in learning more about these unique smile-transformation techniques, please contact us or call us at 651.482.8412 to schedule an appointment!

Implant Supported Dentures vs. the All-on-4 Technique: Which is Right for You?

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

While traditional dentures are an effective solution for some patients, they also can come with a few downsides. Because the bony support that holds the dentures in the mouth changes over time, traditional dentures tend to move while patients eat or talk.

Luckily, when it comes to choosing dentures, our patients have more options than ever. Patients who are looking for a stronger, more tooth-like restoration solution may consider either Implant supported dentures or the All-on-4 technique.

While both of these options rely on dental implants to support the denture, these solutions have key differences as well. Below, we’ve compared each to help you decide which treatment option is right for you.

Implant Supported Dentures

What are they?

Implant supported dentures are a more stable, modern version of regular dentures. Just like traditional dentures, implant supported dentures can replace a full set of upper or lower teeth. Unlike traditional dentures, however, the dentures have much better anchorage as the implants are stabilized into the jaw bone. Usually, the denture is attached to 4-6 implants that act like tooth roots and help them stay in place.

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots, often made of titanium, that are surgically implanted into the jaw after a tooth has been removed. During the healing process, the implant will fuse with the jawbone, creating a permanent replacement for the missing tooth. Implants keep bone intact, therefore preventing the bone loss that’s common with traditional dentures.

The Implant supported dentures snap onto the implants, which hold them securely throughout the day. This significantly decreases denture movement, and gives them a greater biting force than traditional dentures, putting crunchy foods like apples and granola back on the table for patients with these dentures.

Who Can Get Them?

The best candidates for Implant supported dentures are patients who’ve recently lost their teeth since these patients still have better bone density to support the dental implants. The longer a patient is without teeth, the more bone loss will occur and it is difficult for implants to integrate successfully.

Patients who have been wearing traditional dentures may still be able to switch to Implant supported dentures if they haven’t yet experienced major bone loss. These patients will need to discuss their options with Dr. Elizabeth Eggert or Dr. Jeff Eggert to see if their jawbone can still support this type of denture. Occasionally, it is possible to place bone grafts to improve the chance of a successful outcome.

All-on-4 Technique

What is it?

The All-on-4® technique is a revolutionary method that offers full-arch replacement on as few as four implants. The All-on-4 technique is similar to Implant supported dentures in that it uses implants to secure the prosthesis. However, this implant technique is designed to maximize the existing jawbone and stays fixed in the mouth, which helps to make everything look and work much more like natural teeth.

Who can get them?

The best candidates for the All-on-4 technique are patients who need a full arch dental replacement option and that want the prosthetic to look and function the most like their natural teeth.

What is the procedure like?

The All-on-4 technique requires digital pre-planning so the surgery can be completed virtually first. Because of this pre-planning, the surgery goes smoothly and most often a temporary version of the prosthetic is placed onto the implants on the same day as the surgery!

What is the recovery period?

The recovery period is the same as it would be for Implant supported dentures, with the initial post-surgery recovery including 72 hours of rest, and the full recovery period lasting anywhere from 6-12 months.

Have Questions About Dentures?

If you’re still unsure whether you’re a candidate for Implant supported dentures or the All-on-4 technique, call Eggert Family Dentistry and schedule an appointment to talk with Dr. Jeff or Dr. Elizabeth Eggert about your unique dental situation. We’ll be happy to walk you through all your options and help you choose the treatment that best suits your needs. Contact us today or call us at 651.482.8412 to schedule your next appointment. We look forward to helping you have a smile you can be proud of!

All About Partial Dentures: What Can You Expect When You Get Them?

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

When most people think of dentures, they think of a prosthetic that replaces the entire upper or lower set of teeth (or both). But when you only have a few teeth missing, and your remaining teeth are healthy, partial dentures can be an effective solution to bridge the gap.

Partial dentures help fill in your smile, improve speech, and make chewing more comfortable, among other benefits. If you’re considering partial dentures, you likely have many questions. The purpose of this blog is to help answer as many of those questions as possible.

Here’s a snapshot of what to expect with partial dentures, as well as tips for taking good care of them.

What Are Partial Dentures and How Do They Work?

Partial dentures are a type of prosthetic restorative that fills in gaps left by sections of missing teeth. They function similarly to full dentures, but for a smaller portion of your mouth.

When you get partial dentures, they will be matched to the shape and color of your teeth and gums. The dentures sit on a base that rests on your gums, which is typically made of acrylic. The artificial teeth themselves are typically made of porcelain or acrylic. Finally, a set of fasteners that grasp the adjoining teeth will hold the partial dentures in place. These connectors can be made from metal or plastic.

Partial dentures are removable. Unlike a dental bridge, partial dentures usually don’t require much change to the surrounding teeth to hold them in place.

Creating your partial dentures is a simple, painless process:

Dr. Elizabeth Eggert or Dr. Jeff Eggert will take impressions of your teeth and measure your jaw.
They’ll then have a partial denture framework made, which they’ll use to double-check the fit and make necessary adjustments.
Once the framework fits well, they will ask for a try-in version of your partial denture and that will be checked again before the final partial denture is made.
Then you’ll get your final partial denture and you can start wearing it right away.

This process can take several appointments over multiple weeks (or in some cases months). Dr. Elizabeth Eggert or Dr. Jeff Eggert can give you a more detailed timeline of how long it will take to get your partial dentures, depending on your personal situation.

How to Care for Partial Dentures

Caring for your partial dentures isn’t difficult and won’t take a lot of extra work. But there are a few things you should do to keep them in top shape as long as possible.

Putting Them In

Putting your new dentures in properly will take some practice. It may be difficult at first, and they may feel bulky or uncomfortable. Over time, you’ll adjust to them and they’ll feel more comfortable in your mouth.

Never force your dentures into place when inserting them. If you bite down on them when they’re in the wrong position, you could break something.

Cleaning

Partial dentures are easy to clean. Simply brush them at least twice daily (or after each meal, whenever possible).

However, don’t use your regular toothpaste and toothbrush to clean your dentures. Instead, use a soft-bristled denture brush and a denture cleaner. Regular toothpaste or other cleaners can be too harsh and cause damage to the plastic of your dentures. And since dentures can break, it’s best to clean them over a bowl of water or a towel in case you drop them.

In addition to cleaning your dentures properly, you’ll also want to pay special attention to the gums and natural teeth on either side of the partial dentures to ensure they stay healthy.

Storage

You should wear your new dentures at all times, except at night. Take your dentures out at night because your dentures need a break from all their hard work (and so does your mouth!).

Before you go to bed, remove your partial dentures, clean them, and then soak them in cold water or a denture cleaning solution overnight. It is important to keep dentures moist at all times, so never skip this step.

Are Partial Dentures Right for You?

Now that you know what to expect with partial dentures, you might have a better idea of whether they would be a good solution for your missing teeth. Of course, Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert will be more than happy to help you make this determination as well.

Simply schedule an appointment with Dr. Elizabeth Eggert or Dr. Jeff Eggert to discuss the available options to meet your dental needs and determine if partial dentures are the right choice for you.

When Is It Time for Dentures?

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

Whether or not you need dentures depends on your unique oral situation. We are lucky to be in an age where very few people are unable to keep their natural teeth for a lifetime. However, even with a lifetime of quality care, it is possible to end up in a situation where dentures make the most sense as a tooth replacement option.

Let’s discuss what dentures are, how they work, and when it’s time to come in for an appointment to see if dentures are right for you.

What Are Dentures and How Do They Work?

Traditional dentures are a set of false teeth that can replace all upper or lower teeth. They attach to a gum-colored, acrylic base that sits directly over your gum tissue. These dentures are removable, and sometimes need adhesive strips or paste to help them stay in.

Not only can dentures improve the appearance of the smile, but they also support the structure of the cheeks and lips. Dentures are often used as the solution for advanced cases of:

Tooth loss
Tooth decay
Tooth pain
Tooth injury
Tooth and gum infection

While many patients report that dentures take time to get used to, dentures allow patients to look fairly normal when they smile, talk, and chew food, after an adjustment period, of course.

What are Dentures Made Of?

Dentures haven’t changed much in nearly 100 years, but in the last few years, innovations in 3D printing and design, have allowed for some new opportunities in denture design. If you don’t look too closely, they can look like real teeth. They have a gum-colored acrylic base and artificial teeth that can be made of porcelain, plastic, or hard resin.

Even though they’re false teeth, it’s important to care for your dentures as if they are real by brushing them daily to remove food particles and oral bacteria. Additionally, take care not to drop them or damage them, as they can become cracked.

It is also important to give your gum tissues a break and take your dentures out every night. Remove them before bed and place them in warm water or a denture cleaning solution like Efferdent.

2 Signs You Might Need Dentures

If you have any of the following dental conditions, it may be time to make an appointment with Dr. Eggert to see if dentures are right for you.

Loose or missing teeth. Loose teeth can be a sign of periodontal (gum) disease and usually mean you are losing bone support for your teeth. At a certain point, if too much bone is lost, it becomes too difficult to treat the periodontal disease and Dr. Eggert may recommend that the most healthy treatment option is to remove the infected teeth and replace them with dentures.
Chronic toothaches or non-restorable teeth. If you have chronic tooth infections and toothaches, it may be a sign that your teeth can no longer be restored or saved. The bacteria cannot be managed in any way other than the extraction of the teeth. Dr. Eggert will remove the infected teeth and dentures can replace what is lost.

Types of Dentures

Full Dentures

Full dentures replace all the teeth in your mouth and can either be conventional or immediate. Conventional dentures are made after your teeth have been removed, allowing the gums to heal. On the other hand, immediate dentures are made prior to surgery and can be placed immediately after tooth removal. (Immediate dentures will need many more adjustments as the gums heal and usually have to be remade within 1-2 years.)

Partial Dentures

A partial denture is a set of replacement teeth that attach to any remaining natural teeth. Typically, partial dentures use the same tooth and gum-colored acrylic of full dentures but are attached to a metal framework. Some all-plastic options are available today and these plastic frameworks have become much stronger than in the past and are typically thought to be more esthetic overall.

Implant Supported Denture

An implant supported denture, sits on the gums and is anchored into place with dental implants. Implant supported dentures can be designed to be removable or fixed in place. These dentures are much more secure than traditional dentures since the implants anchor very much like natural tooth roots. They can look very natural and can last a long time.

How Long Will It Take to Get My Dentures?

The process of getting dentures usually takes anywhere from a few weeks to many months. During your first appointment at Eggert Family Dentistry, Dr. Elizabeth Eggert or Dr. Jeff Eggert will need to determine which type of denture is right for you. Then, the process of fabricating dentures typically includes many impressions and try-in appointments to make sure the design will work best for you!

Think You Need Dentures? Call Us!

Getting older doesn’t have to mean losing your beautiful smile! If you think you might benefit from dentures, give Eggert Family Dentistry a call at 651.482.8412. Dr. Jeff Eggert or Dr. Elizabeth Eggert can address your concerns and discuss all the options available to you.

Sometimes the Results are Worth the Wait – M’s Story

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

How did this start?

M (name omitted by request) has been a loyal patient of Eggert Family Dentistry for nearly 20 years, since even before Dr. Elizabeth’s time. In 2013, M underwent jaw surgery, also known as orthognathic (or-thog-NATH-ik) surgery, which corrects irregularities of the jaw bones and realigns the jaws and teeth to improve the way they work.

In December 2015, during a recare visit, he mentioned that he had to force his muscles to bite correctly and wondered if that was normal after jaw surgery. He also noted that his teeth were jagged and did not have a clean line. He didn’t want to think about them all the time, like when eating or when looking at himself in photos.

At that time, M decided to undergo our records process to determine how lengthening his front teeth would help improve his bite. While M’s bite was improved after his orthodontics and jaw surgery, there had been enough prior damage to the teeth and the joints that M still had some bite imbalances after he healed from his surgery.

After working up M’s case, Dr. Elizabeth determined that with six upper veneers to lengthen his front teeth and some minor equilibration to even out high spots in his bite, M should feel better about both how his teeth fit together and with how they look.

What did M want?

M wanted to get rid of the gap he saw between his lateral and canine incisors and he wanted no chips on the front teeth. He wanted a whiter and brighter smile as well without all the white lines on his natural teeth.

What was involved?

Dr. Elizabeth started the case by mocking up the new shape of the teeth on dental models. M really liked the result. We started the treatment by evening out M’s bite with equilibration. Then, impressions of his new bite were taken and sent to the dental lab so a lab wax-up could be completed. This gave us the actual blue print for his new teeth. In the interim, M underwent the Zoom In-Office Whitening procedure to brighten his teeth to the desired color for his new veneers. Soon after the whitening procedure, M came for his preparation appointment and then 2 weeks later, his veneers were carefully inserted.

What does M think?

In his final interview, M was asked how he felt about his course of treatment and his decision to complete the veneers. He said, “I was concerned about it being painful or that there were going to be a lot of appointments to complete the treatment. While there were a lot of appointments, the time went quickly and it was painless.” He is very happy with the outcome and would recommend that anyone thinking of getting veneers to just get them done! He said it was easy to have an open dialogue with Dr. Elizabeth and it was great to have a solid plan along the way.

M did say that he hasn’t had many comments on his veneers, but he’s glad about that because he wanted everything to look very natural.

M’s story is just one of many others who have experienced magnificent results with Dr. Elizabeth Eggert. Veneers can yield beautiful and predictable results for accomplishing an improved smile. At Eggert Family Dentistry, we love providing “Dentistry for a Lifetime of Smiles” – thanks M for trusting us to help you continue to smile big and now more confidently!

Teeth Grinding: Long Term Effects and Treatment Options

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

We all have different ways and different places we hold stress in the body. Some of us have a tense neck or tight shoulders or a tender lower back, which can all be stress responses to the ups and downs of this complicated world we live in.

From a dental perspective, there’s one stress response we frequently notice in some patients’ mouths: bruxism.

Bruxism is just a fancy word with Greek origins that means grinding the teeth. (It’s also a pretty good Scrabble word to keep in your back pocket, if you’re into that kind of thing.)

People with bruxism may grind or clench their teeth during waking hours without really noticing it, or they may grind or clench their teeth while they sleep. Either way, many or most bruxers aren’t aware that they grind or clench unless someone else alerts them to the situation, such as a dental professional or a sleeping partner. In fact, some bruxers don’t inflict serious damage on their teeth, and discover their bruxism habit due to TMJ problems, chronic headaches, or by recognizing how tense their jaw muscles tend to be.

However, bruxism can have very negative consequences on dental and oral health. Over time, people with bruxism can wear their teeth down to flattened surfaces with an even, square appearance. They may even end up with chipped, loose or even fractured teeth. What’s more, grinding and clenching can damage dental restorations such as crowns or fillings and cause premature failure.

Treating Bruxism with a Dental Splint

There are a variety of ways to treat bruxism.

The simplest treatment protects your teeth instantly: An occlusal appliance. This is a custom dental splint designed to be worn while sleeping. It prevents your teeth from touching and it also absorbs bite force. These are different from mouth guards, which are designed to protect your teeth from high-speed foreign objects like baseballs, hockey pucks, or impact with the ground.

Dental splints get high scores in protecting your teeth, but depending on how they are designed, they don’t always discourage the urge to grind, so patients may still suffer from other effects of grinding such as headaches, TMJ issues, and poor jaw mobility.

Other Treatments for Bruxism

There are other potential treatments for bruxism that aim to stop or discourage the grinding behavior, which will help alleviate those non-dental consequences listed above.

These treatments include:

Treatment for airway issues that may be causing the grinding
Prescription medications
Botulinum neurotoxin type A, more commonly known by the brand name Botox
Counter stimulation, such a small electrical impulse that’s activated by clenching
Treating the underlying stress or anxiety that may be causing the bruxism
Behavioral techniques such as biofeedback therapy

Here at Eggert Family Dentistry, Dr. Jeff and Dr. Elizabeth screen for evidence of bruxism during our exams. If your teeth indicate any damage from grinding, we’re here to partner with you in resolving the problem. Likewise, if you’re experiencing any symptoms that could indicate bruxism, such as jaw pain and stiffness, chronic headaches and more, be sure to let us know so we can help you overcome this destructive and uncomfortable activity.

Prolonged teeth grinding or clenching has the potential to damage your teeth irreversibly, so it’s worth taking every possible measure to overcome bruxism and to mitigate its erosive effect on your teeth. We look forward to helping you overcome bruxism and enjoy healthy teeth and reduced jaw and facial tension. Call us today at 651.482.8412 to schedule your next appointment.

The Seattle Protocol – Tom’s Story

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

How Did This Start?

Tom’s journey began in 2014 when he came to us as a new patient looking to improve his oral health and the appearance of his teeth. During his comprehensive exam, Dr. Elizabeth found the main areas of concern to be the excessive wear, erosion and fracturing of Tom’s teeth. Dr. Elizabeth recommended Tom go through the records process (you can learn more about the records process here) and based on the information gathered during that process, she recommended a full-mouth reconstruction to address his uneven bite and rebuild his broken teeth. Throughout the process of reconstruction, it became clear that the amount of force in Tom’s bite was putting too much pressure on even his temporary crowns, which resulted in the temporaries cracking or falling out on more than one occasion. Dr. Elizabeth was concerned that even after completing the full mouth reconstruction, Tom would have underlying issues. Given Tom’s other symptoms, including difficulty breathing through his nose, dry mouth and use of a CPAP machine, Dr. Elizabeth recommended Tom complete the Seattle Protocol to help address his airway patency.

What Was Involved?

The Seattle Protocol is a six-step process that helps patients with symptoms of sleep-disordered breathing and other conditions determine whether a compromised airway is contributing to their ailments. Each step builds upon the last, but patients don’t necessarily need to complete the entire process as the purpose of the protocol is to determine the phase that provides the best relief of symptoms. You can learn more about the Seattle Protocol and each of the steps here. Throughout the process, Tom noticed improvements in his symptoms such as dry mouth, decreased clenching and grinding, and less waking throughout the night.

What Have Tom’s Results Been?

After completing five of the six steps of the Seattle Protocol, Dr. Elizabeth fabricated a sleep appliance for Tom to continue to improve his airway patency, reduce his bruxism and help him sleep better. Tom has now been using his sleep appliance for over a month and says the results so far have been great! He’s noticed less clenching and jaw pain and experienced an overall improvement in his sleep. Tom said that going through the Seattle Protocol helped him better understand the connection between his sleep and airway issues and he appreciates Dr. Elizabeth’s thorough explanation and care throughout each stage.

The Power of the Records Process – John’s Story

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

How did this start?

John had existing restorations on some of his upper front teeth which were done several years prior and were beginning to break down and decay. John wanted to preserve the function of his teeth and was also interested in improving their appearance. Dr. Elizabeth recommended he go through the Records Process to determine the best way to restore his teeth.

What is the Records Process?

The Records Process consists of two appointments. At John’s first appointment, Dr. Elizabeth took x-rays and photos of his teeth and did a comprehensive muscle and joint evaluation. She also took impressions of his teeth that she used to make models of his mouth. Over the next couple of weeks, Dr. Elizabeth used these models in conjunction with the information collected at his Records Appointment to analyze the current condition of John’s teeth and develop a treatment plan for him. She then put all of this information into a PowerPoint presentation that she reviewed with John when he returned for the second appointment, his case presentation.

What was revealed during the Records Process?

The details of the Records Process revealed that the current position of John’s teeth was putting them at high risk for continued wear. Dr. Elizabeth told John that if she replaced his veneer on his upper front tooth without addressing his bite and the position of his teeth, it was likely to eventually break or begin to decay again, and his other teeth would be more susceptible to wear. John also indicated that he frequently had muscle pain in his neck and after listening to all the connections Dr. Elizabeth made at his case presentation, he wondered if it might be related to clenching his teeth.

What did Dr. Elizabeth recommend?

Dr. Elizabeth recommended starting with splint therapy so that John’s jaw muscles would be more relaxed and stable for eventual tooth movement. Dr. Elizabeth suggested he use an anterior deprogrammer, a small appliance worn on the upper front teeth to prevent the back teeth from touching and clenching together. After using the anterior deprogrammer for six months and undergoing some physical therapy for whole body alignment, John stopped clenching almost completely and noticed a significant improvement in his muscle pain. Dr. Elizabeth determined that he was ready to move forward with orthodontics.
Dr. Elizabeth recommended orthodontics for John to move his teeth into the ideal position before restoring them and set them up for less wear over time. Dr. Elizabeth thought John would be a good candidate for Invisalign, and John elected to do that instead of traditional braces. He completed his Invisalign treatment, after wearing a total of 42 aligners, in about one year.

Next, Dr. Elizabeth recommended the Zoom! whitening in-office bleaching procedure to get John the whiter smile he wanted. After his two-hour session, John was happy to see that his teeth had lightened by three full shades.

With his teeth being his desired shade, John was ready for his final restorations. John wanted his upper front teeth to be uniform in shape and size. For this reason, he decided to do veneers on all of his upper front teeth. Dr. Elizabeth worked with a local lab to create a wax model of the veneers so John could make sure he was happy with their size and shape before having the final restorations fabricated. John went through the veneer procedures and in a short time, had his final smile.

What does John think of his new smile?

From the beginning, John was very excited about his treatment and the prospect of improving not only the function and appearance of his teeth, but also his overall health. John had been experiencing neck and hip pain for about a year before undergoing the records process and is thrilled that the combination of splint therapy and physical therapy has resolved his issues. He loves the appearance of his smile with his new veneers and he’s happy knowing that they will function properly and because he opted for the most comprehensive treatment, he will have the most long-term predictability.

When asked what he would say to someone considering similar treatment, John said “Do it! Your teeth are important and the associated effects are important too”.