How we use technology in sleep dentistry

Sleep Easy Dentistry uses the latest technology to assist in diagnosing and treating sleep disorders. Learn more about the relationship between technology and sleep -- and how we can help you get a good night's sleep!

​Our Cutting-Edge Technology Helps Restore Your Sleep
When you think about it, sleep and technology are two things that don’t seem to mix. Sleeping might be the most low-tech thing we do, and we know that looking at technology screens that emit blue light can disrupt your sleep. Nonetheless, at Sleep Easy Dentistry, we rely on innovative technology to give us unique insights into your airway and the sleep disorder you may be experiencing.

The Limits of Visual Examination
During your initial consultation at Sleep Easy, Dr. Osborne or one of our other highly qualified team members will spend some time going over your symptoms and examining your mouth and face for anatomical characteristics that can signify sleep apnea.
While this visual examination is important, it does not tell us much when it comes to any internal anatomical structures that may be affecting your sleep quality. Luckily for our patients, we have a secret weapon: CT Cone Beam Technology.

What is Cone Beam Technology?
Our CT Cone Beam digital scanner allows us to create a three-dimensional scan of our patients’ airways. This helps us spot internal characteristics of your airway that may be contributing to snoring or sleep apnea. For example, we can see the shape and size of your airway at different points in your head and neck. Even better, our office is lucky to have a CT Cone Beam digital scanner on site, so you don’t have to take any additional time out of your busy schedule!

Relying on the Experts
Of course, simply creating a 3D picture of your airway does not automatically generate insight as to what’s causing your sleep issues. Our office sends each Cone Beam CT digital scan to the oral and maxillofacial radiologists at BeamReaders. Once we get the report from the experts, Dr. Osborne and our team can begin considering next steps.

Intraoral Scanner
After viewing the 3D Cone Beam Scan and your report from BeamReaders, Dr. Osborne might determine that an oral appliance is the most effective way to treat your sleeping issues. This appliance fits over your teeth and subtly adjusts your jaw into the optimal position during sleep, allowing your airway to work effectively.

In the past, we fit these oral appliances by taking time-consuming molds and sending them away to a lab. Now, our team uses an intraoral scanner to digitally scan each individual tooth. We send this information to the oral appliance manufacturer which 3D prints your customized oral appliance and sends it to our office in just a few weeks. Not only is this method quicker, it is more accurate!

To learn more about the innovative technology we use at Sleep Easy or to ask our team any questions, call our office today at (210) 202-0692.
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