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Opening Airways. Changing Lives 

Science Behind Oral Appliance Therapy

Obstructive sleep apnea and sleep-disordered breathing are complex problems derived from underdevelopment and misalignment of both the maxilla and mandible, often combined with improper body posture. Recent changes in diet adopted by most people in developed countries mean that we are eating softer, more highly processed foods which has affected normal development of our facial bones and muscles. A reduction in the number of mothers nursing their babies for two years or longer is another factor, and this, along with the frequent use of pacifiers, results in underdeveloped lower faces in children. 
 
The outcome of this underdevelopment is an increasing incidence of obstructive sleep apnea and other sleep-disordered breathing cases, even in children as young as two years old. These nighttime breathing problems mean that millions of children and adults alike suffer the continuous stress of fragmented sleep along with the inflammatory effect of lowered oxygenation in the blood. 
 
The long-term effects of this stress are major disorders like hypertension, stroke, diabetes, heart attack and premature death along with metabolic and endocrine disorders. General practitioners, dentists, surgeons and other specialists have developed dozens of solutions that range from uncomfortable appliances covering the face to a variety of surgical attempts to sculpt the maxilla, mandible and soft tissues into revisions that would enable the airway to remain open. While some of these approaches have resulted in relief, they do not correct the structural deficiencies that are the source of the apnea. 

Vivos Biomimetic Oral Appliance

Specific medical research has resulted in the discovery that bone growth can be stimulated in both children and adults, resulting in measurable changes to maxilla and mandible width. The Vivos Biomimetic Oral Appliance is an FDA-approved device that has proven effective in bringing about this correction.  
 
Prescription of the Vivos appliance follows precise measurements of posture, maxilla and mandible width, and three-dimensional captures of teeth and palate. Each custom appliance is worn as long as 16 hours a day for optimum correction.
 
Both maxillary hypoplasia and mandibular retrusion have been effectively corrected with the Vivos appliance. As correction takes place over a period of 12 to 24 months, the shape of the face and profile of the patient often take on an improved symmetry and more desirable balance. 
 
Once correction has been achieved, repeated polysomnography shows no evidence of obstructive sleep apnea even when the patient is not wearing the appliance. 
 
The Vivos appliance is well-tolerated by most patients which results in high levels of compliance and satisfactory results. 

Scientific Studies

Those interested in more science related to the Vivos Biomimetic Oral Appliance are invited to the Vivos site for further study.

Breath of Life Dental Offers the Bethesda Area Free Seminars

Those in the Maryland, Virginia and D.C. areas are welcome to attend free seminars held at Breath of Life Dental in North Bethesda, MD, or other locations in Maryland and Virginia. Please register for a seminar online at this site or by calling (301) 818-2653. You can also send an email to info@breathoflifeteam.com. 

For Professionals

For professionals interested in referring patients to Breath of Life Dental, we can provide a Lunch and Learn for your team or a one-on-one meeting with Dr. Seifi at your office. Call Breath of Life Dental at (301) 818-2653 or submit a request at this site for either service. 

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