This common question is heard in dental offices all across the country. Crooked, unevenly spaced teeth can keep you from looking and feeling fabulous. Maybe you hide your smile in photos, or are focused on what people are seeing when you laugh. But adults are rarely keen on wearing bulky and unavoidably noticeable metal braces for the years it takes to complete treatment. At Smiles by Arnold and Associates, we take a revolutionary approach to teeth-straightening using Invisalign clear braces and other cosmetic dentistry options. Your ideal smile is attainable, and treatment is more conservative and lifestyle-friendly than ever.

You may see the result of “instant orthodontics” with porcelain veneers in the attached photos.

Did you wear metal braces in the past, but now your teeth have shifted out of place? Traditional braces are certainly effective at moving teeth, but especially now that you’re an adult, there are more factors to consider. For instance, you don’t want to compromise your professional appearance, or you may have an important event coming up with lots of photographic evidence. Bottom line: you’d rather not be sporting metal in your mouth! No problem. There may be a better solution for you, including: Read the rest of this entry »

Anyone who snores knows that it can be a strain on relationships. But has your spouse ever noticed you stop breathing periodically during the night? Do you feel drowsy during the day, like you never get enough sleep? These symptoms may indicate a serious but treatable condition called sleep apnea.

Those who suffer from this breathing disorder pause in their breathing for periods of 10 seconds or longer during sleep. Airflow stops when oral tissues in the back of the throat collapse. When oxygen levels fall too far, the brain signals the body to act, and the body will awaken enough to restart breathing. These episodes occur many times during the night, and most people with sleep apnea aren’t aware of them.

Signs that you might have sleep apnea include snoring and persistent fatigue. But those aren’t the only issues sleep apnea patients endure. A good night’s sleep might be more important to your body than you realize. Left untreated, sleep apnea contributes to problems like high blood pressure, heart attacks, and even an increased risk of strokes.
As experienced general and restorative dentists, Dr. Arnold, Dr. Shideler, and Dr. Wargo are well-informed and up-to-date on the latest sleep apnea treatments. If you are diagnosed with sleep apnea, one of our dentists can prescribe a nightguard, or oral appliance, for use when you sleep. An oral appliance positions the jaw forward to keep the airway open throughout the night. Even if you don’t have sleep apnea, a nightguard can effectively treat chronic snoring. Our doctors most often uses the SomnoDent MAS (mandibular advancement splint) to treat sleep apnea and snoring.

If you would like to be evaluated for sleep apnea, or if you’ve been diagnosed and are interested in an oral appliance, start by calling one of our convenient locations to schedule an appointment with Dr. Arnold, Dr. Shideler, or Dr. Wargo. Our dentists serve patients from Chesterton, Valparaiso, and the surrounding areas. Reclaim the deep, restorative sleep you need for whole-body health.