ont of Innovation in Pediatric SRBD Care… 

SEMINAR: PARADIGM SHIFT IN THE TREATMENT OF PEDIATRIC SLEEP APNEA

FEATURING JOSEPH Z. YOUSEFIAN, DMD, MS

REGISTER TODAY!

Join us for a groundbreaking webinar that challenges traditional approaches to pediatric sleep apnea…and opens up new interdisciplinary vistas!

Explore with us an integrative medical-dental approach that is revolutionizing the treatment of sleep-related breathing disorders (SRBD) in children.

Bruxing is more than just grinding teeth…It’s a destructive force that can lead to painful fractures, damaging wear and serious TMJ dysfunction.

For patients with moderate-to-severe bruxism, dual laminate splints are truly a game changer, delivering the best balance between comfort and durability.

Why a Dual Laminate Splint?

• SHOCK ABSORPTION: Inner soft layer cushions heavy

  forces, reducing stress on TMJ and teeth.

• OCCLUSAL STABILIZATION: Outer hard layer maintains proper occlusion and prevents unwanted bite changes.

Recurrent jaw pain, neck pain or headache can signal the onset of serious bruxism and TMJ complications. Splint therapy just might be the best solution.

Occlusal splints do more than prevent wear –they can be both protective and diagnostic, serving to absorb abnormal occlusal forces, reprogram, and manage TMJ issues while also helping to identify parafunctional habits, occlusal discrepancies, and joint pathology.

Bottom Line: A well-designed splint can facilitate muscle relaxation, reduce occlusal interferences and provide anterior guidance to redistribute occlusal forces.

Early intervention is key.   

Consider your options. SML can address them all. Your go-to solution for maintaining arch length and preventing mesial and lingual tipping of the molars? The SML Lingual Arch Appliance

It’s the perfect choice even when the space to be preserved is unilateral. This simple, yet effective retainer prevents both mesial and lingual tipping while achieving long-lasting, reliable results.

Thumb-Sucking Habit? The Blue Grass Appliance is a counter-conditioning device that is particularly useful in the mixed dentition stage of development, when thumb sucking can significantly impact tooth alignment. A teflon roller is placed in the most superior aspect of the palate. The spinning roller design encourages the child to play with their tongue on the roller instead of sucking their thumb, providing a positive distraction from the habit. Non-punitive, discreet, comfortable, and FUN -- with minimal interference during eating and speech

In modern dentistry, patient comfort is a top priority. With advancements in technology and a deeper understanding of patient needs, dental professionals are turning to custom dental appliances to enhance the patient’s experience. Space Maintainers Laboratories (Space Maintainers Laboratories) are at the forefront of this shift, providing innovative custom appliances that prioritize precision, comfort, and effectiveness.

What Are Custom Dental Appliances?

Custom dental appliances are devices made to fit the unique shape and size of a patient’s mouth. Unlike generic, one-size-fits-all solutions, custom appliances are designed based on individual patient scans, impressions, or molds. These appliances are used in a variety of treatments, from orthodontics and pediatric dentistry to sleep apnea and snoring solutions.

DENTAL PRACTITIONERS AND TECHNICIANS - SPRING FORWARD!

Recently we had Daylight Saving Time…We lost an hour. For some, no problem. But for those suffering with sleep breathing disorders, the daylight brings headaches, lassitude, brain fog, more fatigue and less focus…and maybe worse than that.

The fix? A comprehensive sleep exam and perhaps a little oral appliance therapy.

That’s where SML’s got you covered.

Every patient is unique.    

The field of dentistry is evolving at an unprecedented pace, with new technologies reshaping patient experiences and outcomes. One of the most transformative advancements in recent years is the rise of digital impressions. Replacing traditional putty molds, digital impressions offer a more precise, efficient, and comfortable way to capture the shape and structure of teeth and gums.

What are Digital Impressions?

Digital impressions use advanced scanning technology to create a detailed, 3D image of a patient’s teeth and oral structures. Instead of using traditional trays filled with gooey material, dentists now employ handheld scanners that glide smoothly over the teeth. These devices capture highly accurate digital images in real time, which are then used to design crowns, bridges, veneers, orthodontic aligners, and other dental restorations.

Benefits of Digital Impressions in Dentistry

Enhanced Accuracy and Precision
Digital impressions eliminate many of the inconsistencies that come with traditional molds. Because the 3D scans provide a complete and accurate view of the patient’s teeth, restorations fit better, reducing the need for adjustments. Patients benefit from more accurate crowns, bridges, and aligners that feel and function like natural teeth.

Snoring is a common sleep disturbance that affects millions of people worldwide. For some, it’s a minor inconvenience, but for others, it can signal a more serious health issue, such as Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). Regardless of the severity, snoring disrupts sleep quality and can affect the well-being of both the snorer and their partner. Fortunately, innovative dental appliances offer an effective solution to this widespread problem.

Understanding the Causes of Snoring

Before exploring the appliances that combat snoring, it's essential to understand its root causes. Snoring occurs when airflow is restricted in the throat, causing vibrations in the soft tissues of the mouth, nose, and throat. This obstruction can result from several factors, including:

• Relaxation of Throat Muscles: During sleep, muscles in the throat and tongue relax, potentially blocking airflow.
• Nasal Congestion: Allergies or colds can restrict nasal passages, forcing mouth breathing and increasing the likelihood of snoring.
• Obesity: Excess weight around the neck can narrow the airway, leading to breathing difficulties.
• Sleep Position: Sleeping on one’s back can cause the tongue to fall backward, partially blocking the airway.
• Alcohol and Sedatives: These substances relax the throat muscles, increasing the risk of snoring.

Understanding these causes makes it easier to see how dental appliances can address snoring and improve sleep quality.

Did you know that most orthodontic issues begin before permanent teeth erupt? That’s why it’s so important to ensure a smooth transition from baby teeth to adult….absolutely crucial to prevent malocclusion and crowding. 

Space maintenance is essential when a child loses a tooth too early. Without intervention, adjacent teeth may shift, reducing space for permanent teeth to erupt properly.

Position with Precision is the order of the day: preventing gingival shift; ensuring molar positioning and stability; careful monitoring throughout the course of treatment.

Whether it’s early orthodontic treatment or addressing ongoing pediatric needs, SML has the products, expertise and service to support every aspect of your patient’s pediatric dental care.

Since 1957, SML (Space Maintainers Laboratories) has been committed to offering more than your average lab service location to dental professionals. 

Over the years, SML has forged a worldwide network of prestigious dental laboratories that offer the care and personal touch of a small business and the far reaching resources of a globe-spanning concern.

At SML, we bring together the best of both worlds: expert orthodontic and orthopedic lab services. Whether you require dental appliances orthopedic support, or any of the multitude of services and supplies we make available to the dental industry we’re here to help you deliver optimal patient care --- with precision, insight and innovation.