Buck Teeth and sleep apnea

chrisp · Post by **chrisp** » Mon Dec 27, 2004 7:40 am

Has anyboby noticed any change in their front teeth since using cpap ?
it would seem that the front teeth would eventually be moved a bit from the tounge pushing forward all night as we seal our mouth whilst using a nasal mask.

Seems like a good reason to use a full face mask....

Just a thought ..

Any dentists out there who could put a light on this ?

Cheers,

Chris

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Dec 29, 2004 11:04 am

I had the same question. It seems like my front teeth have moved since I started using cpap . Sure would like to know if I'm going to need braces soon.

rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Wed Dec 29, 2004 2:52 pm

I'm no dentist or doctor, but I can see how the bottom of any nasal mask resting on the area just below the nostrils could press on the roots of the upper front teeth. Press those roots backwards and the exposed lower part of the teeth themselves could begin to tilt forward, I'd think. Like a seesaw.

Perhaps more likely, now that I think about it, would be this... perhaps in our efforts to keep the tongue in a position to prevent air from leaking out our mouths, we have the tip of the tongue placed in a "pushing position" against the back of the front teeth. Get the tongue against the teeth one way and the mask pushing the roots another way...yeah, I can see how it could happen.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Dec 30, 2004 10:27 am

Wow, I never thought of that happening. It goes right along with Newtons 3rd law. For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. Tape over the lips could be alot cheaper in the long run than braces. I already had them once when was a kid.

You discovered a new sleep apnea related disorder . Cpap induced buck teeth. The dental community will love it. I can see it now. Another question to answer on that form you get to fill out before you see the doc. Do you have sleep apnea ? Yes $$$$$$$$$$$$$$ And i thought that form was so they they could find you if they didnt get paid.

Irving

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Dec 30, 2004 1:20 pm

Rested Gal ,

That was a very good analysis of the buck tooth theory. For all our sakes I sure hope its wrong. Gives another reason not to keep the straps too tight.
"CAUTION OVERTIGHTENING HEADGEAR MAY CAUSE BUCK TEETH" I'll bet they will have their lawyers Pontificateing the possibility of lawsuites on this any day now.

THIS IS A GREAT FORUM

Fly Guy

wading thru the muck! · Post by **wading thru the muck!** » Thu Dec 30, 2004 1:32 pm

Fly Guy ,

Another reason to try the "pillows".

Although in another thread rested gal reported a Doc claiming they will cause a "pig nose"

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Dec 30, 2004 2:42 pm

Hello,

What do you mean . What are pillows. Sorry I am new to this. Also what is autopap.

Waverly

wading thru the muck! · Post by **wading thru the muck!** » Thu Dec 30, 2004 3:31 pm

Hi Waverly,

Nasal pillows:

https://bb4b1663da2f8a31ea1b-be9b2e315e ... eze2-2.jpg
https://bb4b1663da2f8a31ea1b-be9b2e315e ... lows_2.jpg

An autopap is a cpap machine that can sense your pressure requirements and adjust automatically to the correct pressure. A straight cpap machine is set to a fixed pressure determined during your sleep study and does not change.[/url]

sgrol · Post by **sgrol** » Fri Dec 31, 2004 9:41 am

I use nasal pillows and still have experienced tooth movement. Top and bottom frontal teeth have moved. I often wake up with my tongue pressed tightly against the front teeth. I thought I was the only one since I have never seen this posted. I have expressed concern to my dentist and they just want to refer me to an orthodontist $$$$.

flatulance · Post by **flatulance** » Fri Dec 31, 2004 9:49 am

Sounds typical 'sgrol'

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Jan 02, 2005 7:27 pm

Hey Flathead Been a while . I think the problem is there is no such thing as 100% safe. I mean we make tradeoffs with everything we do. We drive our cars yet 40000 are killed in this country each year in accidents. Same with drs What 100,000 die from drs. mistakes each year . People get the wrong parts operated on or even amputated. Flying is the safest form of transport but its the headlines when there is a crash.

I'll take my chances with Buck Teeth if it means getting a good nights sleep

Waverly

sinemac · Post by **sinemac** » Mon Jan 03, 2005 9:21 am

Might getting a fitted mouth guard of some kind (sort of like the invisilign braces - except made to keep your teeth in place rather than move them) help to avoid this problem? My girlfriend still wears her last invisilign set at night to keep her teeth from moving back at all after having them fixed - maybe the same principle would work as a preventative measure for us hoseheads who like our teeth the way they are?

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Jan 03, 2005 1:06 pm

Thanks Sinemac, I'll go dig around the junk drawer and see if my old retainer is still waiting to be thrown out.( cost so much I hate to throw it out) Perhaps I'l find my old mouthpiece as well.

Isn't there a mouthpiece that you boil and fit to your teeth

I dont want to go to my dentist for something as the starting price is probably $500

The alternative is to place a rolled up pair of socks (clean preferred) over your mouth just below your mask and hold it in place with a large rubber band. But that might leave a crease on the back of your head. Hair will cover it tho unless you're bald like me .........LOL............

Irving

jburgess · Post by **jburgess** » Tue Jan 04, 2005 12:24 pm

Tooth damage can happen, After using a cpap for about 2 years my dentist noticed an outward movement of my front teeth to such an extent that his statement was i'll lose them if this went uncorrected so after anout 18 months of othodonic work and about $1500 in cost and wearing retainers ever night they are finally back to normal. will have to continue wearing retainers as long as cpap is used. so beware.

CPAPNEA · Post by **CPAPNEA** » Fri Jan 07, 2005 4:25 pm

Hi all.....My first post.... This is a fantastic forum and a very informative site. Well, I thought I was the only one who experienced sore upper gums that in fact could lead to having buck-teeth. Thanks for this post. I have been on CPAP for about a month now. Lots to share with you but I'll do that on my next post. Have a great weekend all.....peace ~o)