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Any thoughts on problem with gap between teeth since using CPAP for a few years?
#1
Any thoughts on problem with gap between teeth since using CPAP for a few years?
I’ve been using CPAP for a few years now. I use the P10 nasal pillows mask and a pressure of 13.0 cm. 

I often wake up in the morning with my tongue pressing against my teeth and my teeth feeling a little bit sore. My front teeth, both upper and lower, have developed a gap between them since I’ve been using CPAP. It’s gradually getting worse and worse. I think the pressure from my CPAP machine pushes my tongue forward and that that’s gradually forcing my teeth apart. 

My dentist says the only way to fix this is braces. 

I’d like to know if others have had a similar problem and if anyone has ideas about solutions. 

Thanks!
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#2
RE: Any thoughts on problem with gap between teeth since using CPAP for a few years?
I have doubts the CPAP therapy is related to the movement of upper teeth, but I guess it's possible. I have been using PAP with nasal pillows since 2007 and have no similar problem. There seem to be a lot of "teeth aligners" on the market that can move the upper teeth without braces for significantly less cost. Might be worth looking into.
Sleeprider
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#3
RE: Any thoughts on problem with gap between teeth since using CPAP for a few years?
Getting gaps in the teeth would not happen with CPAP, the masks pull in which would close the gaps, not open them, that's just plain physics. My dentist know I am on CPAP and even my involvement here and has not seen any signs of movement, and she is looking for it. The P10 mask would have no involvement with the lower jaw.

I do not believe your problem with your teeth alignment is in any way related to CPAP therapy.
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#4
RE: Any thoughts on problem with gap between teeth since using CPAP for a few years?
Thanks, Sleeprider. I’ll check those out.
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#5
RE: Any thoughts on problem with gap between teeth since using CPAP for a few years?
Thanks, bonjour. I suppose it’s possible that my front teeth have started moving for some other reason.
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#6
RE: Any thoughts on problem with gap between teeth since using CPAP for a few years?
I have the exact same problem - waking up with some teeth sore and seeing some movement over time. A lower tooth started leaning forward (causing me to accidentally bite my lip now and then!), and my left central incisor has moved a bit also, leaving a small gap between my front teeth.

I do not think the air pressure from the CPAP is causing the movement -- I think it's due to clenching my teeth. I never clenched my teeth prior to using CPAP. In the initial effort to learn to keep my mouth closed while I sleep, I started clenching my teeth tightly together. Now I'm trying to retrain myself to NOT do that. I wake multiple times a night and discover that my teeth are tightly clenched and my tongue is pushing against them.

I find that wearing a mouth guard helps. I still wake up biting down hard on the mouthguard, but at least it keeps the teeth from moving.
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#7
RE: Any thoughts on problem with gap between teeth since using CPAP for a few years?
Thanks for this, Winterfrost. My teeth are also moving outward a little (buck toothed) and one of the lower bicuspids is turning sideways. I’ve been resisting using a mouth guard, but I suppose I need to try one.
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#8
RE: Any thoughts on problem with gap between teeth since using CPAP for a few years?
I am going to differ with the experts because I experienced this when I got my first machine. I already had TMJ dysfunction and had worn a lower night guard for millennia. My upper four front teeth were tender and I was getting a gap between the front two teeth. The entire top teeth were spacing more loosely. I could tell this visually as well as by the difference when flossing. My dentist made my nightguard for TMJD on the upper teeth and a lighter nightguard for the bottom teeth.

After getting the new setup I still had tenderness in the upper teeth. I moved my mask up a tad higher and that completed the solution.

My interpretation of the events is that the mask was riding low over my teeth and my tongue was, unconsciously trying to push it off.

After wearing the new nightguards for a couple of weeks, the spacing issue corrected itself.

Not a lot of people have this problem but a few do. More than just you and me by far. It probably has a lot to do with different facial characteristics.

After my experience, I suggest playing with your mask fit. A 1/4 inch higher might be all you need. If you have a different mask, you could also try that. Something that doesn't rest on the upper jaw /teeth. From there you might try a nightguard. Braces would be my last choice unless you have other alignment issues you want to correct.
Sleep-well
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#9
RE: Any thoughts on problem with gap between teeth since using CPAP for a few years?
My teeth are also moving outward a little (buck toothed) .
I felt like this was happening when I first started keeping my tongue at the roof of my mouth to help stop mouth breathing.
Now I'm not sure now if it still feels like they are moving or not.
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#10
RE: Any thoughts on problem with gap between teeth since using CPAP for a few years?
What you're experiencing is something called a "tongue thrust." It can definitely affect teeth. The only real way to fix it is practicing proper tongue posture (it should be on the roof of your mouth and not pushing into your teeth).
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