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Teeth shifting?
#1
Teeth shifting?
Hi all!
I am using the PHILIPS COMFORT GEL nasal mask and have been doing so for about 5 or 6 years. I was wondering if it's continued use would cause spacing or alignment problems in my teeth. In particular the front teeth especially since it does apply pressure to the upper lip.
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#2
RE: Teeth shifting?
Hi cam,
Everyone is different but I have used several nasal masks and I haven't had any problems with my teeth shifting.
Hang in there for more responses to your post.
trish6hundred
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#3
RE: Teeth shifting?
The greater risk is from the grinding that the teeth do by clamping the mouth shut to combat the pressure. I often wake up with sore teeth from it, and have spoken to a dentist in Konstanz about building an appliance to counter that. He has told me he has had several patients with teeth shifting from that, but none from the pressure of the mask on the upper lip.
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#4
RE: Teeth shifting?
The mask *should* be resting more on the gums than the teeth. If it is resting on the teeth, it is the wrong size. But then, it's been a long time since I tried a nasal mask.

Long term use of anything that puts pressure on whatever is going to have an effect. Even slight pressure from a chin strap like DocWils mentioned. I used to believe that was bull hockey, just another thing for folks to sue someone over. Until I realized something about my own mask. I use the Breeze, a nasal pillow mask. I've noticed that the top of my head where the hard "halo" rests, I have a dent with the skin and stuff forming a bump to the front of that. This mask basically just sits there with no pressure. But a while back, I modified the headgear slightly which increased that pressure, it seems. I will be un-modifying it to see if it resettles.
PaulaO

Take a deep breath and count to zen.




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#5
RE: Teeth shifting?
This is called "Smashed Face Syndrome" and it happens often enough to have a name. I know of only one gentleman besides me who had this problem. Mine was an ill-fitting total face mask which would ride up into my mouth. It just took six months for the damage to be done . I now wear a retainer on my bottom teeth which were the ones affected (and changed type of mask). If you are concerned go to an orthodontist and take your for an evaluation and perhaps a retainer. My bottom teeth have shifted back 1/4 inch and are very crowded. To get them back into position would call for the "Cadillac of braces" and pulling a tooth. I opted for a retainer to prevent further damage and the Wisp nasal mask. I'm glad you asked. Just because very few on the forum don't post about it doesn't mean it doesn't happen. Google "Smashed Face Syndrome". Good Luck.
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#6
RE: Teeth shifting?
(04-30-2013, 04:47 PM)DocWils Wrote: The greater risk is from the grinding that the teeth do by clamping the mouth shut to combat the pressure. I often wake up with sore teeth from it, and have spoken to a dentist in Konstanz about building an appliance to counter that. He has told me he has had several patients with teeth shifting from that, but none from the pressure of the mask on the upper lip.

I use a Snorban boil and bite dental device. It is available on the internet for a low price $30.00 US dollars or so and is comfortable to use. I have three implants on one side on the front top and the dentist recommended a mouthgard. It also helps control mouthbreathing, holds my lower jaw so that my bottom and top front teeth line up. If you mold the device with your lower jaw too far forward it can cause soreness. Without the snorban my lower jaw and tongue tend to go back with the chinstrap making my apnea worse. I have used a snorban for a number of years with no problems.
GeneS
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#7
RE: Teeth shifting?
I have been using a nasal mask for almost 2 years and late last year I noticed that my teeth were shifting and sometimes would wake up and they would be aching. I will be going to the dentist tomorrow so will talk to her about it - pretty sure that I will also need a retainer for when I sleep. I have to admit I am worried about wearing a retainer as well as the mask - skyler, how do you cope with both? Did it take a while to get used to?
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#8
RE: Teeth shifting?
Take your mask with you to demonstrate how you wear it and where it is touching.
PaulaO

Take a deep breath and count to zen.




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#9
RE: Teeth shifting?
Weeble, I have no trouble with my Wisp nasal mask or my Quattro FFM and the retainer. The retainer is very small, fits my bottom teeth and actually feels good. I haven't gotten the bill yet, but he said 200-$400.
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#10
RE: Teeth shifting?
I too had moderate teeth shifting, but it was my FFM.

After nine months using a FFM, My jaw was pushed back and my bite has changed. Also my jaw now catches and snaps a bit.
Thinking-about

With use of my FFA, at night my was pushed back causing air flow restriction.


I have sense changed to a Nasal Mask ( 2 months) that is more comfortable and gives me lower AHI readings.
Cool

However my bite still seems to be changing abit very slowly and I try to position my mask as far up as possible to reduce the pressure on my gums.

I have reduced the strap pressure to the absolute minimum to retain a good seal.

I find that on some nights, my mask seems to fit tighter; perhaps it is the amount of fluid in my body, or a swelled head.Big Grin

I would like to have a strap adjustment that is tightend or loosened by thumb screws.

It is hard to get the velcrow in the same place ......... and or adjust it in the middle of the night.Thinking-about


For me, it is the risk vs. reward thing..... I would rather feel better and have some bite, teeth, and jaw issues.

I guess "maslow's hierarchy of needs" rules. here.


However I am older and suscribe to the "fit over form" philosphy. If I were a beauty queen, I might think differently.






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