Sleep apnea can affect every aspect of life, from preventing a good night’s rest to impairing the ability to maintain everyday functionality. Fortunately, advancements in technology have allowed improvements in managing sleep apnea. Dr. Aldrich is committed to using the latest technology to offer the best possible care for our patients.
Our technology has helped change the way we diagnose and treat sleep apnea symptoms, and it includes:
NOX T3
At Riverbend Sleep, we use the NOX T3 monitor to determine how much bruxism (the grinding and clenching of the teeth) is occurring along with how blood oxygen levels are affecting a patient’s oral health. The modern NOX T3 technology uses a set of sensors as well as audio to identify signs of bruxism which could seriously damage your teeth and prevent you from getting a good night’s sleep. NOX T3 is typically utilized when evaluating the effectiveness of oral appliance treatments
Nonin WristOx2
The Nonin WristOx2 is one of the most versatile wrist oximeters that provides highly accurate oxygen saturation and pulse rate readings in the widest range of patients. It’s ideal for remote wireless monitoring for overnight sleep studies from our center to a patient’s home. The Nonin WristOx2 is simple, easy to use, and data can be downloaded via a USB cable or with Bluetooth technology. This provides our patients with increased independence during continuous monitoring applications. Dr. Aldrich appreciates its reliability in providing the most accurate readings for blood oxygen saturation and pulse rate while you sleep.
Titration Studies
Our Salem dentist works closely with patients to titrate (adjust) each appliance to ensure your oral appliance is working as effectively as possible. During the titration process, we evaluate bite and position of the jaw to make sure your airway is unobstructed. Using the NOX T3 and Nonin WristOx2 to help monitor blood oxygen levels and heart rate, we at Riverbend Sleep will be able to monitor whether you’re breathing normally during your sleep cycle. Titration studies are an overnight process, yet have no lasting side effects as the test documents your sleep, breathing, and effort to breath.
Intraoral Digital Scanner
We strive to provide the most comfortable and efficient care possible, which is why we use our intraoral digital scanner to take 3D images of your mouth. This allows us to take accurate measurements without using messy, uncomfortable molds to provide you with a treatment that is completely customized for you. The intraoral digital scanner is a handheld device that allows Dr. Aldrich to quickly take 360-degree images of your teeth. The images then appear on a screen by your dental chair so she can show you exactly what your end result will look like.
