Functional Dentistry
Root cause & whole health dentistry
What is functional dentistry?
Functional dentistry is similar to functional medicine in that it is about getting to the root cause of disease, emphasizes preventative health, and promotes a whole-body approach to dental health in understanding how the health of the mouth reflects the overall health.
As a functional dentist, I offer the same procedures as a general dentist to fix teeth such as fillings, crowns, veneers, bridges, root canals, and extractions. However, I see a broader picture beyond causes of poor oral hygiene, sugar intake, clenching, and genetics.
As a functional dentist, my approach to dental care is one that:
Focuses on the root causes of oral disease such as noting an oral microbiome imbalance, nutritional deficiencies leading to “soft” teeth or bone, the effects of mouth breathing, screens for tonsils blocking the airway in children, detects a tongue tie leading to challenges breastfeeding, and screens for and treats sleep apnea in adults.
Is conscious of the ingredients in dental products and aims to use the most biocompatible and least toxic material available, as well as considers the environmental impact of dental products.
Integrates a whole-body approach that looks at the impact the mouth has on the rest of the body.
Collaborates with other healthcare professionals for thorough comprehensive care such as naturopaths, family doctors, chiropractors, speech pathologist, myofunctional therapists, osteopaths, sleep physicians, as well as all dental specialists (endodontists, orthodontists, pediatric dentists, TMJ specialists, and oral surgeons).
Is sensitive to and understands dental fear, anxiety, and past traumas. Letting someone work in your mouth is a very personal and vulnerable experience. Incorporates breathing and nervous system grounding techniques during the appointment to help you stay relaxed and centered.
Offers unique dental therapies such as Sleep Apnea treatment, non-invasive childhood development treatment (Myobrace), and improving your bite and gum health (Invisalign). See below for more details about these specific dental care offered.
I hope to create a positive impact on not only your oral health, but your overall health for the long run such as improving your sleep and breathing! My goal is that you have a calm experience and look forward to your next dental appointment on the Sunshine Coast, BC.
Sleep Apnea Dental Therapy
SLEEP APNEA IS A COMMON PROBLEM AFFECTING SEVERAL MILLION CANADIANS.
Episodes of gasping for air may occur hundreds of times during sleep, and you likely won’t remember struggling to breath.
Normally, it is the bed partner, who first notices their partner snoring or gasping for air.
Sleep apnea can present as a “silent illness”.
The majority of people who have sleep apnea are unaware they have it. Not everyone has symptoms.
The best way to screen for sleep apnea is by contacting your family doctor to take an At-Home Sleep Test.
it can affect any
age, gender, or lifestyle.
It occurs when breathing is interrupted during sleep, depriving your brain and organs of oxygen.
If left untreated, it increases your risk of heart disease, memory problems, stroke, weight gain, impotency, and a number of other illnesses due to long term deprivation of oxygen to your organs and body systems.
Many indicators can be identified during a routine dental examination.
If diagnosed with sleep apnea, you may be a candidate for our oral appliance therapy program, which is an effective alternative to CPAP therapy for sleep apnea treatment.
What are common signs and symptoms of Sleep Apnea?
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• Snoring
• Gasping / Silences
• Headaches
• Jaw Pain
• Grinding and clenching during sleep
• Excessive Daytime Fatigue
• Tired in the morning despite adequate hours of sleep
• Wake up frequently throughout the night to go to the bathroom
• Anxiety, Depression, Irritable Mood
• Acid Reflux
• Memory Loss, Problems Concentrating
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• Snoring, Gasping / pauses/ snorts
• Large swollen tonsils and adenoids
• Restless sleep
• Difficult to wake up
• Daytime sleepiness
• Irritable and agitated mood
• ADD or ADHD - like symptoms
What is oral appliance therapy?
Oral Appliance Therapy uses a customized dental appliance you wear during sleep.
It keeps your airway open by holding your jaw forward to help you breathe. It is a non-invasive, gentle, simple, and reversible approach to sleep apnea treatment. We understand how overwhelming it can feel to live with snoring and sleep apnea; and how worrisome it can feel to sleep with a loved one suffering from it.
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• Decrease your risk of developing serious health issues associated with sleep apnea.
• Improve your quality and longevity of life.
• Enjoy quiet, restful, and replenishing sleep.
• Restore health, energy, and vitality.
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• Mild / Moderate Obstructive Sleep Apnea
• Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea who cannot tolerate a CPAP
• Unable to tolerate or wear a CPAP
• For Traveling as an alternative to a CPAP
• Failure of Surgery
• Combination treatment with CPAP to reduce air pressure flow
• Upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS)
If you suspect you or a loved one has sleep apnea:
Take our Adult Sleep Questionnaire Survey
Take our Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire Survey
Make sure you contact your family doctor to refer you for a Home Sleep Test.
Please email your sleep test results to info@resttothrive.com
If Diagnosed with Sleep Apnea and interested in Oral Appliance Therapy, please contact us below.
Children Development
Myobrace is a gentle, natural, and minimally invasive way to help correct growth and orthodontic problems at an early age between 6-8 years old.
This approach not only straightens teeth naturally, but also addresses unhealthy oral habits contributing to crowding.
Modern research shows that genetics plays a partial role in facial growth and development.
Incorrect muscular oral habits (known as myofunctional habits) such as mouth breathing, tongue thrusting, reverse swallowing, use of soothers past 2 years old, and thumb sucking are the underlying causes of incorrect jaw development.
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Addressing the root cause (oral habits) reduces relapse and creates long term stable results.
When most people get their braces off, if they stop wearing their retainers, the teeth become “re-crowded again”.
This is because the habits that caused the crowding in the first place were never addressed.
Myobrace is most successful in children 5 to 8 years old as their jaw bones are still growing.
After 11 years old, the jaw bone is difficult to grow. Growing the jaws bigger and wider while young helps to create enough room in the mouth for the permanent teeth to come in straight.
A well developed wide jaw leads to healthier airways, better breathing and sleep, and harmonious jaw joints.
The key to success depends on the motivation and daily commitment of the child and family.
A commitment of 1 hour of wearing the myobrace appliance during the day, all night during sleep, and 4 minutes of oral habit correction exercises is necessary for a good result.
This program also supports a sense of independence, empowerment, and responsibility in kids.
If you would like more information regarding if this system is suitable for your child and family, please contact us.
Adult Orthodontics
Invisalign is an alternative to braces for adult patients who wish to straighten their teeth and develop a healthy bite. We use a series of clear, removable, and comfortable aligners that are more discrete than braces. The aligners are made with 3D computer imaging technology and have been a proven and effective treatment to address crowded teeth and unhealthy bites.
Crowded teeth is more than just an aesthetic issue. Crowded or misaligned teeth can also result in gum disease, abnormal amounts of stress on the jaws, and excessive wear or shorter teeth. Teeth receiving high amounts of pressure or forces may produce wear, chipped, or cracked teeth, and/or notches at the gum line. Stress to the jaws can also lead to pain, ear aches, and headaches.
Creating a balanced and harmonious bite not only creates a beautiful smile, but contributes to your overall health in the long term.
Contact us to see if you are a suitable candidate for invisalign.
what our clients are saying
“I want to sincerely thank you for the care you have provided to me during the last year, helping me overcome my sleep apnea. I can’t begin to describe how the sleep appliance has helped, it has absolutely changed my life! As you know, my apnea was severe. After wearing the appliance on the very first night, I woke up in the morning and the experience was surreal. I was used to waking up numerous times throughout the evening. When I woke up on the first morning, I was completely amazed. It was the first time I’d slept continuously through the night in more than a decade. It literally brought tears to my eyes. On top of the incredible sleeps, I know the health benefits are even more important. Thank you so much! I wish I had done this years ago. You are the best!”
JOEL O, REALTOR
“This dental device for sleep apnea was definitely the answer for me. Anything is better than having to use a CPAP machine. This was too easy! Totally comfortable, works perfectly, and my insurance carrier covered the full cost. Could NOT be more pleased! Thank you Dr. Liu for supporting me with this solution. You and your staff are such a pleasure to deal with. With many thanks!”
DOREETA M
“I was battling sleep apnea, which affected my sleep and health tremendously. I have tried to work with a CPAP machine and I feel they just aren't for everyone. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to find another alternative such as the sleep appliance for my apnea as it has helped me finally have a full night's sleep - I have been dreaming about for all these years. Diana is knowledgeable, supportive, and intuitive. I highly recommend working with her”
CINCI C
My sleep apnea oral device has really improved my quality of life. I’m so grateful to be sleeping through the night and dreaming like crazy! Thanks Dr. Liu for your amazing care.”
BRETT E