OSA/Sleep apnea) "Why isn't weight loss and diet change a first option?"

Quote: (TeddyRothsteinDDSPhD)

What is OJW: Weight Control?

Orthodontic Jaw Wiring is a semi-fixed orthodontic appliance and protocol invented and developed by Dr. Ted Rothstein, DDS, PhD that limits the extent to which a patient can open their mouth beyond the rest position. It is well known to all dental dentists as the natural (postural/physiologic) “rest position” of the lower jaw. You are in that position right now. Consequently, it prevents the intake of solids in particular “Comfort/Junk” food thus supporting adherence to a liquid diet. It has been shown to be safe and effective. Speech is unaffected “OJWGina”). It is especially useful for patients with compulsive emotional eating habits who are diagnosed as obese by their physicians and are otherwise in good health. OJW is an good option for carefully selected patients because it is not invasive like gastric bypass surgery and obviates the need for pharmaceutical medications whose unknown side-effects can be worrisome both at the start and worsen over a long period of time. As a corollary it can be used by dentists to treat Sleep Apnea/Snoring whose predominant cause is Overweight: A slide from the video noted below

 Aside from helping patients with CEEP (compulsive emotional eating problems) the overarching motivation is to convince dental professionals that Weight-control is a service we ought to be providing. See the The dedicated website .

Finally, Watch the video: It summarizes all I would have my colleagues know. It was prepared for my colleagues in the AAO.

Cordially, Ted Rothstein DDS PhD

Retired from Active Practice Orthodontics

Dear Dentaltown Doctors following the thread Viz. "Why isn't weight loss and diet change a first option? (in the treatment of OSA/Sleep apnea)

I just completed reading all 132 posts and the one below is the very last one I read. It’s straight forwardness inspired me because it's so simple and spot on. It was like the almighty parted the darkest part of heaven and sent forth a bolt of lightning that had the words below engraved on it:

"Weight loss will "cure" a number of ailments.: 

Type 2 diabetes. Cholesterol. Snoring. Sleep apnea. 

Why don't we first push for a diet change, weight loss before anything. Townie--Shadlewis

Sure weight control is complex, and we are like the seven blind men in the elephant parable

trying to understand the Elephant and thus harness its power. Stop cursing the darkness.  

Here is my thesis:

Dentists should provide a weight control service pers se to carefully selected patients who meet their criteria for being good candidates as part of a Healthcare team. Patients with Sleep apnea /snoring should know that weight control is an alternative treatment option.  OJW: weight-control is a dental Appliance and Protocol to help a subset of patients with CEEP (Compulsive emotional eating problems) who have rejected Surgery and all Medications. Similar to every weight control plan many will regain the weight--they know it. However, some will succeed and be grateful to you for it. Think of the psychologist who accepts to treat a patient with recurrent depression who has "tried it all". I assure you even if they regain the weight they will kiss the ground you walk on.  Finally, Watch the video: It summarizes all I would have my colleagues know. It was prepared for my colleagues in the AAO. Cordially, Ted 

Ps: I will soon publish online a 35-page Booklet entitled The Dental Professional's Guide

to Weight-Control: A successor's guide Send request to [email protected]

Ted Rothstein DDS 

Retired from Active Practice Orthodontics

Specialist OJW: Weight-control

[email protected]

September 16, 2020