ShapiraIHateCPAP Blog

It may seem very simple but it is extremely important to understand that all headaches and migraines are controlled by the Trigeminal Nerves.  These are the paired  V (fifth) cranial nerves.  The Trigeminl nerve is often called the Dentist's nerve because it is the nerve that goes to the teeth and the gums.  In fact, the trigeninal nerve is the single largest input to the brain accounting for over 50% of input to the brain after amplification in the reticular activatng system.  If you have a headache or migraine it is safe to assume that the trigeminal nerve is the innervation. Nociception (pain input) into the Trigeminal nerve is a primary trigger of all headaches and migraines.  The sixty… Read Full Post

Chronic occipital headaches are usually not a primary neurological phenomenom but are related to postural considerations including breathing, forward head posture, rotation of the head at Occipital-Atlas-Axis joints and referred myofascial pain and nerve compression injury. These are not problems that should be addressed with medication but rather physical medicine, chiropractic treatment, osteopathic treatment, correction of underlying TMJ and breathing issues. The connections of the head position to the jaw position has been well explained by the quadrant theorem of Guzay. Myofascial pain is probably the cause of the majority of occipital pain but is not the root of the problem.  The… Read Full Post

There is finally a cur.e for Sleep Apnea after years of Sleep Apnea Treatment. The DNA Appliance can grow larger healthier airways. Science now needs to do the research to determine what percentage of patients can be cured and be free of oral appliance and CPAP. The fields of Sleep Medicine and Dental Sleep Medicine have come a long way since Colin Sullivan first invented CPAP.  Prior to the invention of CPAP it was not uncommon for Sleep Apnea Patients to have tracheotomies to open their airways. CPAP was a revolutionary change that offered a non-surgical alternative to tracheotomy and was quickly declared the Gold Standard of treatment. This was a lie!  While CPAP was very successful in… Read Full Post

Patient describes his experience with dental treatment for his sleep apnea. Dr. Shapira provided him with an alternative for his CPAP, and helped to treat his wife's fibromyalgia & TMJ problems. These changes have had a positive effect on both their lives.  WATCH THE VIDEO:  Sleep apnea patient uses CPAP alternative for 5 years - follow up   Visit  http://www.thinkbetterlife.com  to learn how we can use neuromuscular dental techniques to help with your sleep apnea and snoring. Sleep disorders often result in fatigue, trouble concentrating, memory loss, relationship problems, a decrease in job performance, among other effects. Simple dental devices are available to help you stop… Read Full Post

"I used to fall asleep driving!" Oral Appliance Therapy to treat sleep apnea has changed my life!   Lake Forest Sleep Apnea Treatment: Sleep Apnea patient describes how wearing a sleep apnea appliance for the last 6-7 years has drastically improved his sleep and his health. www.ThinkBetterLife.com Watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d4R4xYs_tAE He recommends people with snoring or sleep apne a to have it treated and tells of his experiences with Dr Shapira and an oral appliance Visit these websites for more information or to make an appointment with Dr Shapira. www.ihatecpap.com www.ThinkBetterLife.com www.delanydentalcare.com www.sleepandhealth.com www.… Read Full Post

Former CPAP user describes how much she enjoys tap appliance compared to CPAP. It was an easy problem free transition.  WATCH THE VIDEO:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TcFZ2sRiBAQ   Brad: My name is Brad. I had a CPAP that I used for several years. I had a friend of mine that recommended the TAP device. I changed over to the TAP device and I couldn’t be happier. I don’t have to drag the CPAP while traveling. It’s been a great device. I sleep very well and it’s very easy to maintain, and I’m very glad I made the choice to change.   Dr. Shapira: Great. Any problems you had along the way?   Brad: Not at all. Not with the TAP device. CPAP, it’s been a challenge traveling. I travel across… Read Full Post

John describes his journey from CPAP to Oral Appliance Therapy. He was originally diagnosed with sleep apnea over 15 years ago. While effective it was cumbersome and not well suited to his preferred position of stomach sleeping. Amazing Results with TAP Sleep Apnea Oral Appliance in Chicago Watch The Video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=haxLDg8ZZfA John originally wore the TAP 1 Appliance by Airway management. The TAP 1 appliance is historically the single most effective appliance for severe sleep apnea. It is very easy for patients to titrate on their own at home. After the snoring is eliminated a follow-up sleep study is required to insure success.Dr Shapira will usually start severe… Read Full Post

A sleep apnea patient discusses how she was unable to tolerate CPAP and how when she first tried an oral appliance she was unsuccessful she then discusses how Dr. Shapira made a recycle clients and that plane secured everything and she's feeling better than she has in many years Visit www.ThinkBetterLife.com Watch the Video:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0BxuX9Yso1I Oral Appliances are the comfortable alternative to CPAP.  Learn how they can improve your quality of life. Ira L Shapira DDS, D,ABDSM, D,AAPM, FICCMO Chair, Alliance of TMD Organizations Diplomat, American Academy of Pain Management Diplomat, American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine Regent & Fellow, International… Read Full Post

Patient with long term sleep appliance describes how "It is the best thing that could have possibly happened to him"  He has been wearing appliance for 9 years and wake refeshed, energized and feeling great.  CPAP was not compatible with patient in spite of serious efforts to make it work. Wearing appliance sine 2007 and is sleeping very well. "BEST POSSIBLE SOLUTION TO MY PROBLEMS" Watch the Video:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1WsNhOE0wvw Dr Shapira treats Sleep Apnea, fatigue and excessive daytime sleepiness in his Highland Park offices. Learn More at:  http://www.ThinkBetterLife.com http://www.IHateCPAP.com www.DelanyDentalCare.com Dr Shapira's Highland Park office is dedicated to… Read Full Post

Amazing Improvements in Life with Oral Appliance Watch the Video!   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lXpKyrdizvY Scott explains how after having a sleep apnea appliance from Dr. Shapra he is aware of dreaming again for the first time since childhood. He was referred by a friend who also had great esults. His wife is very happy with quiet nights in the bedroom and a husband who is happy and alert. Scott feels that everything is life is great due to better sleep. The quality of sleep affects each and every aspect of our life, our health, our moods and how we interact with friends and family. Learn more about treatment of Sleep Apnea in Chicago and the North Shore at: www.ThinkBetterLife.… Read Full Post