If you are a heavy snorer and even after a full night's sleep, you wake up feeling tired and drained, chances are you could be suffering from Sleep Disordered Breathing or SDB.

Basically, SDB is a potentially serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts.

As mentioned above, the symptoms of SDB are typically heavy snoring and that feeling of tiredness even after the night's sleep.

The good news is that if you are a sufferer of SDB, you don't have to put up with it.

While lifestyle changes such as weight loss can make a difference, often additional help is needed to address the debilitating effects of SDB.

In June 2005, Gerber Dental Group became the proud new owner of Australia's first i-CAT.

The i-CAT provides complete views of all oral and maxillofacial structures in an easy to use system that allows us to, amongst other diagnoses, to determine any airway constriction that may be causing SDB.

Recently, we had a patient who had been grinding his teeth during sleep.  Using the i-CAT, Dr Andrew Gerber [link to team page on site], principle dentist at Gerber Dental Group, was able to determine that this patient had only 40% of his airway open.

With the aid of Dr Gerber's network of sleep treatment professionals, Gerber Dental Group was able to treat this patient with a full diagnoses and treatment needs.

The end result?  The patient was fitted with a SomnoDent for his Sleep Disordered Breathing which has allowed him to sleep normally, uninterrupted and wake up refreshed with more energy.

You can read about Dr Gerber's treatment and the SomnoDent Patient Story here.

For more information or help with any sleep disorders you may be suffering from, contact Gerber Dental Group or call today on 07 5576 4923.

Have your teeth lost their natural sparkle?

If your teeth are stained or yellow, tooth whitening treatments are a safe way to restore natural-looking whiteness.

You can have whiter teeth in just over an hour when you choose the Zoom! whitening process at our dental practice. Or you can take away a tooth whitening kit to use in the comfort of your own home.

Do I need tooth whitening?

Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental treatment. That means it can improve the way your teeth look, but it doesn't have any benefits for your oral health.

Many people now choose teeth whitening to remove stains or discolouration caused by:

• tobacco stains from smoking
• food and drink stains (red wine, beetroot, tea and coffee)
• natural ageing
• certain medications

How does teeth whitening work?

You can choose between two whitening methods with Gerber Dental Group.

1. At our dental practice

We use the Zoom! professional tooth whitening system to make your teeth 6 to 10 shades lighter in just over an hour. The procedure is safe and painless.

We'll explain what the treatment involves and the results you can expect during your consultation. Before we start your treatment, we'll place a plastic retractor in your mouth to make sure it stays open and cover your lips, gums and tongue to make sure they aren't affected.

Our clinical team will then apply the whitening gel to your teeth. The gel is activated using ultraviolet (UV) light in four sessions lasting 15 minutes each. During these sessions, your eyes will be protected from the light by a UV filter.

2. In your home

If you prefer to use a take-home tooth whitening kit, your treatment will take longer and your results will be more unpredictable.

The treatment involves filling a specially designed tray with whitening gel and placing this tray over your teeth for up to 30 minutes at a time. We normally recommend no more than three sessions every one or two days, and most people achieve their desired results in two weeks.

Am I suitable for teeth whitening?

The Zoom! teeth whitening process is completely safe, but it won't be effective for everyone. We'll check whether you're suitable during your consultation and make sure you know what results you can expect.

This treatment does not whiten dental work such as crowns, veneers, dentures or fillings. You may be unsuitable for teeth whitening if your teeth have been discoloured by tetracycline medication or fluorosis, or if your teeth are more grey in colour than yellow or brown.

We don't recommend this treatment if you're pregnant or lactating, receiving PUVA or other photo-chemotherapeutic drugs, or if you are particularly sensitive to light. You should consult with your doctor before having this treatment if you have diabetes, melanoma or a heart condition.

Keep your teeth 'Whiter for Life'

Tooth whitening is a temporary solution, but you can make sure the whiteness doesn't fade by following your dentist's advice about taking care of your teeth, keeping up with your routine dental appointments and having repeat treatments every year.

When you choose tooth whitening at Gerber Dental Group, you'll become a member of our Whiter for Life Club. We'll help you to maintain your new smile by sending you FREE top-up gel every time you need it.

Find out more about tooth whitening in Burleigh Heads.

When it comes to your dental health, prevention is always better than the cure.

Seeing your dentist regularly and taking proper care of your teeth and gums is the best way to help prevent tooth decay, gum disease and other serious problems from affecting your oral and general health.

Why is preventative dentistry so important?

Most oral health problems are preventable. If a problem does develop, catching it at an early stage means it will be easier and less expensive to treat, not to mention helping you avoid all that pain and discomfort.

What does preventative dental care involve?

When you visit our dental practice, we'll offer preventative care for your oral health in two stages.

1. Examining your mouth

Your dentist and hygienist will examine your mouth in detail, looking for any signs of dental cavities (tooth decay), periodontal disease (gum disease) and other dental diseases. We'll also check whether there are any issues with your bite or your temporomandibular joint (TMJ).

2. Cleaning your teeth

How often should I visit the dentist?

If you're at higher risk of getting a oral health disease, we may recommend that you visit us every three or four months so we can keep a closer watch on your oral health.

Help us to help you

Speak to our dentists in Burleigh Heads to find out more about our preventative care program and make an appointment.

If you're looking for a more relaxed destination on the Gold Coast, welcome to Burleigh Heads.

This chilled-out suburb might not have the high-budget attractions of nearby Surfers Paradise, but you won't find a better place to lose yourself in the beauty of South East Queensland from the crashing waves to the fragrant pines.

1. Catch the waves at Burleigh Beach

2. Explore Burleigh Heads National Park

3. Meet the critters at David Fleay Wildlife Park

4. See how craft beer's made at Burleigh Brewing

5. Pick up boutique bargains at the Village Markets

Visit our dental practice in beautiful Burleigh Heads

Contact our team to find out more about our Burleigh Heads practice or to make an appointment. Find us at Stockland Shopping Centre on West Burleigh Road or call us on 07 5576 4923.