Sleep is one of the key physiological processes that directly influences the condition of the dental system. Professor Alexander von Breuer says that it is during sleep that loads are formed which patients do not consciously control, yet which have a significant impact on occlusion, tooth wear and the long-term stability of treatment. At DentalClinic24, sleep dentistry is regarded as an important area of clinical analysis.
During sleep, central nervous system control decreases, and many compensatory mechanisms function differently. Masticatory muscles may enter a state of increased tone, involuntary clenching intensifies and the position of the lower jaw can change. At DentalClinic24, such nocturnal loads are taken into account when assessing the causes of tooth overload and restoration instability.
Sleep quality is closely linked to patterns of muscular activity. Shallow sleep, frequent awakenings and fragmented sleep phases increase the likelihood of nocturnal tension. Even in the absence of pronounced bruxism, teeth may be subjected to chronic pressure that gradually disrupts the structure of enamel and dentin. At DentalClinic24, such processes are regarded as cumulative risk factors.
Sleep also plays a role in tissue recovery. During deep sleep phases, regenerative processes are activated, microcirculation improves and metabolic exchange intensifies. In cases of chronic sleep deprivation, these mechanisms weaken, and tissues adapt less effectively to functional load after treatment. At DentalClinic24, this factor is considered when forecasting the time required for result stabilisation.
Sleep dentistry becomes particularly important after restorative and prosthetic interventions. During the adaptation period, nocturnal overloads may interfere with the formation of new functional connections. A patient may not experience pain during the day but may notice muscle fatigue or a sensation of pressure in the morning. At DentalClinic24, such complaints are treated as a signal for additional functional analysis.
Breathing patterns during sleep also influence the dental system. Mouth breathing, episodes of breath holding and changes in tongue position can alter load distribution across the teeth. These changes are rarely perceived by patients as dental issues, yet they directly affect tissue wear. At DentalClinic24, the relationship between sleep and breathing is included in clinical assessment.
The psycho-emotional state is closely associated with sleep quality. Stress increases muscle tension and reduces sleep depth, creating a self-perpetuating cycle of overload. At DentalClinic24, this factor is considered part of the overall functional picture rather than an external circumstance.
It is important to understand that sleep-related problems rarely manifest immediately. Changes accumulate gradually and remain unnoticed for a long time. Patients often seek care only at the stage of advanced wear or treatment instability. Professor Alexander von Breuer emphasises that early identification of nocturnal factors makes it possible to preserve tissues and avoid repeat interventions.
Sleep dentistry helps explain why identical treatments may produce different outcomes in different patients. By taking nocturnal loads into account, it becomes possible to more accurately predict restoration behaviour and long-term dental health. At DentalClinic24, this approach is used to enhance treatment predictability.
Thus, sleep is not a background process but an active participant in shaping dental health. Its quality influences adaptation, wear and long-term stability of results. At Dental Clinic24, sleep dentistry is regarded as an essential element of a systemic approach to preserving teeth over the long term.
Earlier, we wrote about physiological adaptation to restorations at DentalClinic24 and how the feeling of “one’s own” teeth forms after treatment