Episode 146: How Aligner Therapy Impacts Airway Health with Dr. Meenal Patel
Release Date: 04/14/2025
Episode 149: The Future of Sleep Medicine with Dr. Aarthi Raghavan
Healthy Sleep Revolution
In this empowering and eye-opening episode of The Healthy Sleep Revolution, Dr. Meghna Dassani is joined by the passionate and insightful Dr. Aarthi Raghavan—a trailblazing dentist who is redefining what it means to provide whole-patient care. Together, they dive into the exciting innovations transforming the sleep and airway space, from cutting-edge tech to collaborative care models that center patient wellbeing. With warmth, wisdom, and real-world experience, Dr. Raghavan shares how her practice blends clinical excellence with education and empathy to improve sleep health, especially for...
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Episode 148: Revolutionizing Sleep Through Airway-Focused Dentistry with Dr. Nimisha Somaiya
Healthy Sleep Revolution
In today’s enlightening episode of The Healthy Sleep Revolution, Dr. Meghna Dassani sits down with Dr. Nimisha Somaiya, the heart behind Seva Dental in Bellbrook, Ohio. With a unique blend of clinical expertise and a deeply personal journey into sleep-disordered breathing, Dr. Somaiya shares how incorporating sleep medicine into her dental practice has transformed not only her own life and her family's health—but is now changing the lives of her patients as well. This isn’t just a conversation about straight teeth—it’s about functional dentistry and how something as seemingly...
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Episode 147: How DNA Shapes The Way You Sleep
Healthy Sleep Revolution
In this episode, let's dive deep into a topic that could revolutionize your nightly routine—sleep genetics. 🧬😴 You’ve heard the usual sleep tips: skip the caffeine, stick to a routine, cut down screen time... but what if the real secret to better sleep is already inside you? Let's break down: - How your genes influence your circadian rhythm - What your chronotype says about your natural sleep patterns - The surprising genetic links to sleep disorders like insomnia and sleep apnea - Why personalized, DNA-based sleep insights are the future of sleep health -...
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Episode 146: How Aligner Therapy Impacts Airway Health with Dr. Meenal Patel
Healthy Sleep Revolution
What happens when a general dentist becomes passionate about aligner therapy and sleep medicine? In this inspiring and eye-opening episode, Dr. Meghna Dassani welcomes Dr. Meenal Patel—friend, colleague, and fellow dental sleep advocate—to the Healthy Sleep Revolution Podcast. Dr. Meenal shares her journey from dental school to building a thriving private practice in Cary, North Carolina, with a strong emphasis on total patient wellness. Learn how she’s using advanced technology, aligner therapy, and sleep-disordered breathing screenings to uncover the hidden signs of airway issues—and...
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Episode 145: Beyond the Bite: Sleep Apnea Signs in Dentistry with Dr. Sirisha Bhandaru
Healthy Sleep Revolution
In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Sirisha Bhandaru to explore the fascinating connection between oral health and sleep-disordered breathing. From jaw structure to teeth grinding, the mouth holds valuable clues about sleep apnea—clues that could lead to life-changing diagnoses. Dr. Bhandaru shares her expertise on how dentists play a crucial role in identifying sleep issues, what warning signs patients should be aware of, and how early intervention can improve overall health. Whether you’re a dental professional or someone struggling with sleep, this episode is packed with insights you...
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Episode 144: How Dentistry is Transforming Sleep with Dr. Deepthy Thomas
Healthy Sleep Revolution
Did you know your dentist could be the key to better sleep? 😴🦷 In this episode of The Healthy Sleep Revolution, Dr. Meghna Dassani sits down with Dr. Deepthy Thomas, DDS—sleep and airway therapist and owner of Reflections Dental Spa—to explore the critical role dentists play in identifying and addressing sleep-related issues. Topics Discussed: 🦷 The Role of Dentists in Sleep Health – Why dental professionals are often the first to spot airway issues and sleep-disordered breathing. 🌬️ Sleep & Airway Therapy – How a holistic approach to oral health can improve sleep...
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Episode 143: Myofunctional Therapy: The Link in Dental and Airway Health with Karese Laguerre
Healthy Sleep Revolution
The way we breathe, chew, and swallow plays a bigger role in our overall health than most people realize. Myofunctional therapy is at the forefront of transforming how we approach airway health, sleep, and dental care. In this episode of The Healthy Sleep Revolution, Dr. Meghna Dassani sits down with Karese Laguerre—myofunctional therapist, author, and founder of The Myo Spot—to explore the growing impact of myofunctional therapy in dentistry and healthcare. Topics Discussed: 🦷 What is myofunctional therapy? How it supports breathing, oral function, and sleep. 🤝 The crucial...
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Episode 142: The Trifecta of Light, Temperature, and Sound for Optimal Sleep
Healthy Sleep Revolution
Your environment plays a huge role in how well you sleep. From the glow of your bedside lamp to the temperature of your room, every detail can either help or hinder your rest. In this episode of The Healthy Sleep Revolution, we’re breaking down the science of creating the ultimate sleep-friendly space. We explore the three pillars of environmental design that impact your sleep: Light: How to use light to support your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle and avoid disrupting your circadian rhythm. Temperature: Why the perfect room temperature is essential for falling—and staying—asleep....
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Episode 141: Sleep Is in Your Genes: The Blueprint for Restorative Rest
Healthy Sleep Revolution
Did you know your sleep patterns are written in your DNA? 🧬✨ In this fascinating episode of The Healthy Sleep Revolution, we explore how your unique genetic makeup shapes your sleep habits, needs, and even your vulnerabilities to sleep disorders. Your genes hold the key to understanding why some people thrive on 6 hours of sleep while others need 9, or why falling asleep at a certain time feels natural. Join us as we uncover: The connection between your genetics and your sleep-wake cycles. How genetic predispositions impact your risk for sleep disorders like insomnia or sleep apnea. The...
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Episode 140: Chronotypes explained: How Your Sleep Rhythm Shapes Your Life
Healthy Sleep Revolution
Your body has its own clock, and knowing how it works can change everything. In this episode of The Healthy Sleep Revolution, we’re diving into the science of chronotypes—the unique biological clock that determines when you feel most alert or sleepy. Understanding your chronotype isn’t just a fun personality trait; it’s a game-changer for productivity, health, and overall well-being. Tune in as we explore: The four chronotypes and how they influence your daily energy patterns. Why working with your chronotype can improve sleep, focus, and even relationships. How mismatched...
info_outlineWhat happens when a general dentist becomes passionate about aligner therapy and sleep medicine? In this inspiring and eye-opening episode, Dr. Meghna Dassani welcomes Dr. Meenal Patel—friend, colleague, and fellow dental sleep advocate—to the Healthy Sleep Revolution Podcast.
Dr. Meenal shares her journey from dental school to building a thriving private practice in Cary, North Carolina, with a strong emphasis on total patient wellness. Learn how she’s using advanced technology, aligner therapy, and sleep-disordered breathing screenings to uncover the hidden signs of airway issues—and change lives.
From investing in an iTero scanner to implementing home sleep tests, Dr. Meenal walks us through how she seamlessly blends aesthetics and function while empowering patients with knowledge. Whether you're a provider or a patient, this conversation will open your eyes to how much your smile and your sleep are connected.
In this episode, you'll learn:
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How Dr. Meenal Patel began integrating Invisalign and sleep apnea treatment into her general dental practice
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The role of technology (like the iTero scanner and CBCT) in uncovering airway issues
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How to recognize red flags for sleep-disordered breathing during routine dental exams
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What the patient journey looks like—from crooked teeth to improved sleep
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Why education and awareness are game-changers for both adults and children
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How Dr. Meenal is gently introducing airway conversations into everyday dentistry
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The importance of connecting the dots between oral health and whole-body health
About Dr. Meenal Patel
Dr. Meenal Patel graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Nutritional Sciences at the University of Florida. She went on to earn her Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree at the University of Florida College of Dentistry. She completed her post-graduate training at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in the Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) residency program.
Highly regarded as a cosmetic clinician, she has advanced training in cosmetic dentistry, orthodontics, endodontics, prosthodontics, adult and children’s sleep apnea, and dental implantology with additional certifications in Invisalign and laser dentistry. She has been awarded the prestigious Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry (FAGD) as well as Fellowship in the International Congress of Oral Implantologists (FICOI), the International Congress of Dentists (ICD) and the American Academy of Clear Aligners (AACA). She has also been appointed for the Pierre Fauchard Academy - a very exclusive invitation. Dr. Patel also serves as an adjunct faculty member at UNC Chapel Hill School of Dentistry. She has served as Fourth District President for the North Carolina Dental Society, Raleigh Wake County Dental Society, Vice Chair for the Council on Membership with the American Dental Association, and
Study Club Leader for NC with the American Academy of Clear Aligners, for which she also serves on the board. Dr. Patel was named Triangle Business Journal’s Top 40 Under 40 just a couple years ago. She has been the owner and founder of her award-winning practice in Cary, NC for nearly a decade. Prior to this, Dr. Patel was an associate dentist for a group practice in Charlotte, NC. Dr. Patel has enjoyed owning and growing her practice, Preston Dental Loft, a premier family and cosmetic practice. She has a particular interest in helping people grow their confidence through their smile; offering Invisalign to her patients has helped her achieve this in a big way. She is one of the only general dentists in the area as a Platinum Plus Invisalign provider! Dr. Patel is committed to enhancing her patients’ confidence through personalized care and innovative solutions; she believes that your oral health is directly related to your overall wellness as a human!
Connect with Dr. Meenal Patel
Website: https://www.prestondentalloft.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prestondentalloft/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/prestondentalloft
About Meghna Dassani
Dr. Meghna Dassani is passionate about promoting healthy sleep through dental practices. In following the ADA’s 2017 guideline on sleep apnea screening and treatment, she has helped many children and adults improve their sleep, their breathing, and their lives. Her books and seminars help parents and practitioners understand the essential roles of the tongue, palate, and jaw in promoting healthy sleep.
Connect with Dr. Meghna Dassani
Website: https://www.meghnadassani.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/healthysleeprevolution
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healthysleeprevolution/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9Lh_n7xmbhQVPGQrSjBIrw
Get a copy of Airway is Life: https://www.airwayislife.com