Weight Loss Retainer
Tina Quinn savors every moment playing outside with her dogs. Most days, she’s held prisoner to her car. As a salesperson she spends most of her time traveling nonstop from client to client, making it unfeasible for her to stick to any sustained weight loss program. "It's very hard to have a staple diet in the car, when you are traveling. Most often I just grab a McDonald's meal." says Tina.
Tina wants to lose 30 pounds, but with her hectic schedule, her weight loss program i.e. eating healthy and exercising, has taken a back seat. Desperate to lose weight, she decided to try the Dental Diet System, a retainer-like mouthpiece that adheres to the upper palette. "This is literally a behavioral modification appliance to slow people down when they are eating." says cosmetic and restorative dentist, Dr. Clifford Williams.
According to research conducted at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center at Louisiana State University, patients wearing the dental appliance on a given day consumed 25% less food than those who just ate regularly without the device. Dr. Clifford Williams, says since many people are constantly eating out and not taking the proper amount of time required to digest food, the satiety index, feeling of fullness, doesn't kick in until it's too late and the person has overeaten.
Normally, it takes the body at least 15 minutes to register with the brain that the stomach is full. "If we could slow them down and get the satisfaction or the satiety to kick in- in that 12 to 15 minute window, they don't go back for seconds, they will realize that their stomach is full." explains Dr. Williams. Patients are custom fitted for their weight loss retainer. There are no adverse effects on swallowing or speaking while wearing the device, and the only maintenance it needs is washing with water or light brushing with toothpaste.
"Most of our patients have managed significant weight loss thanks to the device. Most lost up to 1-2 pounds a week and 5-6 pounds in the first month." says Dr. Williams. Tina who has used the retainer for 3 weeks says initially she had to get used to chewing differently, but considers it a minor concession. She's thrilled with her weight loss of 5-and-a-half pounds.
"It has slowed me down, prevented me from shoveling food. That's really helped me lose weight, because when you'e shoveling food in, you just keep eating and eating. The retainer helps you realize your limit, and thus naturally helps you lose weight." The customized retainer costs about $500.00. Insurance does not cover the cost.
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