Episode 146: How Aligner Therapy Impacts Airway Health with Dr. Meenal Patel

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 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: How Dr. Meenal Patel began integrating Invisalign and sleep apnea treatment into her general dental practice The role of technology (like the iTero scanner and CBCT) in uncovering airway issues How to recognize red flags for sleep-disordered breathing during routine dental exams What the patient journey looks like—from crooked teeth to improved sleep Why education and awareness are game-changers for both adults and children How Dr. Meenal is gently introducing airway conversations into everyday dentistry 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