Oral Appliances
Dental Services
One of our goals at is to provide the most conservative treatment possible in every situation. Oral appliances offer simple, non-invasive treatment for a variety of conditions. Regardless of the application, every appliance we prescribe is custom-crafted just for you.
Whether we're treating nighttime sleep grinding, a diagnosed case of obstructive sleep apnea, bite problems, or other jaw joint disorders, appliance therapy may be a valuable complement to your treatment. Our doctors use a variety of innovative designs depending on your treatment goals and preferences.
Teeth Grinding
Normal chewing results in brief intervals of contact between teeth. Under normal circumstances, your teeth should only contact for about 5 minutes each day. Slight amounts of wear over years of use is common.
Sometimes teeth develop a flattened, worn appearance. X-rays may show unusually thin layers of enamel as if sandpaper has been drawn across the chewing surfaces of the teeth. Daily chewing shouldn't erode the enamel so much.
You Don't Even Know
Some patients develop a subconscious habit of grinding their teeth, either during the day or at night. In many cases, the abrasive action occurs only during sleep, and for only a few seconds at a time. If you wake up with a sore jaw or a morning headache, chances are you are grinding your teeth during the night. In some patients, enlarged jaw muscles develop on the sides of the face from this nighttime grinding. These muscles are, ounce for ounce, the strongest in the body, which means they can do a lot of unnecessary damage.
The unusual activity not only wears down teeth and strains the overworked muscles, but compressive forces can also damage the complex jaw joints on one or both sides. Damage to the joints may lead to arthritic changes, chronic pain, and popping or clicking. Once these changes settle in, reversing their condition may become impossible.
Avoiding Irreversible Damage
If you're waking up with a sore jaw or headaches, or you've noticed chips or flattening of your teeth, a consult with our doctors is recommended. The sooner the problem receives attention, the less damage there will be. Often a custom-fit night guard will eliminate the symptoms while protecting your precious enamel.
Daytime habits of clenching or grinding deserve attention too. Our doctors will analyze your bite and make sure they're moving against each other properly when you chew. Regardless of the cause, reducing the strain on the jaw and your teeth as quickly as possible can save you money and time spent in the dental chair.
Frequently Asked Questions
We offer nightguards and clear retainers. We can offer a referral for sleep apnea.
Oral appliances for sleep apnea help by repositioning the jaw to keep your airway open while you sleep, reducing snoring and other symptoms.
Oral appliances generally last several years with proper care, but it’s important to have them checked during regular dental visits for wear and fit.
If you grind or clench your teeth at night (bruxism), a nightguard can protect your teeth and relieve jaw discomfort. Your dentist can determine if one is necessary.
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