Dental Appliances
Night Guards
Unconscious gnashing, grinding, and clenching of the teeth can result in chipped teeth as well as painful jaw disorders. Individuals who grind their teeth don’t often realize they are doing it, although the problem becomes evident during a routine dental exam. If you grind your teeth at night, your dentist may recommend a night guard to protect your teeth and jaws from damage.
Retainers
Retainers are a dental device that is used to keep your teeth in alignment after orthodontic treatment. They are usually worn at night and come in the form of either a clear plastic aligner that is worn over the teeth or a metal retainer that is connected to a plastic plate and sits against the roof of the mouth.
Sports Mouth Guards
A blow to the mouth can result in dislodged teeth or losing a tooth completely. For this reason, sports mouth guards are routinely recommended for kids and adults who take part in contact sports. While boil and bite mouth guards provide some protection, custom-made mouth guards fit better in the mouth and provide a greater level of protection.
Snoring Devices & Sleep Apnea Devices
Obstructive sleep apnea is a medical condition where the muscles around the tongue and throat relax to the point that they block airflow to the lungs whilst sleeping. In order to combat the problem, your dentist may recommend that you use specialized dental appliances or a mouth guard.
The Benefits of Sleep Apnea Devices
If you suffer from mild to moderate sleep apnea, you may benefit from using a dental device. These devices are designed to improve the quality of your sleep and reduce the incidence of snoring. If you share your bed, your partner will also benefit from these devices as they also help to reduce the loudness of your snoring.
Types of Sleep Apnea Devices
Sleep apnea devices are custom-made and designed specifically for your oral cavity. Mandibular advancement devices look similar to sports mouth guards and fit over the upper and lower dental arches. Tongue-retaining devices focus specifically on holding the tongue in place to keep the airway open.