Oral Appliance Therapy: Custom Protection and Treatment

At Fountainville Family Dentistry, we make custom oral appliances to help protect teeth, reduce jaw pain, and help treat some sleep breathing problems. An oral appliance is a custom-made device that fits over the teeth. It may help protect enamel, adjust jaw position, or help keep the airway open during sleep.

Many store-bought mouth guards are available, but they often do not fit correctly. A poor fit may lead to discomfort, bite problems, jaw joint issues, or irritation of the gums and soft tissues.

We use digital intraoral scanning and renowned dental lab to create appliances that fit more accurately and feel more comfortable for daily use.

Bruxism and TMJ Guards

Bruxism: The Forces and Consequences

Bruxism means grinding, clenching of teeth, usually during sleep. Many patients do not know they are doing this until symptoms start or signs are found during a dental exam.

  • Tooth Wear: Constant grinding can flatten the teeth and slowly wear away enamel. Over time, teeth may chip, crack, or lose structure near the gumline. Fillings, crowns, and veneers may also become damaged from the pressure.
  • Muscle Strain: Clenching can overwork the jaw muscles. This may lead to morning headaches, jaw soreness, facial muscle tiredness, or neck pain.
  • Damage to the Jaw Joint: The pressure from grinding also affects the TMJ joints, which connect the jaw to the skull. This may cause clicking sounds, popping, pain, stiffness, or jaw locking in some cases.

How a Mouthguard Helps Protect Your Mouth

A custom nightguard is made from strong plastic material and is designed to fit over the upper or lower teeth during sleep.

  • Force Redistribution: The guard works like a protective cushion. Instead of the teeth grinding directly against each other, the teeth slide against the smooth surface of the guard. This helps spread the pressure more evenly.
  • Joint Decompression: The nightguard keeps the teeth slightly apart during sleep. This can help reduce pressure on the TMJ joints and may help relax the jaw muscles.

Oral Appliance Therapy for Sleep Apnea and Snoring

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

OSA happens when the airway becomes blocked during sleep. The muscles and tissues in the throat relax too much and reduce airflow. This can cause poor sleep and tiredness during the day.

Mandibular Advancement Devices (MAD)

A Mandibular Advancement Device is often used for mild or moderate sleep apnea or for patients who cannot tolerate a CPAP machine.

  • The Mechanism: The device usually has two custom trays that fit over the upper and lower teeth. These trays are connected with small adjustable parts.
  • Airway Support: The appliance gently moves the lower jaw forward during sleep. This also helps move the tongue and throat tissues forward. It helps keep the airway more open during the night.
  • Adjustability: The adjustment can be changed slowly over time to help improve breathing while still keeping the jaw comfortable.

Custom Sports Mouthguards

Protecting Against Sports Injuries

Sports injuries can sometimes damage the teeth and mouth. A strong hit during sports may cause cracked teeth, cuts inside the mouth, or even teeth getting knocked out. Custom sports mouthguards help protect the teeth and gums during sports activities.

Why Store-Bought “Boil-and-Bite” Guards Often Fail

Store-bought mouthguards are usually made from softer material and often do not fit very well. Because the fit is loose, many people have to keep biting down to hold the guard in place. This can make breathing and speaking more difficult during sports or sleep.

The Custom Difference

Our custom mouthguards are made using medical-grade shock-absorbing materials. They are designed to fit the exact shape of your teeth.

  • Impact Distribution: A custom guard helps spread the force of an impact across the mouth instead of placing all the pressure on one tooth. This helps lower the chance of tooth fractures or injuries.
  • Anatomical Fit: The guard fits closely around the teeth, so it stays in place better without constant clenching. This can make it easier to breathe, speak, and feel more comfortable while wearing it.

The Digital Fabrication Workflow: Accuracy Without the “Goop”

At Fountainville Family Dentistry, we use a digital workflow to design and make oral appliances. This helps improve fit and comfort.

  • Intraoral Scanning: A digital scanner is used to create a 3D map of your teeth and bite. This replaces the old messy impression material that many patients found uncomfortable.

  • CAD/CAM Technology: The digital scan is loaded into dental lab computer software to design the appliance with more accuracy. A better fit can help reduce irritation and unwanted tooth movement that sometimes happens with poorly fitting store-bought guards.

  • High-Performance Materials: The appliance is made from durable biocompatible materials. These materials are designed to resist stains and bacteria and are easier to clean and maintain.

Frequently Asked Questions

 

  • Most patients get comfortable with the appliance within a few weeks. In the beginning, there may be extra saliva or slight jaw tension in the morning. This usually improves with time.

  • Rinse the appliance with cool water after use. It can be cleaned gently with a soft toothbrush and mild liquid soap. Regular toothpaste and hot water should be avoided because they may damage or bend the material.

  • Many dental insurance plans cover custom nightguards for teeth grinding. Some medical insurance plans may also help cover sleep apnea appliances. Our office team can help review your benefits before treatment.

  • A custom nightguard or sleep apnea appliance often lasts around 2 to 3 years with proper care. Sports mouthguards may need replacement more often depending on use and sports activity.

Book an appointment.

Schedule your dental consultation with our experienced team today and take the first step towards optimal oral health. Our dedicated professionals are ready to provide you with personalized, quality care at your convenience.