If you’re a bit new to the world of oral appliance therapy, then you may hear this term and wonder what it’s all about. Is it possible that you might need such a device in order to keep your oral health in wonderful condition? In a nutshell, this appliance is also known as a mouthguard (or a nightguard, if worn during sleep) and is probably what you’re imagining! It is some version of a soft guard in which your teeth comfortably rest. Depending on the functional concern you’re facing or the protection you require, you may receive one of a variety of custom-crafted options. As for the why behind this type of treatment, our Overland Park, KS team removes the mystery with pertinent particulars.
For Bruxism Disorder
Now that you understand what an oral appliance is, you are wondering why you might need one. First up? Bruxism disorder! If you have heard of this before, you know it’s a disorder associated with the function of your smile in terms of the muscle movements you make. Your muscles are overly active (but they’re overly active on their own, meaning the movements are involuntary, rather than something you’re voluntarily doing). Motions may cause grinding or may result in clenching. A nightguard will help limit that excessive motion, all while helping to keep teeth apart and cushioned, to prevent injury.
For TMJ Disorder
Next up! It’s TMJ disorder (TMD). You will hear this mentioned frequently alongside bruxism. While bruxism means you’re moving your muscles too much, TMD refers to the stress, strain, tension, and damage (and poor function) of your TMJs, or temporomandibular joints, also called your jaw joints. Bruxism can contribute to the problem (or TMD may contribute to bruxism). Of course, you need your jaw joint health for optimal motion, chewing, speaking, and more. Oral appliance therapy (again, worn at night) gently positions your TMJs in a restful pose, so you can gain relief.
For Sleep Apnea And Snoring
Snoring and sleep apnea come about due to the partial or complete relaxation and collapse of your throat tissues (and the ways gravity causes your soft oral tissues to move toward your throat during sleep). An oral appliance promotes open airways that do not become obstructed with a careful positioning of your jaw!
For Smile Protection
For any patient participating in sports, we suggest an athletic mouthguard to prevent unintended damage due to game-time impacts!
Protect The Function Of Your Smile
Remember that we treat not only the hygiene-related concerns you may have with your oral health but also those related to your smile’s function! Seek care in the form of oral appliance therapy for improvement. To learn more, schedule your consultation by calling Family First Dental in Overland Park, KS, today at 913-381-2600.