Oral appliances are regularly recommended by Drs. Neighbors and Herod. Each type of appliance is custom-made and fitted to ensure it serves its core purpose. Call our Midlothian, VA practice to learn more about the ways oral appliances can help you achieve your oral health and smile goals.
Common Types of Oral Appliances
Drs. Neighbors and Herod routinely prescribe specific types of oral appliances including:
- Retainers: These appliances are typically worn for several hours each day or during the night after a course of orthodontics. Your retainer will be made to perfectly fit your upper and/or lower row of teeth. There are several types of retainers. Your dentist will help you determine which one is right for you. Retainers must be worn after any type of orthodontics for the rest of your life.
- Sleep Apnea Dental Appliances: Sleep apnea is a condition in which an individual stops breathing normally during sleep. The most common type of this disorder, called obstructive sleep apnea, typically occurs because the soft tissues in the back of the throat block the airway. Our dentists work with residents of Midlothian, VA who have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, to discover the best ways to reduce the effects of the disorder. For instance, a mouthguard worn at night can keep the jaw in a slightly open, neutral position and prevent the airways from closing. There are several types of sleep apnea dental appliances. Consequently, your dentist will suggest the one that is right for your situation and lifestyle.
- Night guards: Plastic night guards can help children, teens, and adults who grind their teeth. After all, tooth grinding can lead to tooth erosion, fractures, and other forms of dental damage. Like all oral appliances, night guards are customized to fit your unique oral anatomy for optimal comfort. They may also be worn during the day if tooth grinding is an around-the-clock habit.
Do You Need an Oral Appliance?
Every dental situation and patient is different, which means your needs are unique to your history, goals, and health concerns. If you think you might need an oral appliance to help you stop grinding your teeth, or to use in conjunction with a sleep apnea device like a CPAP machine, contact our office to schedule an appointment with a dentist.