There are a number of options available to individuals experiencing oral health difficulties, whether from bite misalignment, teeth grinding and clenching, or obstructive sleep apnea. At Hanson Family Dentistry, we help patients to alleviate these issues using oral appliances.
We have created this guide to explain why patients should consider bite guards, and how these appliances correct a number of problems.
Comparing Over-The-Counter and Professional Guards
Many wonder why they should consider a professional guard when there are a number of store-bought options available. These over-the-counter bite guards usually come in broad sizes for patients of different ages and varying jaw structures. Store-bought bite guards are made from rubber and are intended to be dropped into hot or boiling water, allowing them to be softened. Guards are then bit down on, shaping the mold to a person’s unique dental alignment. These bite guards are then intended to be worn when sleeping or during the day when necessary.
Professional bite guards are made in a dental office using traditional or digital molds of a patient’s smile. These guards are more durable than their over-the-counter alternatives and have a more comfortable and tighter fit. This difference not only makes them more likely to last significantly longer but also makes it so that they will not be prematurely worn out by patients who have issues with jaw clenching and teeth grinding.
What to Expect with Appliance Therapy
There are a number of benefits that make professionally crafted guards ideal for patients with bite issues and obstructive sleep apnea. For patients who are in need of a guard to alleviate the discomfort and damage caused by clenching and grinding, professional guards are the ideal choice. Rather than make structural changes to the bite, these guards apply force more evenly across the jaw.
For individuals with obstructive sleep apnea, these guards can be specially made to reposition the jaw. This reduces the effects of this condition by preventing the soft tissue of the throat from obstructing airflow. Qualified patients can use these appliances to regain restful sleep without the use of a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine.
To learn more about the benefits of professionally made bite guards, contact Dr. Donald Hanson and the team at Hanson Family Dentistry today. We are committed to providing minimally invasive options in Indianapolis to help patients achieve their dental health goals.