Custom Oral Appliances

Ann Arbor Smiles offers custom oral appliances for a myriad of purposes. Some mouthpieces are for protection, while others can keep you from snoring! Each custom oral appliance is made specifically for your mouth, jaw, and condition or level of activity. These oral appliances are far superior to ones you may find online or in stores. Also, they have a much longer life than their cheap counterparts.

 

Athletic Mouthguards

Athletic mouthguards are made to protect the teeth, gums, and jaw bone from injury due to impact. Custom bite guards protect more surface area and can also be made for your lower jaw. It is important to have a custom athletic guard to protect your teeth and face, as some stock mouthguards only protect your teeth from injury and not your jaw. In addition, it is crucial to seek a mouthguard that is easy to clean, comfortable, shock absorbing and does not restrict breathing.

 

Teeth Grinding Protection

At Ann Arbor Smiles, we’re also concerned with protecting your teeth while you sleep. If you have a history of night grinding or bruxism, you may be a candidate for a night bite guard. However, it is important to also schedule a sleep study as most patients with a night grinding issue also have mild obstructive sleep apnea.

Night grinding can wear down the teeth chewing surface, cause cracking, chipping, or expose the dentin. Having a bite guard to protect your teeth is the best way to prevent damage and expensive repairs.

 

Oral Appliance for Sleep Apnea

Did you know that the FDA has now approved over 100 oral appliances for sleep apnea? Also, most of these custom oral appliances are covered in full or in part by your medical insurance. Ann Arbor Smiles and Apnea Alternatives can create a non-surgical appliance that advances your lower jaw (mandibular advancement) and can help your breathing at night.

If you’re sleepy and have mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) you may be a candidate for a custom oral appliance from Apnea Alternatives. Treating sleep apnea can give you a healthier heart and a clearer mind during the day.

You may qualify for a Sleep Apnea appliance if :
– mild or moderate OSA
– the primary symptom is snoring
– did not respond well or dislike CPAP therapy
– did not have success with certain apnea reducing surgeries

Contact Ann Arbor Smiles today to improve your sleep and overall well-being!

Caring for your Custom Oral Appliance

Whether you have received custom appliance for athletics, night grinding, or obstructive sleep apnea, caring for your investment is an important step. Here are some guidelines to follow:

– Bring your guard to every dental appointment so it can be inspected
– Check guard for wear
– Keep guard well ventilated in a container
– Clean with cold water or mouthwash
– Deeply clean occasionally with a toothbrush and mild soap (don’t use toothpaste!)
– Protect your guard from high temperatures (don’t leave it in the car or in direct sun)
– Keep your guard away from pets and small children who might chew on them!