Dental appliances

Are you are experiencing jaw pain?  Do you experience discomfort or hear noises when opening your mouth?  Do you have problems sleeping or have been told you snore?  Do you have unwanted tooth wear?  Have you been diagnosed with periodontal disease?  If so, you may benefit from a dental appliance.  You may ask, what is a dental appliance or how would I know if an appliance would be beneficial? If so what one would be best for me?  This article will address dental appliances that are available in our office for sleep apnea, excessive tooth wear from clenching or grinding and habit inhibiting appliances.

Appliances for sleep apnea

A removable appliance for sleep apnea is used to bring the lower jaw forward so that the tongue is repositioned in a forward motion to open up the throat thus opening the individual’s airway.  There are many designs that can be made to fit the individual needs of each person suffering from sleep apnea.  

Silent Nite

The silent night is an upper and lower removable appliance.   This design gently repositions the lower jaw frontward as a result drawing the tongue away from the natural airway making it easier to breath.  The adjustments to jaw positioning are made using a plastic connection that comes in a variety of sizes that makes the Silent Nite unique to each individual.    An upper and lower impression is taken as well as an impression of the individual’s bite.  These models are sent in to a lab, called glidewell, where the appliance is made.  It takes about 7 to 10 days for the lab to complete the appliance and get it back to us.  Adjustments and fittings are made by your doctor on the day of delivery.[1]

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[1] http://www.glidewelldental.com/snoring-sleep-apnea/product-ema.aspx

   

Silent Nite Slim Line

Thornton Adjustable Positioner (TAP)

Another great appliance for sleep apnea is the Thornton adjustable positioned (TAP).  Along with the Silent Night the Thornton appliance repositions the tongue to open the airway so that it is easier to breath.

The TAP 3 Elite appliance from glidewell, “features a simple hook mechanism attached to the upper tray that slides under a bar attached to the lower tray and positions the lower jaw forward. Three hook sizes offer increased range of adjustment. An adjustment key enables the patient to adjust the protrusion of the lower jaw while wearing the device until a comfortable and effective position is achieved.”  More information about the TAP 3 appliance can be found at, http://www.glidewelldental.com/dentist/services/removables-tap.aspx.

Thornton Adjustable Positioner (TAP)

 

Appliance for Clenching and Grinding

Wearing of the teeth, headaches in the morning, sore jaws or a constant ear pain that is not associated with an ear infection are all signs of clenching and grinding.  An easy treatment for clenching and grinding is a simple bite splint that keeps your teeth apart while you are asleep. This appliance is made to fit on the upper teeth so that when clenching or grinding occurs the splint protects the teeth from wear, protects the jaw joint from added strain, and alleviates muscle tension.[2]

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[2] http://www.glidewelldental.com/dentist/services/removables-bite-splints.aspx

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Night Guard

 

Habit Appliance Is your child sucking their finger or thumb?  Are you having a difficult time weaning your child from a pacifier?  These helpful hints from web med will assist in being successful at helping your child quit before irreversible damage to their teeth and the supporting bone can occur. Do try to limit the time that your child sucks his thumb to his bedroom or in the house, not in public.  Berman says Explain to him/her that hi it is a bed activity during nap and at night time. DON'T turn it into a confrontation. "Don't tell your child, ‘You cannot suck your thumb anymore,'" Anderson says. "Try to recognize him and praise him when he's not sucking his thumb instead of criticizing when he is." DO talk to your child about her thumb sucking or finger sucking. "Help your child understand that when she is ready to stop, you will be there to help," Berman says. "She will eventually come to you and tell you, ‘Mommy, I don't want to suck my thumb anymore,' because you've empowered her to get there." DON'T prohibit your child if he tries to suck his thumb or fingers after being hurt or injured. "He needs to be in his comfort zone, and by not letting him go there, you're only traumatizing him more," Berman says. DO practice self-awareness with your child. "When your child is sucking his thumb, ask him, ‘Do you know you are sucking your thumb now?'" Hayes says. "If he says no, help him recognize that, and find another way to soothe him if he needs it, like a blanket or stuffed animal." DON'T use the nasty-tasting stuff that is marketed to stop thumb sucking and finger sucking. "It's just cruel," Berman says. "It's pulling the rug out from under your child and that's not fair." DO come up with creative ways to help your child understand that he is growing up and one day won't suck his thumb anymore. "Ask your child, ‘Do you think Bob the Builder sucks his thumb?'" Hayes says. "Then they'll think about, and start to process whether they want to be sucking their thumbs anymore." DON'T try a glove or a mitten on the hand as a quick-fix to thumb or finger sucking. "This will just frustrate them and cause more anxiety," Anderson says. "Likely, they're old enough to just take it off, and as a result, they'll just want to suck more." DO remember that a child will grow out of the need for thumb sucking or finger sucking when he's good and ready. "While parents may not like it, it's best left alone," Berman says. "Kids will eventually give it up."[3] [3] http://www.webmd.com/parenting/features/9-ways-to-wean-a-child-off-thumb-sucking?page=2 If you are worried and want to assist your child to quit harmful habits orthodontics of Utah makes a habit appliance called a “Crib”.  The Crib is a small appliance made of metal that is cemented to the child’s existing teeth preventing the sucking sensation that the child craves.  Contact your dental professional for more information.[4] [4] ttp://www.laidlawortho.com/treatment-info/thumb-and-finger-appliances.aspx   Fixed Palatal Crib Conclusion Dental appliances can assist in making your life or others around you easier.  Talk to your dental professional about removable dental appliances.  I have been wearing a night-guard for many years.  I switched to a silent night about 3 months ago and have noticed an improvement in my sleeping habits.  I used the Fixed Palatal crib to help my daughter to quit sucking her thumb.  It was a successful appliance that allowed her to be in control of her choices and to feel good about the choices she was making.