218 Wall St, Powdersville, SC 29673

Custom Mouth Guards

Oral Appliances: Comfort for Grinding and Sleep

What Are Oral Appliances?

Oral appliances are custom-made devices, like nightguards or mandibular advancement devices, designed to protect your teeth or improve breathing during sleep. Nightguards shield teeth from grinding (bruxism), while sleep apnea devices reposition the jaw to keep airways open, offering non-invasive relief for specific conditions.

Why It Matters

Grinding can wear down teeth, cause jaw pain, or crack teeth, while sleep apnea disrupts sleep and health, increasing risks of fatigue or heart issues. Oral appliances provide a comfortable, effective solution to protect your teeth or improve sleep quality without surgery or bulky machines like CPAP.

When Might You Need It?

You may need an oral appliance if:

  • You grind your teeth at night (bruxism), causing tooth wear, jaw soreness, or morning headaches, often linked to stress or misalignment.
  • You have mild to moderate sleep apnea, confirmed by a sleep study, with symptoms like snoring, gasping, or daytime fatigue.
  • You want a non-invasive alternative to surgery or CPAP machines for sleep apnea.
  • A dental exam shows signs of grinding or airway issues needing protection or correction.
  • We’ll assess your needs to ensure the appliance is right for you.

    What to Expect

    The process is simple:

  • Consultation: Dr. Patel evaluates your teeth, jaw, and airway to design your appliance.
  • Fabrication: Your custom nightguard or sleep apnea device is crafted over 1-2 weeks for a precise, comfortable fit.
  • Fitting: In a 1-2 hour appointment, we fit the appliance, adjusting for comfort and function (e.g., jaw positioning for sleep apnea).
  • Education: We teach you how to use, clean, and store the appliance, ensuring it lasts.
  • Follow-ups ensure the appliance works perfectly.