Sleep appliances are custom-made devices worn in the mouth during sleep to prevent snoring and treat obstructive sleep apnea.
They work by gently repositioning your jaw or tongue to keep your airway unobstructed, ensuring you breathe smoothly throughout the night.
With a sleep appliance, you could see an improvement in the quality of your sleep, waking up refreshed and energetic. It can significantly reduce or eliminate snoring, keeping your household peaceful at night.
Treating sleep apnea can lower the risk of related health complications like heart disease and hypertension.1
Without a sleep appliance, the recurring episodes of partial or complete blockage of the airway during sleep can lead to poor sleep quality, daytime fatigue, and more serious health issues like cardiovascular diseases over time.
Night guards, also known as dental guards or bite splints, are protective devices worn over teeth during sleep. Our Dentists will recommend these sleep appliances to safeguard your oral health against conditions like bruxism or teeth grinding. A night guard acts like a cushion that absorbs the stress exerted on your teeth, preventing wear, tear, and potential damage.
The benefits of night guards are plentiful. By creating a barrier between your upper and lower teeth, they reduce the risk of tooth wear and fractures. Night guards also aid in minimizing jaw discomfort and headaches that are frequently associated with bruxism. By securing your teeth in place, they can also help preserve any orthodontic work you've had done.
When you overlook the need for a night guard, you expose your teeth to excessive wear and the potential risk of chipping or cracking. This can lead to pain, sensitivity, and expensive restorative procedures.
Not to mention, consistent grinding can result in chronic headaches and TMJ disorders.
TMJ stands for Temporomandibular Joint. It's the hinge connecting your jawbone to your skull. A TMJ disorder can lead to pain in your jaw joint and the muscles that control jaw movement.
TMJ splints, similar to night guards, help alleviate pain and reduce tension in the jaw muscles. They promote proper jaw alignment, often correcting the root cause of the issue, and allow your jaw muscles to relax, reducing discomfort and promoting healing.
Ignoring a TMJ disorder can result in worsening symptoms, including debilitating pain, difficulty chewing, and in severe cases, lockjaw. It can also lead to other health issues like headaches, earaches, and hearing problems.
All three devices serve unique purposes. Night guards protect against teeth grinding, sleep appliances help manage sleep apnea and snoring, while TMJ splints alleviate pain from TMJ disorders.
The choice largely depends on your specific needs and your dentist’s recommendations. Here at Sage Dental, we'll conduct an in-depth examination, consider your symptoms, and determine the most suitable solution for your unique needs.
Proper maintenance of your device prolongs its lifespan and ensures effectiveness. Regular cleaning, safe storage, and routine check-ups are integral to this care.
Whether it’s night guards, sleep appliances, or TMJ splints, each plays a crucial role in maintaining oral health and promoting a good night’s sleep. At Sage Dental, we are committed toproviding you with tailored, high-quality dental solutions to ensure optimal oral health and improve your overall quality of life.
The road to restful sleep and a pain-free day could very well be paved with a custom-made device from Sage Dental. If you suffer from teeth grinding, sleep apnea, or TMJ disorders, we're here to help. Reach out to us today to explore your options with night guards, sleep appliances, or TMJ splints. Your wellness is our mission.
