When you come to our Ankeny, IA practice for a functional disorder (which means a concern with the way your smile is working, rather than a problem related to your dental hygiene), you will likely find yourself discussing oral appliance therapy with us. At a glance, you realize that this sounds like an easy, noninvasive method of improving your issue with your oral health. However, that doesn’t mean you really have any in-depth (or even moderate) knowledge in terms of what this device is, what it does, etc. Good news: We can answer those questions for you, so you quickly understand what this type of treatment is all about.
What Is It?
What’s an oral appliance, you wonder? Fortunately, it’s much simpler than you might realize. While the name may sound elevated or complex, this is simply a term for a mouthguard. Or, you may hear it referred to as a nightguard. It will be comfortable, custom-crafted, and very easy to put it place.
When Would I Need One?
So, when are you going to need to consider an oral appliance to improve your oral health, you wonder? When you’re visiting our practice, you can expect us to bring this to the table as the treatment of choice for you primarily when you’re dealing with bruxism disorder (which is grinding and clenching chronically and involuntarily) or when you are diagnosed with snoring or sleep apnea. Depending on your concern, the appliance will help alleviate your problem, while offering long-term improvement.
When Will I Wear It?
You’ll only have to wear your oral appliance when you get into bed at night, as it is meant to be worn while you sleep. When you get up in the morning to start your day, you remove the device and go about your business! It’s noninvasive physically and it’s only minimally disruptive (if at all) in terms of your daily routine.
Is It Comfortable?
As mentioned, we are pleased to remind you that oral appliance therapy is a very comfortable means of addressing oral health concerns. Fortunately, since it is drug-free, it also means it will not interact with any other treatment you’re receiving.
Can It Really Work?
It really can! When you visit us for this type of therapy, you can often expect some amount of immediate improvement or relief and we will then monitor your experience to ensure you’re enjoying optimal results.
Receive Oral Appliance Therapy With Us
Come in to see our team for the oral appliance therapy you need to improve your bruxism disorder or sleep apnea! We look forward to seeing you and improving your immediate and long-term oral health! Visit us for a dental checkup in Ankeny, IA by contacting Dental Impressions to schedule a visit at (515) 965-0230.
