Oral Appliances in Midlothian, VA
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Contact UsWhat Are Oral Appliances?
The most recognizable sign of teeth grinding at night, or bruxism, is the wear on the surface of the teeth, but it may also cause headaches, tooth pain, and a sore jaw. Another disruptive condition that may be affecting your health is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which is a disorder that occurs when your breathing is interrupted multiple times as you sleep as a result of your muscles relaxing and closing up your airway. At Sycamore Family Dentistry in Midlothian, VA, Dr. Jacob Sheppard and Dr. Ronald Jessup provide oral appliances for patients with either of these issues. A customized night guard can help protect your mouth while you sleep and minimize the effects of teeth grinding. We also offer an appliance that can help hold the jaw in a forward position to keep your airway open if you have been diagnosed with OSA.
What Are the Benefits of Oral Appliances?
Are you experiencing discomfort due to teeth grinding or obstructive sleep apnea? At Sycamore Family Dentistry in Midlothian, VA we provide oral appliances to help mitigate these issues and enhance your overall health. Discover the multitude of benefits that oral appliances offer to our patients.
- Promotes relaxation of the jaw during sleep
- Protects against teeth grinding at night
- Reduces jaw and neck pain as well as morning soreness
- Lessens the frequency and severity of headaches and migraines
- Improves overall sleep quality by minimizing disruptions
- Prevents extensive dental procedures in the future
- Prolongs the lifespan of dental restorations
- Decreases snoring, which improves sleep quality
- Increases energy and decreases daytime fatigue
- Enhances overall wellness and mood stability
Is an Oral Appliance Right for Me?
If you grind your teeth at night or suffer from sleep apnea, an oral appliance might be right for you. At Sycamore Family Dentistry in Midlothian, VA, Dr. Sheppard and Dr. Jessup offer customized oral appliances designed to help alleviate these issues. These appliances can improve your sleep quality and protect your teeth from the damage caused by grinding. If you're experiencing symptoms related to these conditions, consulting with the team at Sycamore Family Dentistry can help determine the best solution for your needs.
What to Expect from Oral Appliances
Oral appliance therapy is used to treat a variety of conditions, including teeth grinding and mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. By performing a dental exam, we can properly determine if you are grinding or clenching your teeth at night. Then, we will use dental impressions and digital x-rays of your mouth to create your custom night guard. Once your night guard is ready, you can return for a fitting where we will make any adjustments as needed so it fits comfortably and securely. If your doctor has diagnosed you with OSA, we will take digital x-rays, as well as assess your teeth, jaw, tongue, and airway to ensure we have the proper oral appliance built for you. We will customize your sleep apnea oral appliance, which is similar to a night guard, with the right positioning to keep your airway open.
Sycamore Family Dentistry Reviews
Very professional, efficient and personable!!
I broke a tooth while on vacation and have no local dentist yet. Called Sycamore Family Dentistry to see if they take emergency’s. They got me in within the hour. X-rays, sealant and another appointment for a crown within 45 minutes. The dental hygienist, Denise, was great!! I have a sensitive gag reflex and she did an amazing job getting me focused on other things while she got the x-rays. Everyone in the office was very friendly and reassuring. Looks like I found my local dentist!
My experience was excellent
Friendly staff and dentist who make you feel comfortable throughout the process. Explain their findings throughout the cleaning process and checkup by the dentist and make recommendations for improvement.
The staff are all very efficient and wonderful. The dentist and his helper were on top of everything to fix my chipped tooth. It looks great to have a big smile back on my face again!!! I can’t say thank you enough.
196
Total Reviews
4.9
Average Rating
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Get Better Sleep
Sycamore Family Dentistry understands the importance of getting a good night of sleep. If you are waking up with jaw pain or have been diagnosed with OSA, a custom oral appliance may be just what you need. Get in touch with our office in Midlothian, VA to schedule an appointment with Dr. Sheppard or Dr. Jessup, and find out how oral appliance therapy may be the solution to your discomfort.
Learn More About Sycamore Family Dentistry
About UsOral Appliances FAQs
How should I care for my oral appliance?
Clean your oral appliance daily with a soft-bristle toothbrush and non-abrasive cleaner. Store it in a ventilated case, away from extreme temperatures and pets. Regular check-ups at Sycamore Family Dentistry will allow Dr. Sheppard and Dr. Jessup to monitor the condition of your appliance and recommend when a replacement is needed.
How long does it take to adjust to the feel of an oral appliance?
Adjusting to a new oral appliance is a unique experience for each individual. Most patients at Sycamore Family Dentistry report a period of adjustment that can last from a few days to a couple of weeks. During this time, you may experience mild discomfort, increased saliva production, or a temporary change in bite.
How do I know if my oral appliance should be replaced?
Look out for signs of wear and tear, such as cracks, thinning, or changes in fit. If you notice any of these signs or if you experience a change in your dental alignment, it’s time to consider a replacement. Additionally, if you find that the appliance is no longer as effective in managing symptoms of teeth grinding or sleep apnea, this could indicate the need for a new appliance. We recommend regular check-ups at our Midlothian, VA office so Dr. Sheppard and Dr. Jessup can assess the condition of your guard and determine when a replacement is necessary.