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
The staff have always been accommodating and friendly. Julie, Rhonda, Cindy and others have always been great. Dr. Shepard explains procedures and any alternatives and has been very professional. The office is very inviting and a pleasure to work with.
Had some repair work done by Doctor Son. Very professional.
Dr. Sheppard and his staff are wonderful. As soon as, I walk into the office, until I leave my appointment, everyone is always so nice and accommodating. I had a crown prep today. Trust me, I am not a fan of needles. However, Dr. Sheppard is the best, when it comes to numbing before your treatment! They want to make sure you are comfortable during your procedure. They have top of the line equipment and new technology.Dr. Sheppard and his awesome staff treat everyone more like a family member rather than a just another number. I love the environment and look forward to my next appointment.If you have put off going to the dentist, call to make an appointment. You will be so happy with the service they provide! If they are busy, please leave a message. They are great about returning calls. I cannot say enough good things about this practice.
Extremely friendly staff. Dr. Sheppard was great, he thoroughly explained everything and addressed all of my concerns. This is now my new dentist
Love this place
211
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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.
Can oral appliances damage my teeth or jaw?
When properly fitted and used, oral appliances are safe and should not harm your teeth or jaw. Regular dental check-ups at Sycamore Family Dentistry in Midlothian, VA allow your dentist to monitor the appliance's fit and effectiveness. This helps prevent potential complications and ensures optimal results.
Can an oral appliance help with snoring even if I don’t have sleep apnea?
Yes, oral appliances can help manage chronic snoring effectively. They gently reposition the jaw to keep the airway open during sleep, reducing vibrations in the throat, which are the primary cause of snoring.
What should I do if my oral appliance feels uncomfortable?
If your appliance feels uncomfortable, schedule a follow-up with your dentist to assess the fit. Minor adjustments can often resolve discomfort and improve the appliance's effectiveness. Ignoring discomfort may lead to further irritation or reduce the benefits of the treatment.