Dental concerns like uneven bites, crowded teeth, and crooked teeth can generally be restored with the help of dental braces like conventional metal braces or Invisalign. However, in some cases, braces alone can't help. Besides, sometimes, other issues too might develop that need to be fixed or corrected altogether.
Oral appliances are meant to offer direct and non-invasive care to address several dental conditions. They are usually manufactured out of clear plastic materials and are custom-made to fit well on the upper and bottom arch of teeth. At Oak Tree Dental Care, the Seattle, WA dentist uses oral appliances to treat several dental concerns like sleep apnea, teeth grinding, bite problems, or jawbone joint disorders.
Types of Oral Appliances
Common oral appliances are of the following types including:
Mandibular Advancement Device (MAD)
Oral appliances like Mandibular Advancement Device can be useful for patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea that can't be relieved with the help of CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) therapy.
Mandibular advancement devices look similar to a mouthguard and can be helpful in treating sleep apnea. They have metal hinges that will rest over the upper and lower dental mouth arches and work by moving the jaw and tongue forward temporarily. This increases airway space, reduces throat constriction, and thus prevents snoring and sleep apnea.
Tongue Retaining Device
A tongue retaining device includes a splint that maintains the airway open by keeping the tongue in a forward position. These devices improve one's sleep and decrease the intensity and duration of snoring.
Bite Plate
A bite plate is a device that is used to fix the issues of deep bite. Deep bite is a teeth malocclusion that occurs when the upper front teeth come down and overlap over the bottom front teeth. It is usually caused when the lower jaw is shorter than the upper jaw. The issue can cause a bad bite and damage the lower set of braces. In such cases, a dental device called a bite plate, and metal clasps can help restore the bite. This bite plate holds the front teeth apart till they move into a correct, suitable position.
Palatal Expander
Palatal Expander is an orthodontic device that rests along the patient's top dental ridge. It works by applying pressure on the upper molars and expanding the upper jaw to help patients achieve a perfect smile. The Seattle, WA dentist recommends a palatal expander if it is necessary to bring about a wider upper jaw.
If you would like to avail of our dental services, visit Oak Tree Dental Care at 10004 Aurora Ave N Suite 14, Seattle, WA 98133, or call dentists in Seattle WA at (206) 363-4300 to schedule an appointment.
