parkwaydental

Parkway Dental

Call Us

(617) 958-2799

Location

1208B VFW Parkway, Suite 307 West Roxbury, MA 02132

Oral Appliances

What are Custom Oral Appliances?

Custom-made oral appliances, also known as dental devices, are dental tools customized to fit your teeth and mouth. They are typically made of durable acrylic, plastic, or metal materials. Depending on your dental condition and treatment goals, they can be worn on either the upper or lower teeth.

Custom-made oral appliances can serve a variety of purposes, such as:

  • Protecting your teeth from damage caused by grinding or clenching (bruxism)
  • Improving your breathing and sleep quality by treating sleep apnea and snoring
  • Alleviating pain and discomfort caused by a temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD)
  • Aligning your teeth and jaws to correct bite issues and improve your smile
  • Stabilizing your dentures or other dental restorations to enhance their functionality and comfort

Benefits of Custom Oral Appliances

Custom-made oral appliances offer several benefits compared to generic or over-the-counter dental devices. Some of the advantages of custom oral appliances include the following:

  • Precise fit and comfort: Custom oral appliances are designed to fit your teeth and mouth precisely, ensuring maximum comfort and minimal discomfort or irritation.
  • Enhanced effectiveness: Custom oral appliances address your specific dental condition and treatment goals, ensuring better results and faster recovery.
  • Durability and longevity: Custom oral appliances are made of high-quality materials and can withstand the wear and tear of everyday use, providing long-lasting benefits.
  • Easy maintenance: Custom oral appliances are easy to clean and maintain, reducing the risk of oral infections and other complications.

 

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts. It can cause a person to snore loudly and feel tired even after a full night’s sleep. There are two types of sleep apnea: obstructive (OSA) and central (CSA). OSA is more common and occurs when the muscles at the back of the throat fail to keep the airway open, while CSA is less common and occurs when the brain fails to send the proper signals to the muscles that control breathing.

Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

The most common symptom of sleep apnea is loud snoring, followed by pauses in breathing or choking or gasping sounds. Other symptoms may include:

  • Excessive daytime sleepiness
  • Irritability
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Memory problems
  • Morning headaches
  • Depression
  • Reduced libido

 

Causes of Sleep Apnea

Several factors can contribute to the development of sleep apnea, including:

  • Obesity
  • Narrow airway
  • Large tonsils or adenoids
  • Family history of sleep apnea
  • Smoking and alcohol use
  • Age and gender (men are more likely to develop sleep apnea than women)
  • Medications that relax the muscles in the throat

Diagnosis of Sleep Apnea

If you suspect that you have sleep apnea, the first step is to see a doctor or a sleep specialist. The doctor will conduct a physical exam and may recommend a sleep study to confirm the diagnosis. A sleep study, polysomnography, is a non-invasive test that measures your breathing, heart rate, brain activity, and other factors while you sleep.

Treatment Options for Sleep Apnea

Several treatment options for sleep apnea include lifestyle changes, oral appliances, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines, and surgery.

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Machines

CPAP machines are the most common treatment for sleep apnea. They deliver a constant flow of air through a mask to keep the airway open during sleep.

Surgery

Surgery may be an option for severe cases of sleep apnea that do not respond to other treatments. The most common types of surgery for sleep apnea include uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP), which removes excess tissue from the throat, and maxillomandibular advancement (MMA), which repositions the jaw and facial bones.

If you’re one of the many individuals who struggle with teeth grinding or bruxism, then you know just how frustrating it can be. Teeth grinding can lead to discomfort, pain, and even damage to your teeth, leaving you feeling stressed and anxious. Fortunately, Parkway Dental, located in West Roxbury, MA, can help. Our team of skilled dental professionals is dedicated to helping you find relief from teeth grinding so you can get back to living your life with confidence and ease.

What is Teeth Grinding?

Teeth grinding, or bruxism is a common dental problem affecting children and adults. It occurs when you clench or grind your teeth, often unconsciously, during the day or night. Teeth grinding can lead to a range of symptoms, including:

  • Jaw pain
  • Headaches
  • Sensitive teeth
  • Worn or damaged teeth
  • Sleep disturbances

If left untreated, teeth grinding can lead to more serious dental problems, such as gum recession, tooth loss, and temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD).

How Parkway Dental Can Help

We understand the impact that teeth grinding can have on your quality of life. That’s why we offer a range of treatments to help you find relief from your symptoms. Our experienced dental professionals will work with you to identify the underlying cause of your teeth grinding and develop a personalized treatment plan that meets your unique needs.

Diagnosis

The first step in treating teeth grinding is to diagnose the problem. During your initial consultation, our dental team will thoroughly examine your teeth and jaw to determine the cause of your symptoms. We may also take x-rays or other diagnostic tools to get a more detailed look at your teeth and jaw.

Custom Mouthguards

One of the most effective treatments for teeth grinding is a custom mouthguard. At Parkway Dental, we offer custom-fit mouthguards designed to fit your teeth perfectly and provide maximum comfort and protection. Our mouthguards are made from high-quality materials and designed to last many years with proper care.

 

We Are Ready To Serve Your Various Dental Problems

Testimonials

What Patients Say About Us

Excellent service and great staff. Dr. Baig and his assistant Sarah were amazing. If painless dentistry is something you are looking for, Parkway Dental is the place.

Felicia Cole
    Felicia Cole

    Patient

    Dr. Baig is very knowledgeable and communicated everything clearly from etiology to treatment options and alternatives. I was very comfortable without pain throughout my encounter. I would recommend to others without hesitation.

    Gerard Cope
      Gerard Cope

      Patient

      Everyone at Parkway dental have been very friendly and informative during both of my visits. I got a tooth pulled and it was fast and painl

      Lynsey Cruz
        Lynsey Cruz

        Patient