Do you grind your teeth at night? Play contact sports that put your teeth at risk of injury? Or perhaps you struggle with snoring and sleep apnea? If any of these scenarios sound familiar, then dental appliances might be the solution for you! From sports guards to retainers, dental appliances come in various forms and serve different purposes. 

What Are Dental Appliances?

Dental appliances refer to devices that are designed to help manage various dental conditions. They can be removable or fixed, and are made from different materials, depending on their purpose. Dental appliances serve a multitude of purposes, such as protecting teeth from damage during sports, correcting bite issues, and reducing snoring and sleep apnea symptoms, among others.

Types of Dental Appliances

There are many different types of dental appliances. Some are designed to help keep your teeth in place, while others are designed to help make your teeth look straighter. There are also devices that can help patients who suffer from jaw pain. Here are the major dental appliances that we provide:

• Sports guards are one type of dental appliance commonly used by athletes to protect their teeth from injury during contact sports like football or hockey. 
• Night guards are another common type of dental appliance that is worn during sleep to alleviate the symptoms associated with bruxism (teeth grinding). Many patients clench or grind their teeth while they sleep. This condition, called bruxism, can cause damage to your teeth and jaw. A night guard can help protect your teeth from grinding.
• Snoring appliances work by repositioning the jaw and tongue to open airways and reduce resistance to airflow. This helps people with snoring and sleep apnea have better sleep.
• An orthodontic retainer is a custom-made, removable dental appliance that is worn after braces are removed. The retainer maintains the new position of your teeth until the bones and gums adapt to the new teeth's positions. Retainers help keep teeth in their proper alignment after orthodontic treatment, like braces or Invisalign. These retainers come in different types, such as Hawley Retainer, Clear Aligner Retainer, etc., based on individual needs.

There's no doubt that dental appliances play an essential role in maintaining oral health by preventing injuries and correcting misaligned bites while improving breathing patterns during sleep.

To learn more about these or other dentistry options, schedule a consultation with one of our dentists at Fort Union Family Dental located at 8915 S 700 E Ste 103, Sandy, Utah 84070, or call (801) 562-2147 today! We would be happy to answer any questions you may have!