Occlusal Guards/Sleep Apnea Devices
Why Choose CDS for Occlusal Guards & Sleep Apnea Devices?
At Chicago Dental Solutions, every patient who walks through our door becomes our number one priority. Our staff is highly trained and our skilled prosthodontists have received 3 years of further education to better prepare and handle every situation that comes our way. Prosthodontists are specially recognized by the American Dental Association, and we focus on the diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and maintenance of the mouth as a whole.
“I have been to Lincoln Dental Care several times since September and have had great experiences with Dr. Nihal and the rest of the staff. Justine at the front desk is super helpful and informative when it comes to treatment plan and pricing. Dr. Nihal is amazing. Very friendly, compassionate and made sure I understood everything that was going on. I’ll definitely be back!” -Kelley T.
What are Occlusal Guards?
Occlusal guards are an example of an oral appliance designed to protect your teeth from damage caused by bruxism, or the habit of clenching or grinding your teeth. The American Dental Association notes that 10-15 percent of adults have frequent problems with teeth grinding at night, so if you are suffering from bruxism, know that you aren’t alone!
The simple act of clenching your teeth during the night can wear down tooth enamel, increase the chances of developing a dental injury and tooth decay, and cause strain to the joints that connect the lower jaw to the skull, also referred to as the TMJ.
The purpose of occlusal guards is to help protect your biological teeth and your custom restorations from the harmful effects that come from grinding and clenching your teeth at night.
Advanced Technology to Make Occlusal Guards
Specifically for occlusal guards, our practice utilizes advanced technology to help determine the exact specifications of which occlusal guard is right for each patient. Prosthodontist Dr. Bicakci utilizes T-Scan, which is a revolutionary device, to analyze the contact points between the teeth when the mouth is closed. The data that T-Scan generates is utilized to fabricate a custom occlusal guard for your mouth, ensuring it is both effective and comfortable.
How Obstructive Sleep Apnea Affects Your Wellbeing
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a sleep disorder that often goes undetected because the symptoms manifest while you are asleep. Those with OSA develop a pattern of breathing cessation followed by a period of slight wakefulness. This cycle often occurs many times throughout the night and is the result of soft oral tissues obstructing airways. When the patient stops breathing temporarily because of the blockage, the brain automatically signals the body to wake up just enough to resume breathing. This cycle gets in the way of rejuvenating rest because of the inability to transition naturally through each sleep cycle. More than 18 million American adults suffer from sleep apnea, and OSA occurs across all age groups and across both sexes.
If sleep apnea isn’t treated, it can ultimately manifest itself as persistent fatigue and impaired cognition. OSA can also contribute to more serious issues such as stroke, heart disease, and hypoxia. Our dentist near Lakeview will work with you until we have found a solution for your sleep apnea issue!
Can Sleep Apnea Be Treated?
Traditionally, CPAP devices, or continuous positive airway pressure devices, have been used to treat sleep apnea. This mask fits over the nose and/or mouth and gently blows air into the airway to keep it open during sleep. However, these devices are inconvenient and bulky, and they can result in dry mouth. Sleep apnea devices are another alternative that our dentist near Lakeview offers to patients, as it is a comfortable oral appliance that holds the lower jaw in a forward position. This allows airways to stay open without utilizing bulky, noisy equipment on a nightly basis.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bruxism & Occlusal Guards
What leads to the need for wearing an occlusal guard?
It’s important to note that teeth grinding can be caused by more than one condition. One common catalyst for teeth grinding includes high levels of anxiety and daily stress that result in this harmful habit.
How do I know if I have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)?
If you feel as though you are getting enough sleep but always seem to wake up tired, this is a sign that you may be suffering from obstructive sleep apnea. Specific symptoms include irritability, depression, difficulty concentrating, sexual dysfunction, and memory difficulties. Another sign of OSA is chronic snoring that your partner may take note of.
Who is a candidate?
Anyone who suffers from bruxism is a candidate for receiving an occlusal guard. Our Lakeview dentists will be happy to help you determine whether or not you could benefit from an occlusal guard.
What to expect from getting fitted for the guard?
As we mentioned above, we utilize T-Scan technology to help fit each patient with a custom guard. This process doesn’t cause any pain and will ensure the guard is effective and comfortable to wear.
What are the factors/risks to consider when choosing a dentist for this procedure?
If you don’t choose a highly trained dentist, it’s easy to end up with a guard that doesn’t suit your needs. This will ultimately result in a continued lack of sleep and could lead to other more serious health complications. Our dentist near Lakeview has the experience and knowledge necessary to produce high-quality occlusal guards that will directly address the problem.
Will a sleep apnea device help my snoring?
Snoring often accompanies sleep apnea due to the bulky oral tissue that blocks airways during breathing. Sleep apnea devices are ideal for repositioning the lower mandible (jawbone) forward to help keep the airway open. Many patients enjoy a reduction in obstructive and loud snoring when they begin wearing a sleep apnea device.
Why do I need a sleep apnea device?
Sleep apnea devices are ideal for helping you achieve proper rest during the night. They work to stave off many of the negative side effects of this sleep disorder.
Contact Chicago Dental Solutions Today
Sleep is an important aspect of living a healthy lifestyle and both occlusal guards and sleep apnea devices work to help you sleep better at night. If you’re suffering from bruxism or you believe you have obstructive sleep apnea, please reach out to our dentist near Lakeview to schedule an appointment.
