Oral Appliances

Custom oral appliances provide a safe and effective way to manage uncomfortable symptoms associated with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), teeth grinding, and temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ). At her practice in Tukwila, Washington, Addie Chang, DMD, a family dentist, and her team use custom oral appliances to treat sleep disorders, bite problems, and chronic jaw pain. Make an appointment today by calling the office or clicking the online booking feature.

What are oral appliances?

Oral appliances are removable plastic mouthpieces that fit snugly over your teeth. They provide an effective and affordable way to relieve symptoms associated with various conditions, such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), teeth grinding (bruxism), and temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ).

At the practice of Addie Chang, DMD, the team partners with nearby dental labs to create innovative, comfortable designs that encourage optimal oral health and improve the quality of life. 

Who should consider oral appliances?

Request an oral appliance consultation at the practice of Addie Chang, DMD, if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Chronic jaw pain
• Aching facial pain
• Morning headaches
• Snoring
• Excessive daytime sleepiness
• Earaches
• Worn down or broken teeth

You should also seek treatment if your spouse or significant other notices that you stop and start breathing multiple times during sleep.

What happens during an oral appliance consultation?

Before recommending an oral appliance, your provider reviews your dental records and asks about your symptoms, including when they started, if they are worse at certain times, like when you first wake up in the morning, and if you’ve tried at-home treatments. 

Next, they complete an oral exam and take a series of digital X-rays to get a closer look at your jaw and the surrounding tissues. If your provider identifies signs of teeth grinding (bruxism), obstructive sleep apnea, or a temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) you qualify for treatment.

Your dentist takes digital impressions of your mouth using an intraoral scanner and sends them to a dental lab. Techs at the lab use your impressions to design and manufacture a custom oral appliance.

A week or two later, when your oral appliance is ready, you return to the office and try it on. Your dentist makes adjustments as necessary and explains how to keep it in optimal condition.

How long do oral appliances last?

Oral appliances last between 7–10 years on average*, but you can extend their use by taking good care of them. The team at Addie Chang, DMD, recommends keeping your oral appliance in a protective case, rinsing it off after each use to reduce plaque buildup, and handling it carefully.

To see if you can benefit from an oral appliance, request a consultation at the practice of Addie Chang, DMD, by calling the office or clicking the online booking feature today.

*Individual results may vary.