What oral appliances are
Oral appliances are small, custom devices made from precise impressions or scans of your teeth. The three we make most often: night guards, which cushion teeth against clenching and grinding; athletic mouthguards, which protect smiles during sports; and mandibular advancement appliances, which gently hold the lower jaw forward during sleep to help keep the airway open. Each one is made for your mouth alone — a fit no store-bought version can match.
When you might need one
Morning jaw tension, headaches, or worn and chipped edges often point to nighttime grinding. Contact sports call for real protection — a custom guard is more comfortable and stays in place. And if snoring or restless sleep is an issue, an airway appliance may help; when sleep apnea is suspected, we work alongside your physician, since that diagnosis comes from a medical sleep study.
What to expect at your visit
It starts with a conversation and an exam. Dr. An Vy Sartorius looks at your teeth, bite, and jaw, and asks about symptoms — how you sleep, whether mornings come with soreness, what your activities demand. Then we take an impression or scan, and your appliance is custom-crafted. At the fitting we adjust it until it's comfortable, and you leave with simple care instructions and a case.
Aftercare and how long it lasts
Rinse and brush your appliance daily, let it dry, and keep it in its case — away from curious pets, who find them irresistible. Bring it to your regular checkups so we can verify the fit and watch for wear. Cared for this way, most appliances serve for several years; if your teeth change or the fit loosens, we can adjust or remake it.
Paying for it
Many dental insurance plans help with night guards, and we'll help you understand your benefits before anything begins. If you don't have insurance, our in-house Bear Dental Membership can make appliances and everyday care at Los Osos Family Dentistry more affordable. Call (805) 528-4144 and we'll walk you through it.