Oral Appliances in Rocky River, OH

Dr. Canepa may recommend an oral appliance for a number of different reasons. The proper appliance can protect your teeth from damage, help you get a better night’s sleep, and even improve your health.

Part of our comprehensive exam is evaluating your bite and any medical conditions you may have. If Dr. Canepa believes you may benefit from an oral appliance, she will discuss your options with you and help you make a decision that supports your health and wellness.

Clenching and Grinding (Bruxism)

Millions of Americans clench and grind their teeth. Chronic, excessive clenching and grinding is called bruxism. Symptoms of bruxism include worn, cracked, chipped, and damaged teeth. You may also suffer from subtler symptoms such as sensitivity, gum recession, and periodontal disease.

Sometimes we can pinpoint a reason for clenching and grinding, such as stress, alcohol use, certain medications, or certain personality types. Other times, the reason may not be entirely clear, making it difficult to implement behavior modifications.

Bruxism causes damage to your teeth and jaw joints over time. You may even fracture a tooth because of the force from clenching or grinding and need a crown to repair it. The proper oral appliance is the best way to protect your teeth from damage.

Treatment for Bruxism

At our Rocky River, OH dental office, we offer both the NTI Plus oral appliance, as well as traditional nightguards. The one that will work best for you depends upon your current health challenges.

NTI Plus is a smaller oral appliance that fits over your front teeth and keeps your back teeth from touching or exerting force. Many people find the NTI Plus a more comfortable option.

For some patients, a traditional oral splint might be a better option. It is made of hard acrylic, is completely customized, and fits over your upper or lower teeth. Since your splint is softer than enamel, it can absorb much of the force from grinding and protect your natural teeth as well as your dentistry from damage.

Sleep Apnea and Snore Guards

Snoring and sleep apnea can seriously affect your quality of sleep and cause serious health conditions including increased risk for heart disease, high blood pressure, mood disorders, and fatigue.

Linda Rak Canepa, DDS, can create snore guards that help reduce the severity of snoring, allowing both you and your partner to get a better night’s sleep.

Sleep apnea is a serious medical condition that requires diagnosis from an accredited sleep clinic. While the gold standard of treatment for sleep apnea is the CPAP (continuous positive air pressure) machine, many patients do not tolerate it well. That is why we offer an alternative for our patients who suffer from mild to moderate sleep apnea. Sleep apnea oral appliances help to keep your airway open by gently moving your jaw forward. Most patients get used to them quickly and tolerate them well.

Call Us for an Evaluation

If you suffer from poor sleep quality because of one of these conditions, we invite you to call our office to schedule an evaluation. We look forward to helping protect your teeth so you can get a better night’s sleep.