Custom Dental Appliances
Hargis Family Dental can create a custom-fitted dental appliance to address a variety of your dental needs,
such as bruxism (teeth grinding) and TMJ problems, snoring or sleep apnea, and whitening your smile.
Night Guards
Snoring and Sleep Apnea
A simple solution for a more peaceful and healthy night's rest is a custom-fitted sleep appliance, or mandibular advancement device (MAD). Snoring not only affects a sleep partner's peace and quiet, depending on severity it can signal a very dangerous health condition for the snorer. Interrupted sleep cycles can cause fatigue, loss of productivity, & poor decision-making. According to the NHTSA, 100,000 car accidents per year are caused by tired driving!
A MAD positions and holds the lower jaw in a forward position, maintaining an open airway during sleep. In order to work properly, the appliance exerts subtle pressure on your jaw and teeth. This makes it important to be custom-fitted by a dental professional, rather than buying over-the-counter.
Chronically "running on fumes" is also linked to diabetes, heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure, and many other dangerous health conditions, per The Cleveland Clinic.
Bruxism and TMJ Problems
Bruxism is the grinding or clenching of teeth and can cause headaches, facial or jaw pain, sensitive teeth due to enamel damage, tooth breakage, and TMJ problems including locking and even dislocation of the jaw, according to Johns Hopkins Medical Center. You will need to discuss your particular symptoms with Dr. Hargis and develop a plan, which could include a night guard to protect your teeth and provide spacing between your upper and lower bite.
Whitening Trays
Custom-fitted whitening trays do cost more than those available at retail stores. This is because they are made from an exact impression of the patient's mouth. They fit precisely, creating a more even application surface for the gel. They are also better at keeping the product off gums, which can cause irritation or damage. After an oral exam that ensures no problems are present in the teeth or gums, and a discussion of the causes of a patient's staining, we will create an impression of your teeth. Then our dental lab will create your unique trays. You will be given a complete at-home whitening kit and instructions for a brighter smile.
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