Dental and Jaw Changes to Expect with Long-Term Oral Therapy
Oral devices effectively treat sleep disorders like apnea. But long use can impact your teeth and jaw. At Snoring and Sleep Solutions of Nevada, we inform patients about potential dental and skeletal changes so you know what to expect.
Although oral appliance therapy is safe long-term, your mouth will naturally adapt to a changed position overnight. Monitoring these changes and adjusting habits will prevent further complications.
Let’s read on to learn what our dentists watch for during ongoing care.
How oral appliances work to understand their effects:
- Devices like MADs hold the jaw slightly forward to open and stabilize the airway.
- This new position shifts force distribution across teeth and jaw joints.
- Over months and years, the constant realigned posture molds tooth position and bone.
- Muscles like the tongue and soft palate also adapt to altered mechanics.
These changes enable free breathing and resolve sleep apnea. However, dental monitoring ensures they remain within safe limits.
Potential Effects on Teeth
Teeth gradually shift and settle in response to the appliances’ pressure. Common changes our dentists watch for include:
- Mild front tooth tipping as forces realign.
- Tooth mobility if bone support weakens from strain.
- Narrowing space between top and bottom front teeth.
- Biting surface flattening from uneven wear patterns.
- Loosening or irritation along the gumline.
- Shifting of dental repairs like crowns or bridges.
Promptly reporting any discomfort lets us modify therapy and protect your smile. Regular dentist visits allow early detection and prevention of major problems through bite adjustment or nightguard use.
Potential Effects on the Jaw and Bite
Wearing an oral device long-term also incrementally adapts the jawbone and bite alignment:
- Jaw growth patterns can alter, especially in youth.
- TMJ discomfort may arise but often adapts within weeks.
- The bite and jaw position can become overly shifted forward.
- Jaw joint space may decrease on X-rays.
- Teeth contact patterns during biting can change.
Again, reporting symptoms is key to guiding adjustments and exercises that prevent complications. With prompt care, most patients experience only mild temporary irritation or bite changes. We also monitor growth in young patients to catch appliance-related issues.
Supportive At-Home Habits
You can further minimize dental side effects by adopting these oral health habits:
- Maintain diligent oral hygiene to prevent decay and gum disease.
- Use over-the-counter or custom night guards to protect your teeth.
- Avoid hard, sticky foods that could loosen teeth or dislodge repairs.
- Apply moist heat and massage to relieve sore jaw muscles.
- Perform stretch and strength exercises to balance muscle use.
- Manage stress and avoid tooth grinding during the day.
With close provider collaboration and smart home care, you can undergo therapy safely long-term. Monitoring ensures a strong, healthy smile for years to come.
We Commit to Your Ongoing Wellbeing
At Snoring and Sleep Solutions of Nevada, we take a holistic view of care. Our goal is to help you breathe easy while supporting whole body health. By staying vigilant for changes together, oral appliances can be part of your life permanently without complications.
We encourage you to be actively involved in therapy by:
- Keeping follow-up appointments for device checks.
- Reporting any strange sensations promptly.
- Adopting our dentist’s recommendations diligently.
- Reaching out with any questions or concerns.
With open communication and preventative care, you can continue gaining better sleep comfortably.
Schedule your next follow-up to review dental health and make any needed adjustments. Here’s to many years ahead of safe, restful nights and healthy smiles!
