Dentists use various treatments to address different oral health issues. Many common treatments involve dental appliances. This term may sound scary and confusing when you first hear it. Most people associate the term “appliances” with machines used to complete tasks, such as washing machines, ovens, and microwaves.
However, unlike most household appliances, dental appliances do not have an on/off switch or use electricity when functioning. Understanding what dental appliances are and their purposes will help put you at ease when your dentist discusses potential dental appliances to address your oral healthcare needs.
When you think of household appliances, like microwave ovens, you may think appliances are complex electronic devices. However, the term “appliance” refers to devices designed to perform a specific task. Dental appliances aren’t electronic devices, and they don’t contain programming. Dental appliances are devices that prevent oral health issues from worsening by correcting or compensating for problems with your teeth.
Dental appliances include fixed appliances, which are permanently installed, and removable dental appliances.
Permanent or fixed appliances stay in your mouth until they break down and need to be replaced, they’ve completed their task, or you lose the tooth they were used to treat. Braces are an example of a fixed appliance because once installed, they have to stay in place until your orthodontist removes them.
Fixed appliances URBN Dental uses include the following:
Temporary appliances are removable dental appliances that you can take out. Removable dental appliances URBN Dental uses include the following:
Fixed and removable orthodontic appliances deliver specialized treatment for orthodontic issues. Examples of fixed and removable orthodontic appliances include the following:
The benefits of dental appliances are extensive and vary from appliance to appliance. Several appliances compensate for missing teeth. The benefits of these appliances include retaining your ability to chew and consume food, which ensures you can get the nutrients you need to stay healthy. Bridges and implants also help prevent bone loss.
Mouth guards and nightguards help prevent tooth damage. Fillings prevent infections, and Invisalign corrects your teeth alignment.
No matter what their primary purpose is, dental appliances have the added benefit of protecting or improving your smile.
In addition to dental appliances, URBN Dental uses sleep apnea appliances to treat obstructive sleep apnea. This sleep disorder compromises your health because it causes you to stop breathing when you’re asleep, which causes you to wake up, disrupting your sleep patterns and interfering with your ability to get enough rest. Without sufficient rest, you have a greater risk of suffering from severe health issues, including the following:
Mandibular advancement devices are one treatment option for sleep apnea. These devices reposition your lower jaw to prevent your airway from being obstructed. Tongue-stabilizing devices are another treatment option used to keep your tongue in place so it doesn’t block your airway.
URBN Dental uses the Vivos sleep apnea appliance, which adjusts the tissue in your airway to ensure it stays open while you’re asleep.
When searching for “dental appliances near me,” look no further than URBN Dental. We have several Houston dental offices, delivering quality dental care at convenient locations throughout the city.
Our team includes skilled, personable dentists and dental hygienists who provide general dentistry services in Houston, TX. Depending on your oral health and needs or goals, we can recommend appropriate dental appliances to address issues or perfect your smile.
Frothingham, S. (2023). Dental Bridge.
McMillan, M. (2024). Braces.
Periodontal (Gum) Disease. (2024).
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