If you have visited a dentist and you have been introduced to an object that you are supposed to place in your mouth for some reason, then you may want to read on.
This object is loosely classified as a mouth appliance. There are many different kinds of mouth appliances - all designed for a very specific function.
The most common types of removable mouth appliances are:
- Orthodontic appliances each as Hawley retainers, expanders and twin locks.
- Clear aligners such as Invisalign.
- Mouthguards for impact sports.
- Nightguards or bitesplints.
- Snoreguards or Mandibular Advancement Devices (MADs).
These appliances are ideally made bespoke with a customised fit. This is done after a diagnosis of a particular condition that requires an appliance and a plan is made for you and discussed about how you are to use the appliance correctly.
In this day and age, the dentist is likely to scan your teeth with a 3D image scanner and the design of the appliance will be manufactured at a dental laboratory.
In further articles, I will be discussing and informing in greater detail the uses of the different appliances, especially for nightguards/bitesplints and MADs.
One thing very common is that these mouth appliances need to be cleaned regularly - everyday. Here are some suggestions and options on how to keep them clean:
- Use a mild soap and a toothbrush to clean the surfaces. Rinse thoroughly before use again.
- You may soak the appliance in white vinegar. Rinse thoroughly before use again.
- Use an appliance cleaning tablet/powder soaked in a container of water. Rinse thoroughly before use again.
- DO NOT USE WARM/HOT/BOILING WATER. This can distort your appliance.
- Do not just use water only. This almost does nothing. You need a cleaning agent.
- DO NOT USE STRONG BLEACH.
- Maintain good oral hygiene to reduce risk of transferring plaque to your appliance.