Nightguards and oral appliances for sleep apnea are both worn in the mouth during sleep. They are often confused for one another because they look similar. However, they serve very different purposes, and using the wrong one will not solve your problem.
What a Nightguard Does
A nightguard protects your teeth from the damage caused by grinding and clenching (bruxism) during sleep. It creates a barrier between your upper and lower teeth so they cannot wear each other down. A nightguard does not treat the cause of grinding; instead, it protects your teeth from its effects.
Well-fitted guards are more comfortable and effective than store-bought options, and at Clarkson Dental Group, we custom-fit nightguards at our Chesterfield, MO, office to match your bite precisely.
What a Sleep Apnea Oral Appliance Does
A sleep apnea oral appliance works differently. It repositions the lower jaw slightly forward during sleep. This keeps the airway open and reduces or eliminates the obstruction that causes sleep apnea.
Unlike a nightguard, a sleep apnea oral appliance is a medical device. It is prescribed after a sleep study confirms that you have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). It is designed to treat the condition, not just manage its symptoms.
Why the Difference Matters
Some patients with sleep apnea also grind their teeth. Grinding is actually a common symptom of sleep apnea because your body clenches your jaw as it tries to reopen the airway. In these cases, treating the sleep apnea often reduces grinding as well.
Using a nightguard for grinding when sleep apnea is the underlying problem addresses the symptom but not the cause.
Talk to Clarkson Dental Group in Chesterfield, MO
If you are unsure whether you need a nightguard, a sleep apnea appliance, or both, call Clarkson Dental Group at (636) 537-0065. The right device depends on a proper diagnosis, and Dr. Scott Mahlin can help point you in the right direction.