Dental Appliances

Dental Appliances & Services in the Fox Cities!

Emergency appointments for dental appliances are also available. Call or email our experienced friendly team today!

Van Hoof Dental provides patients with reliable dental appliances in Appleton, WI and the Fox Cities. You should know that there are many different needs for a dental appliance, and they can be recommended at any point throughout your dental treatment.

If your child or teen needs a custom fit athletic mouth guard for those high impact sports, we have a solution for you! Custom fit mouthguards can protect your investment and prevent injury.

Van Hoof Dental, serving Appleton and the Fox Valley also fits retainers and even lock jaw (TMJ) guards. A retainer can help you maintain tooth alignment after braces and the TMJ appliances can help with clenching, grinding, or headaches.

Treat Snoring & Sleep Apnea with Dental Appliances

Dental appliances/mouth guards from Van Hoof Dental can help treat common sleeping conditions such as excessive snoring and sleep apnea:

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a common condition that occurs in approximately in 5 – 10% of people worldwide. Common symptoms to know include snoring, restless sleep, daytime fatigue, trouble concentrating throughout the day, and a dry mouth or sore throat when waking up in the morning.

If you are experiencing mild to moderate symptoms due to sleep apnea, your doctor may recommend treatment options such as a custom sleep or snore appliance, like a mouth guard. At Van Hoof Dental, our team will discuss with you treatment options and will create a custom mouth guard or other appliance to help relieve your symptoms. This dental appliance prevents your tongue from blocking your airway and gently moves your jaw forward to improve breathing.

Following your initial appointment, we will call you back to ensure proper fit and function of the appliance. We will also give you instructions on how to use and clean the appliance. In the future, we may also have to schedule follow-up appointments to make further adjustments as needed.

What are the Benefits of Oral Appliance Therapy?

A custom dental appliance:

Will help to improve symptoms of sleep apnea, such as snoring, daytime sleepiness, and concentration issues.
Provides an alternative to a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine.
Is convenient to take while traveling.
Does not require electricity.

Contact Us for Oral Appliance Services

For inquiries about oral appliance therapy, please contact us at (920) 733-4555 or frontdesk@vanhoofdental.com and our friendly team will schedule your consultation with Dr. Van Hoof.

We want to make our dental services as affordable as possible and offer cash discounts if you don’t currently have dental insurance. The Van Hoof team looks forward to meeting with you!

How do mouth guards work?

Mouth guards protect the teeth, gums, and mouth from injury. They work by creating a barrier that absorbs and disperses the impact forces that could otherwise cause damage during physical activities like sports. For those who grind their teeth (bruxism), mouth guards help by cushioning the teeth, preventing wear and reducing stress on the jaw muscles and joints. In addition, mouth guards used for sleep apnea help maintain an open airway by repositioning the jaw or tongue, thereby reducing snoring and improving breathing. These devices are custom-fitted to ensure comfort and effectiveness, offering protection and support for various oral health concerns.

How effective are dental appliances for sleep apnea?

Dental appliances can be highly effective for treating mild to moderate sleep apnea! They work by repositioning the lower jaw, tongue, and soft tissues in the mouth to keep the airway open during sleep. For many individuals, these appliances can significantly reduce snoring and improve airflow, providing a less invasive alternative to CPAP machines. However, the effectiveness of a dental appliance depends on the specific anatomy of the patient, the severity of the sleep apnea, and how consistently it is used. It is essential to consult with a trusted dental expert at Van Hoof Dental to determine the most appropriate treatment option(s).

What are mouth guards made of?

Ask Van Hoof Dental about materials for your dental appliance. Typically, mouth guards are made from durable, flexible materials like ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) or thermoplastic materials. These materials provide a strong yet comfortable shield that fits snugly over the teeth and gums. Some mouth guards, particularly custom-made ones, are created using high-quality acrylic or other biocompatible materials to enhance comfort and durability. The material choice often depends on the intended use of the mouth guard; for example, sports mouth guards require thicker, impact-absorbing materials, while those used for bruxism or sleep apnea may be thinner and softer to accommodate overnight wear.

How to clean mouth guards?

Ask the Van Hoof Dental team about your specific cleaning process. To keep a mouth guard clean and in good condition, rinse it with cool water or a mild mouthwash immediately after use. Gently brush it with a soft toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste to remove any plaque or debris. It is also recommended to occasionally soak the mouth guard in a denture cleaner or a special mouth guard cleaning solution. After cleaning, allow it to air dry completely before storing it in a ventilated case. Regular cleaning prevents bacteria buildup, bad odors, and extends the lifespan of the mouth guard, ensuring it remains hygienic and effective for daily use.

Meet Dr. Van Hoof

Dr. Logan has expanded his expertise through continuing education courses allowing him to perform more complex procedures for his own patients. Dr. Logan is excited to meet you and provide you with exceptional dental care!

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