Dental appliances in Atherton, CA

A custom mouthguard is a tailored oral appliance that fits your teeth and provides protection during sports or against teeth grinding. At Atherton Smiles, we offer a variety of custom dental appliances to meet your needs, including custom mouthguards, dental night guards, and snore guards. Book your appointment with our expert team, today!

What are dental appliances?

Dental appliances are custom-fitted devices designed to protect and enhance your oral health. These include:

  • Custom mouthguards
  • Night guards for sleep apnea
  • Teeth grinding night guards
  • Snore guards. 

At Atherton Smiles, we provide a variety of these oral appliances tailored to meet your specific needs.

What are the types of dental appliances used by your dentist in Atherton?

  • Custom mouthguards: Designed to protect your teeth during sports and physical activities, these guards provide a precise fit for optimal protection.
  • Dental night guards for sleep apnea: These oral appliances help keep the airway open during sleep, reducing snoring and preventing sleep apnea.
  • Teeth grinding night guards: Also known as bruxism guards, these devices prevent damage from teeth grinding at night, protecting your teeth and jaw from long-term harm.
  • Snore guards: Just like dental night guards for sleep apnea, these oral appliances help reduce snoring by keeping the airway open during sleep.

What is it like to visit us?

Why patients might need dental appliances such as custom mouthguards

Dental appliances are seen as essential by our Atherton dental team when it comes to addressing various oral health issues, such as:

  • Teeth grinding (or bruxism). Without treatment, bruxism can lead to severe dental damage and TMJ disorders. TMJ disorders, or temporomandibular joint disorders, are conditions that affect the jaw joints and muscles controlling jaw movement. Symptoms that arise from teeth grinding include:
    • Jaw pain
    • Headaches
    • Worn-down teeth.
  • Sleep apnea: Characterized by interrupted breathing during sleep, symptoms include loud snoring and daytime fatigue. Untreated sleep apnea can result in serious health problems such as heart disease and stroke.
  • Snoring: Besides being a nuisance, snoring can indicate underlying issues like sleep apnea. Treating it with a snore guard can improve sleep quality for both the patient and their partner or family members.
  • Sports injuries: Athletes are at risk of dental injuries. Custom mouthguards provide critical protection to prevent broken teeth and other oral trauma.

The importance of custom dental appliances and mouth guard benefits

Dr. Gayatri Sundararajan at Atherton Smiles specializes in creating custom dental appliances to ensure the best fit and protection for your oral health. Here’s what you can expect from our Atherton dental services:

  • Personalized fitting. Dr. Gayatri will take precise measurements and impressions of your teeth to create a custom oral appliance that fits perfectly.
  • Comprehensive care: Dr. Gayarti will provide detailed instructions on how to use and clean your dental appliance, ensuring its longevity and effectiveness.
  • Expert advice: Dr. Gayatri and her team will guide you through the process - from selecting the right type of dental appliance to managing symptoms and preventing further issues.

Consequences of not using dental appliances

Ignoring the need for a custom mouthguard or dental appliances can lead to significant health problems.

  • Unaddressed bruxism can result in severe tooth damage, jaw disorders, and chronic pain.
  • Untreated sleep apnea can pose serious health risks, including high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.
  • Unprotected teeth during sports increase the risk of dental injuries, which can be painful and costly to repair.

By using the appropriate dental appliances and with the help of your dentist at Atherton Smiles, you can prevent these issues and maintain optimal oral health.

Angela / Dental Cleaning

“They made me feel comfortable throughout the entire process. I'm just so happy with the results.”

Martin / Dental Exam

“Dr. G was super thorough and took her time to answer all my questions. Never had such a detailed exam before.”

Jessica / Dental Emergency

“I needed help fast and Atherton Smiles was there for me. Dr. G and her staff were so calming and amazing.”

Alan / Dental Implants

“They made me feel really at ease. The procedure was so much easier than I expected."

Sheila / Teeth Whitening

“I felt no discomfort or sensitivity. My teeth were noticeably whiter. I highly recommend Atherton Smiles.”

Why choose our dental appliances

Visiting Atherton Smiles for oral appliances such as a custom mouthguard or a night guard for sleep apnea has big advantages. Read about what sets us apart in orthodontics below:

Dental Appliances Experts

Dr. Gayatri is an expert when it comes to dental appliances. Along with our team of expert orthodontists in Atherton, she will make sure your custom dental appliances are the perfect fit for your case.

Professional & Transparent Approach

Our professional and transparent approach will make you comfortable during your custom mouthguard process. Our team of professional dentists at Atherton Smiles will lead you through every step.

Affordable

At Atherton Smiles, we offer interest-free monthly payments. Our team will also guide you on insurance and how it can be used for custom mouthguards or other dental appliances.

Book an appointment for oral appliances in Atherton, CA

Start your journey with the most adapted dental appliance or mouthguard for you. Starting with our team of experts at Atherton Smiles is easy. All you have to do is follow the steps below:

/01

Book your appointment

Book your first appointment with our team at Atherton Smiles by phone, email or online.

/02

Consultation

Attend your initial consultation with your dentist in Atherton to learn all the necessary information.

/03

Treatment

Start your treatment with a custom mouthguard or other dental appliance adapted to your case.

More about us

What clients say about our dental appliances in Atherton, CA

Needing a custom mouth guard or dental night guards for sleep apnea can be intimidating. Read more about our patients’ experience below:

Visit Atherton Smiles in Atherton, CA

Looking for a dentist in Atherton that specializes in custom mouthguards and other dental appliances? Atherton Smiles is your go-to destination. Our clinic is easily accessible to residents and visitors from areas like Palo Alto, Menlo Park, and Redwood City, as we are conveniently located on El Camino Real Road. The Atherton Smiles clinic is part of the Atherton Square center, a complex of buildings at 3301-3351 El Camino Real, which primarily houses medical offices. This location is central, making your visit to your dentist in Atherton both convenient and efficient.

Moreover, Atherton Smiles is just a short drive from local landmarks such as Chavez Supermarket, which is only 0.3 miles away, and the Shell gas station, just 0.2 miles from our location. If you're traveling by train, the Atherton Caltrain Station is a mere 0.7 miles away, making it a manageable 15-minute walk. 

You can trust Atherton Smiles to provide top-notch services in a welcoming environment for all you dental appliance needs. Book your appointment with us today and experience the best dental care in the heart of Atherton.

Atherton Smiles

Address

3351 El Camino Real #235
Atherton, CA 94027

Phone Number

+1 (650) 365-1533

Email

care@athertonsmiles.com

Ask us anything!

Ask away, and we promise to deliver a flawless experience.

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Frequently asked questions

Do night guards help with teeth grinding?

Yes, night guards are effective in helping with teeth grinding, also known as bruxism. Here’s how they help:

  • Protection: Night guards create a barrier between your upper and lower teeth, preventing them from grinding against each other.
  • Jaw relief: Custom mouthguards help reduce the stress and strain on the jaw muscles and temporomandibular joints (TMJ).
  • Preventing damage: By preventing direct contact, night guards reduce the risk of tooth wear, fractures, and enamel loss.
  • Pain reduction: Custom mouthguards are recommended by your dentist in Atherton as they can alleviate symptoms like headaches, jaw pain, and muscle soreness associated with bruxism.
What type of night guard is best for clenching?

For clenching, the best type of night guard is often a custom-fit, hard acrylic guard. These custom mouthguards are judged beneficial by our Atherton dental team because:

  • They are durable: Hard acrylic guards are more durable and resistant to the pressure of clenching compared to soft guards. Their performance is therefore more efficient. 
  • They have a custom-fit design: They are tailored to fit your teeth perfectly, ensuring maximum comfort and effectiveness.
  • They help with jaw alignment: They help maintain proper jaw alignment and reduce TMJ strain.
Can night guards ruin your teeth?

Night guards, when properly fitted by your dentist in Atherton and used correctly, do not ruin your teeth. 

However, potential issues can arise if:

  • They are an improper fit: Over-the-counter night guards that do not fit well can cause discomfort, shifting of teeth, or even worsen bruxism.
  • The patient has poor hygiene: Failing to clean your night guard properly can lead to bacterial build-up, which can affect oral health.
  • Exercise excessive pressure: A poorly designed night guard can put excessive pressure on certain teeth, causing discomfort or damage.
Should you wear a night guard on your upper or lower teeth?

Whether you wear a night guard on your upper or lower teeth depends on individual needs and comfort. Generally, upper night guards are more common and usually stay in place better.

On the other hand, lower teeth custom mouthguards are found to be more comfortable by some patients, especially if they have an overbite or a gag reflex.

Your dentist in Atherton can recommend the best option based on your dental structure and specific issues.

Should you wear a night guard every night?

Yes, it is generally recommended by your orthodontist in Atherton to wear a night guard every night if you suffer from bruxism. Consistent use is essential to:

  • Prevent damage: Continuous protection helps prevent tooth wear and damage.
  • Relieve symptoms: Regular use reduces jaw pain, headaches, and other symptoms associated with teeth grinding.
  • Maintain effectiveness: Regular wear ensures the night guard remains effective in preventing teeth grinding.
When can I stop wearing my night guard?

The need for a night guard can change over time, but decisions should be made with professional guidance at your Atherton dental clinic. 

If teeth grinding symptoms significantly reduce or cease, your dentist in Atherton may advise a reassessment.

Also, it is important to note that periodic evaluations by your orthodontist in Atherton will help determine if continued use is necessary.

Temporary cessation can be considered under dental supervision to observe if grinding returns.

Night guard vs. other oral appliances for sleep apnea?

While night guards help with bruxism, they are different from dental appliances designed for sleep apnea.

Night guards:

  • Primarily prevent teeth grinding.
  • Protect teeth and reduce jaw pain.
  • Do not address airway issues.

Oral appliances for sleep apnea:

  • Designed to keep the airway open.
  • Often reposition the jaw to prevent airway obstruction.
  • Reduce snoring and improve breathing during sleep.

In cases where both bruxism and sleep apnea are present, your dentist in Atherton may recommend a combination of treatments or a specialized appliance that addresses both issues. Consulting with an Atherton dental professional will ensure you receive the most appropriate care for your specific condition.

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