One of our goals is to provide the most effective treatment possible in every situation. Our oral appliances offer simple, non-invasive care for various conditions. Regardless of the application, every appliance we prescribe is custom-crafted for you with excellent fit and function. Our oral appliance therapy in San Marcos enhances our quality treatment, treating nighttime sleep grinding and bite problems. Dr. Alexandra Aponte, Dr. Cohl Brazil, and Dr. Maaheen Khalid can employ a variety of innovative oral appliances depending on treatment goals and preferences.

 

Most common dental appliances include Candid Clear Aligners, crowns, bridges, veneers, dentures, and night guards.

 

Candid Clear Aligners

Candid Clear Aligners are a clear aligner system that straightens teeth. Candid uses 3D printing and scanning technology to generate Candid Aligners that are specific to each individual’s smile. To use Candid Aligners, simply wear them day and night, removing them only to eat, drink, brush, and floss. As you wear Candid Aligners, your teeth will gradually shift into their final position. Candid Clear Aligners are made with medical-grade polyurethane plastic that is BPA-free and FDA cleared. These aligners are nearly invisible, so you can straighten your teeth discreetly.  Candid’s goal is to provide an affordable and convenient way to achieve the smile of your dreams

 

Dental Crowns

A dental crown is a dental restoration that completely caps or encircles a tooth, often protecting damaged teeth from further decay. It is also commonly used to cap a dental implant. Crowns improve the strength or appearance of teeth. They are typically made from porcelain, ceramic, or metal. A crown can be needed when a large cavity threatens the ongoing health of a tooth. They also restore a tooth’s function and appearance following a root canal procedure.

Placement of a dental crown is generally a two-visit process. During the first visit, we prepare the tooth and make an impression. We will send this impression to a dental laboratory, where the crown will be made to match the shape and color of your natural teeth. Our team will check the crown’s fit at the second visit and then cement it into place.

With proper care, your new crown should last many years. Good oral hygiene practices, including brushing twice daily, flossing once daily, and regular visits to your dentist, will help prolong the life of your new dental crown. When cared for properly, crown-restored teeth can last a lifetime!

 

Dental Bridges

Dental bridges are prosthetic devices that are used to replace one or more missing teeth. Traditional bridges consist of a false tooth (or pontic) suspended between two dental crowns. The crowns are then attached to the healthy teeth on either side of the gap (known as abutment teeth). Bridges can be made from various materials, including gold, porcelain, or a combination. In addition to restoring chewing function, bridges can also help improve your smile’s appearance.

Dental bridges are usually permanent and are not removable like dentures. It is essential to practice good oral hygiene and visit your dentist regularly to ensure that your bridge lasts for as long as possible. A dental bridge can provide you with years of trouble-free service with proper care.

 

Dental Veneers

Dental veneers are a popular way to improve the appearance of teeth. Veneers are thin pieces of porcelain that we bond to the front of teeth. They are used to cover up stains, chips, and other imperfections. Veneers can give teeth a bright, white appearance and make them look straighter. We can also use them to close gaps between teeth.

Veneers are usually made from porcelain or composite resin. Porcelain veneers are more durable and resist staining better than composite veneers. However, they can also be more expensive. Composite veneers are not as durable as porcelain veneers, but they are less costly and easier to repair if they become damaged.

Dental veneers typically last for 10 to 15 years before you need to replace them. Veneers can be removed if necessary, but they will require replacement eventually. With proper care, dental veneers can help improve the appearance of teeth and make them look their best.

 

Dental Fillings

Yes, dental fillings are considered oral appliances too. We use dental fillings to treat cavities and other damage to the teeth. Our dental fillings are strong and durable, and we offer tooth-colored composite fillings that have become increasingly popular in recent years. These fillings are made of a resin bonded to the tooth, and we can match them to the tooth’s color. Composite fillings are not as strong as amalgam fillings. Still, they are less visible, and many people feel safer because they don’t contain mercury in some metal filings.

 

Orthodontic Retainers

Orthodontic retainers are devices used to keep teeth in their correct position following the completion of orthodontic treatment. They are usually custom-made and fit snugly over the teeth. Retainers must be worn as directed by your dentist, typically full-time for the first few months, then decreasing to nighttime only.

There are several types of retainers, but the most common are removable retainers, which consist of a wire that attaches to the back of the teeth, and you can take it out for eating and cleaning. Fixed retainers are cemented behind the front teeth. No matter what type of retainer you have, taking care of it is essential to make it last a long time. 

 

Nightguards

Some patients develop a subconscious habit of grinding their teeth, either during the day or at night. Grinding your teeth is a condition called bruxism, and our custom mouthguards can help.

If you wake up with a sore jaw or a morning headache or you’ve noticed chips or flattening of your teeth, it might be because you grind your teeth at night. The jaw muscles can be the strongest in the body, ounce for ounce, so teeth grinding can cause unnecessary damage. The unusual activity wears down teeth and strains the overworked muscles, and the compressive forces can also damage the intricate jaw joints on one or both sides. Joint damage may lead to arthritic changes, chronic pain, and popping or clicking. Often a custom-fit nightguard will prevent problems associated with teeth grinding.

 

AquaSprings Dental provides top-quality oral appliances in San Marcos, Texas. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff is here to answer any questions you may have about our services. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!