The world of dentistry and orthodontics has expanded significantly over the past several decades. With this increase in technology, patients have more access to at-home dental tools to benefit their health.
In this blog on oral appliances, we’ll take a closer look at the following:
- What Are Oral Appliances?
- How To Properly Clean Oral Appliances
- What Should I Avoid When Cleaning Oral Appliances?
- How Long Should An Oral Appliance Last With Proper Maintenance?
- Oral Appliance Home Maintenance FAQ
What Are Oral Appliances?
Oral appliances are used in oral appliance therapy to treat different types of sleep disorders, including obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and excessive snoring. These dental sleep appliances are custom-fitted to your jaw and teeth like an orthodontic retainer and help open your airways.
How To Properly Clean Oral Appliances
After wearing your oral appliance overnight, it’s essential to clean it to prevent the build-up of food particles, plaque, and tartar.
- Rinse Your Oral Appliance. Rinse it with warm water, but avoid hot water, which can warp the material.
- Brush Gently. Brush the oral appliance using a small amount of mild soap or oral appliance cleaning solution. When brushing, you should use a soft-bristled toothbrush that’s different from the brush you use to clean your teeth daily.
- Avoid Abrasive Tools. Don’t use toothpaste or other abrasive materials when cleaning your oral appliance. These things can damage it.
- Store in a Safe Place. After you’ve cleaned your oral appliance, allow it time to air dry, and then place it back into its provided case to keep it protected. You should also clean the case daily to maintain a sanctuary place for your appliance.
Taking care of your oral appliance increases its longevity and reduces the risk of damage.
What Should I Avoid When Cleaning Oral Appliances?
You never want to be too abrasive with your oral appliance in the cleaning process and should avoid hot water, abrasive soap, toothpaste, rough cloths, and towels. It’s best to let your appliance air-dry, making it unnecessary to use cloths or towels. Similarly, clean your appliance’s case daily by running it under warm water and brushing it with mild soap. Make sure the case is dry before placing your appliance in it as well.
How Long Should An Oral Appliance Last With Proper Maintenance?
When you maintain the upkeep of your oral appliance, it should be about two years before you need a replacement.
Oral Appliance Home Maintenance FAQ
Mix mild dish soap with lukewarm water to thoroughly clean your oral appliance and case.
It’s best to avoid harsher solutions like hydrogen peroxide or bleach, even when explicitly designed for oral appliance cleaning. These materials can break down the material and harm the integrity of your appliance’s structure.
Don’t use your oral appliance if you notice black spots or yellowing. These may be indicators of mold spores and other harmful damage to your health.
If you have sleep apnea or other sleep disorders affecting your breathing, oral appliances may help open airways. If you’re unsure if you have a sleep disorder, you can look for signs such as excessive daytime sleepiness or loud snoring.
