Oral Appliances and Orthotics in Southlake, TX

At Integrative Pain and Wellness Center, skilled osteopathic physicians Dr. Matthew Barker and Dr. Melanie Gray are thrilled to partner with local dentists to provide oral appliance therapy (OAT) for individuals with certain dental issues, such as temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), facial pain, jaw pain, tongue-tie, and discomfort brought on by braces. Since moving the teeth can often cause neck pain, jaw pain, or headaches, Dr. Barker and Dr. Gray will continue to evaluate the motion of the cranial bones and treat them if they become dysfunctional at any point in your oral appliance therapy care. We work alongside your dentist to optimize your treatment plan and alleviate any pain that may arise. If you're suffering from any pain in the face, jaw joints, or neck, or if you think you may have ankyloglossia, contact our office in Southlake, TX and the surrounding areas of Midland, and Odessa, TX and find out how our experienced team can restore your comfort and relieve your pain.

At Integrative Pain and Wellness Center, we want any of our patients who struggle with jaw or mouth pain to be able to access the following benefits that oral appliances and orthotics offer, including:

• Protect teeth and jaw from subconscious grinding
• Heal migraines or jaw pain that may come from the shifting of your teeth
• Non-surgical solution for some cases of TMJ
• Overall alleviation of pain and discomfort from mouth- and jaw-related issues

To find out if you're a candidate for oral appliance therapy, you will need to schedule a consultation at our Southlake, TX office. Some of the dental-related issues that we treat at Integrative Pain and Wellness Center with the use of oral appliances include ankyloglossia (tongue-tie), temporomandibular joint disorder, jaw pain, or facial pain. Once your condition has been diagnosed by a physical examination and backed up by x-rays, we will work with one of our skilled partner dentists to create customized appliances that will fit comfortably in your mouth for daytime or nighttime wear.

After your consultation to determine which appliance is right for you, Dr. Barker and Dr. Gray will refer you to one of his trusted partner dentists to create your mouthpiece. Currently, both doctors offer the ALF and the DNA appliances:

• The ALF (Advanced Light Force) appliance is an alternative to traditional braces. It was designed to align the dental arches, straighten teeth, and normalize tongue position and function.
• The DNA (Daytime Nighttime Appliance) Appliance® is a removable appliance that serves as an alternative to conventional braces. It is used to align teeth, improve facial development, and decrease temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues.

What conditions do oral appliances and orthotics treat?

Oral appliance therapy is used to treat a variety of conditions, including TMD (temporomandibular joint disorder), teeth grinding, facial and jaw pain, tongue-tie, discomfort associated with traditional braces, and more. Oral appliances are also an alternative to traditional braces for straightening teeth.

How do I know if I need an oral appliance?

Only your dentist can properly diagnose your condition to determine if you need an oral appliance, typically with a physical examination and/or x-rays. However, if you are experiencing any of the symptoms described above, schedule an appointment to ask your dentist about oral appliances.

Is a dental appliance better than traditional braces to straighten teeth?

Both methods for straightening your teeth are effective but offer different benefits. Traditional braces exert continual pressure on the teeth to straighten them, often achieving results within 12 – 18 months. Oral appliances can also achieve dramatically straighter teeth but offer you the option of removing them for sports, eating, or special occasions.

How are oral appliances and orthotics fitted?

Both oral appliances and orthotics are fitted through a personalized process that begins with a detailed evaluation of your condition. Impressions of your teeth and mouth are taken to ensure that the device fits comfortably and securely.

Are oral appliances comfortable to wear?

Yes, oral appliances are designed to be comfortable for long-term use. Since they are custom-fitted to your mouth, they provide a secure fit without causing discomfort or irritation. Many patients find them easier to use than alternative treatments, such as CPAP machines for sleep apnea and experience minimal discomfort while wearing them.

Do I need to have regular follow-ups after getting an oral appliance or orthotic?

Yes, regular follow-up appointments are essential to ensure that the oral appliance or orthotic is functioning properly and to make any necessary adjustments for comfort and effectiveness. Over time, your mouth or jaw alignment may change, and regular check-ups help our team at Integrative Pain and Wellness Center maintain the appliance’s effectiveness in treating your condition.

Our team understands that pain can come from anywhere. Since your discomfort is diverse, the staff at Integrative Pain and Wellness Center believes in offering a wide range of diverse and comprehensive solutions for your condition. Get in touch with our office in Southlake, TX to schedule an appointment with Dr. Barker or Dr. Gray, and find out how oral appliance therapy could be the solution to your discomfort.