What does the dentist look for during my oral exam?

The dentist examines your teeth and mouth to determine if you are a good candidate for a custom oral appliance. The dentist looks at:

  • position of your jaw

  • jaw stiffness and tenderness

  • evidence of teeth grinding (bruxism)

  • number of teeth you have

  • condition of your teeth and gums

  • presence of extensive restorations (e.g. crowns, bridges, implants, veneers)

  • size of your tongue and other tissues in the back of your throat

While many successful oral appliance users do not fall within these guidelines, the more criteria a patient meets, the more successful oral therapy should be.

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