2023-04-28 15:13:42
What is a dental tray?
The dental tray is a removable dental appliance, made on the impression – either physical or optical – of the patient in order to perfectly match his teeth. Usually in medical plastic or resinthese medical devices can have different functionalities depending on their indication.
The most common are orthodontic gutters, called alignment gutters, occlusal gutters, dental whitening gutters and anti-snoring gutters.
The different types of dental gutter: Why put a dental gutter?
There are a total of six types of gutters, which differ from their design, to their purpose, to how they are used.
Transparent orthodontic aligners or dental aligners
Orthodontic aligners have objective of realigning teeth in case of dental malposition (spread teeth, overlapping …). It is therefore an orthodontic treatment, just like braces or braces.
Dr Raphaël Bettach, dental surgeon: These alignment gutters are made using a computer tool which, with the instructions of the orthodontist doctor on the objective to be achieved, will create the patient’s final gutter with the teeth aligned , and a series of gutters to achieve this result.
The patient will therefore receive between 20 and 30 different numbered gutters, each of which he will have to wear for a fortnight. “Each tray is shaped to take the teeth step by step towards final alignment,” he explains. The treatment lasts on average 18 to 24 months.
Once the teeth are aligned, it is essential to immobilize them for some time at the risk of them returning to their initial position: this is the contention stage. “It is a mechanical bonding system using a metal alloy wire, fixed to the back of the teeth, which makes it possible to maintain the teeth in their final position” describes Dr. Bettach.
Bite guards: against bruxism to relax the jaw
The purpose of bite guards is to prevent complete occlusion of the teeth in order to relax the masticatory muscles. It is proposed to treat temporomandibular dysfunctions, and in particular bruxismwhich would concern almost 8% of adults.
Bruxism is a involuntary contraction of the jaws during sleep – even sometimes during the day – causing wear of the teeth with pain in the temporo-maxillary joints. “Over time, the pain may spread to the cervical region, or even the dorsal region” indicates the dental surgeon.
The occulsal splint makes it possible on the one hand to protect the teeth, and on the other hand to rest and deinflame the temporomandibular articulation to relieve pain.
Teeth whitening trays
Teeth whitening trays are offered to patients who wish brighten their dull or yellowed teeth. They are made to measure in the office, by the dentist who takes an impression of the lower and upper jaws of his patient.
The purpose of clarification is toeliminate the dyes located under the tooth enamel, in order to make the teeth clearer.
“The first whitening session is done in the office: the dentist shows his patient how to proceed, by putting hydrogen peroxide in the gutter which will lighten the dentin located under the enamel.” explains Dr. Betach.
Anti-snoring gutters for the night
As their name suggests, these gutters are intended to limit nocturnal snoring, which affects almost one in two adults and which can have significant social consequences.
“When we sleep, the muscles relax, the tongue recedes into the oral cavity and partially blocks the airway, limiting the passage of air. We therefore breathe less easily and we pull, which vibrates the soft palate and the aluette” describes the dental surgeon.
Besides the fact that snoring can be bothersome for the prospective partner, it can in some cases be the symptom of aSleep Apnea, which is a serious pathology definitely need to be taken care of.
Dr. Bettach: The anti-snoring orthosis is a gutter that keeps the lower jaw (mandible) in a forward position during sleep, in order to free the passage of air at the level of the pharynx. It is a mechanical treatment.
Fluoridation trays
The fluoridation gutter is a treatment of prevention of cavities for teeth altered or weakened by treatment. “They are particularly recommended for people treated with radiotherapylocalized at the level of the face, because the rays damage the salivary glands, which promotes the development of dental caries“explains Dr. Bettach.
These thermoformed gutters are filled with fluorinewhich, in contact with the teeth, has a triple action : limit demineralization, promote remineralization and slow down the action of cariogenic bacteria.
Sports gutters
These aligners, also called mouth guards, are intended for people practicing sports de contacts such as rugby, hockey or combat sports. Made to measure in a flexible synthetic material, they allowavoid tooth fractures due to impact.
They are also indicated for children undergoing orthodontic treatment, in order to protect their appliance during sports sessions.
How long to keep a dental tray?
The wearing time is variable depending on each type of gutter.
– Alignment gutters : must be worn constantly, To except for meals and dental care. They are almost undetectable and very comfortable for the patient.
– Occlusal splints : are generally not worn only at night. “Some people suffering from severe pain may need to wear it from time to time during the day for faster relief,” says the specialist.
– THE anti snoring gutters are worn only at night.
– THE fluoridation trays must be worn 5 minutes a day – in the morning or in the evening – for the duration of the radiotherapy treatment or even later in some cases.
– THE whitening trays should be worn by the patient approximately 2 hours a dayon average during 2 to 4 weeks depending on the case and according to the recommendations of the practitioner.
– Finally, sports gutters are worn only during the sports session, to protect the teeth in the event of an impact.
What is the cost of a dental tray and is it reimbursed?
The price is very variable depending on the different types of gutter.
gutters orthodontics cost between 600 and 1500 euros par semester depending on the practitioner and his region of practice. The total treatment is therefore between 1800 to 6000 euros (for 18 to 24 months), which represents a certain cost. As with any orthodontic treatment, the dental aligner treatment East partially covered by social security if started before the age of 16. For the others, only certain mutuals can reimburse part of it.
THE bite guards are not reimbursed only in case of sleep apnea and cost the patient on average 300 euros between production and installation.
THE fluoridation trays in the event of radiotherapy treatment are fully covered by social security.
Whitening trays are not subject to a tariff framework, and can cost between 300 and 800 euros depending on the practitioner. They are not never covered by social security.
Finally, the gutters of the sportsman, when they are made to measure – which is advised for the professional sportsmen – cost between 300 and 600 euros.
For amateur athletes, thermoformable mouthguards may be sufficient, and cost on average only twenty euros.
How to clean a dental tray?
The gutters must be cleaned regularly because our saliva contains water but also enzymes, proteins and other components likely to clog the gutter by promoting the deposits of tartar and attracting bacteria.
To avoid dental and gum infections, it is important to wash them daily under water with a toothbrush and mouthwash or toothpaste.
“You can also let it soak a little in diluted mouthwash,” adds Dr. Bettach.
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