Mouth Devices & Dental Appliances in Highland, MI
Custom-fitted protection for grinding, sports, and sleep — built for your mouth specifically.
Over-the-counter mouth devices exist, but they’re a compromise. A generic tray that doesn’t fit properly won’t protect your teeth the way it should, won’t stay in place while you sleep, and won’t be comfortable enough to actually wear consistently. At Highland Family Dentistry, we custom-fabricate every device to fit your exact bite — which is the difference between a device that works and one that sits in a drawer.
We currently offer three types of mouth devices, each designed for a specific problem.
TMJ, Headache, and Migraine Relief — Michigan Bite Splint
Teeth grinding and clenching (bruxism) is often subconscious — most patients don’t realize they’re doing it until the damage shows up: worn enamel, cracked teeth, jaw soreness, or chronic morning headaches. Studies suggest people who grind can subject their teeth to up to 80 times the normal daily wear compared to those who don’t. That adds up fast.
A Michigan Bite Splint is a thin, clear removable device worn over the upper teeth during sleep. It creates a protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth, absorbing and distributing the force of grinding before it reaches your enamel. It won’t stop the habit itself, but it stops the damage — and for many patients, it also reduces the jaw tension and headaches that come with it.
The splint is custom-made from impressions of your teeth, so the fit is precise. It may feel unfamiliar for the first few nights, but most patients adapt within a week.
Sports Mouth Guard
A knocked-out or fractured tooth during a game is entirely preventable. A custom sports mouth guard is a flexible plastic appliance worn during athletic and recreational activities that absorbs impact before it reaches your teeth, jaw, and surrounding tissue.
Beyond protecting teeth from direct trauma, a properly fitted guard also reduces the risk of lacerations to the lips and cheeks — particularly important for patients wearing braces or other orthodontic appliances where the hardware itself can cause injury on impact.
Store-bought boil-and-bite guards offer minimal protection because they don’t fit securely and lose shape quickly. A custom guard fits exactly, stays in place, and lasts significantly longer. If you or your kids are active in contact or collision sports, this is a worthwhile investment.
Silent Nite Snore Guard
Snoring is caused by the jaw and tongue relaxing and dropping back during sleep, partially obstructing the airway. The Silent Nite device addresses this directly — it’s a custom-made, thin, flexible appliance worn during sleep that holds the jaw in a forward position, keeping the airway open.
The result is quieter breathing, less disruption to your sleep (and whoever’s next to you), and a more restful night overall. The Silent Nite doesn’t block oral breathing and has also shown effectiveness in cases of mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea.
If you’ve been told you snore heavily or suspect sleep apnea, mention it during your appointment — we’ll help determine whether this device is appropriate for your situation or whether a referral for a sleep study makes more sense first.