Many children and adults suffer from TMJ, which can produce uncomfortable symptoms such as facial pain, headaches in the temples, the inability to open the mouth widely, sensitive teeth, or aching and throbbing jaw muscles. TMJ affects both sides of the jaw and can affect people of any age. Trauma to the jaw joint is another potential trigger for TMJ symptoms. Some of the various therapies that can be used to address difficulties linked with the jaw include massages, exercises that you can do at home, physical therapy, dietary adjustments, and changes in daytime activities or postures.
When treating TMJ, it is best to focus on therapies that do not require invasive procedures and can be reversed if necessary. This is because once your bite has been modified, it is extremely difficult, if not impossible, to return it to its initial form. If we approach with the utmost caution, we will give ourselves the best chance of delivering the best potential outcomes you may achieve from your treatment for TMJ.
What is TMJ?
The temporomandibular joints (TMJs) are the joints that connect the jaw to the skull right behind the ears on each side of the face. These joints are known as temporomandibular joints. The term “temporomandibular joint” refers to both of these joints. The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is not only one of the joints in the body that experiences the greatest stress, but it is also one of the most intricate joints. It can travel in any direction, including side to side, forward and backward, and up and down.
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) can become uncomfortable, inflamed, stiff, and even swollen when it is subjected to trauma, overused, or when a condition like arthritis afflicts it. Any of these factors can cause these symptoms. If you have a problem with your temporomandibular joint (TMJ), you may have pain, inflammation, and a feeling of stiffness that spreads from your jaw to your ears, face, and even up the sides of your cheekbones to your upper head or down your neck.
What are TMJ Appliances?
The therapy for TMD often includes the use of TMJ appliances (temporomandibular disorder). This treatment aims to ease the pain, stiffness, and discomfort that TMD brings on. This treatment is non-invasive, and it does not involve the use of any medication. TMJ appliances are similar to mouthguards in that they are worn in the mouth and fit over the upper or lower set of teeth. However, unlike mouthguards, TMJ appliances are designed to treat conditions related to the jaw joint.
The amount of time that a patient is required to wear a TMJ appliance depends on various factors, the nature, and severity of the TMD being the most critical of these considerations. True problems with the TMJ almost always continue for an extended period, meaning they do not go away on their own. In the vast majority of cases, the appliance treatment for TMJ, also known as splint therapy, helps ease the uncomfortable symptoms of TMD over a few months and can give joint stability after this period of time has passed. This treatment is also known as the appliance treatment for TMD.
To receive the most effective and long-lasting relief from pain, it is essential to obtain a prescription for the right TMJ device, as well as a comprehensive treatment plan, from a medical professional who is experienced in the treatment of TMD.
What is The Most Common TMJ Treatment?
Your dentist may recommend wearing a splint to address your TMJ condition. A splint is a removable oral appliance that can cover numerous teeth or all of the teeth in the upper or lower jaw, depending on which jaw it is placed in. After taking an impression of the patient’s teeth to use as a mold for the splint, splints are often produced in a dental laboratory from a durable acrylic resin. This is done after the impression of the patient’s teeth has been taken. The dentist will next try the splint in and make any required adjustments after it has been made.
You will be given instructions on how long you should wear it (all day, solely at night, or both), and you will be required to return to the clinic for follow-up appointments to report on the state of your symptoms and to have the splint readjusted if that turns out to be necessary.
In addition to this, you will be required to return for follow-up appointments during which your symptoms will be monitored, and your treatment plan will be modified as necessary. Your dentist will provide you with specific advice on how to care for the splint that is now placed in your mouth in the most effective manner.
It will be highly recommended that everyone retain their bite splints in place for the duration of the time that has been specified in advance. During this phase of the diagnostic process, we are in a position to be one hundred percent positive that we have precisely determined the optimal position for your bite.
One thing is for you to have a good time when you’re visiting our office, but until you’ve tried out your new bite for a period ranging from a few weeks to a few months, we won’t know for certain if it’s the right one for you.
We will monitor objective measures of your TMJ, such as the position of your jaw and cartilage, the sounds your jaw produces, the stress in your muscles, and any other relevant measures. In addition, we will question your subjective symptoms, such as headaches, migraines, jaw pain, and other types of discomforts you may be experiencing.
If everything appears in order, we will likely propose you continue using the bite splint. Nevertheless, there are some circumstances in which we will suggest a full bite reconstruction.
What is the Purpose of Using a Splint to Treat TMJ Problems?
Patients must be advised that their dentist may provide several explanations for why they must wear a splint throughout therapy for their jaw problem.
The splint’s dual purpose is to alleviate discomfort while enhancing jaw function to make the jaw more mobile, and it will accomplish both of these objectives well. When the appliance (bite plate or mouth guard) is doing its job properly, the jaw joint becomes stable, and the facial and jaw muscles relax.
The splint application is intended to be the first step in a procedure that will consist of multiple steps. The act of wearing it will cause changes in the bite and the position of the jaw, which will necessitate some significant dental treatment, such as orthodontics, crowning teeth, or other procedures similar to these, to establish a new permanent jaw position. In addition, the changes in the bite and the jaw position will necessitate some significant dental treatment.
What to Expect During Treatment
Patients need to be aware that different dentists may offer different services. When you come in complaining of aching muscles, damaged teeth, or headache pain, we could suggest appliance therapy in the form of night guards. The appliance is a highly developed and sophisticated orthotic treatment device. For it to be effective, it needs to be checked carefully and changed appropriately. In most cases, the process will require a few separate appointments.
When the jaw moves from side to side, the appliance should be snugly fitting without moving, the contact with individual teeth must be even, and the back teeth should not touch.
The appliance’s objective is to facilitate relaxation of the facial and jaw muscles, thereby preventing the development of a “bad bite,” which, in turn, will enable the jaw joint to resume its natural, correct position.
TMJ appliance therapy, also known as splint therapy, is not a problematic process. When the appliance is fabricated, fitted, and adjusted by a dentist who is a very skilled TMJ specialist, splint therapy might be painless and simple to adhere to.
Expect a comprehensive examination that uses the most cutting-edge digital imaging, impression, and examination practices. You will continue to see your TMJ specialist for checkups at predetermined intervals after you have been fitted with a custom-made TMJ appliance. Your progress will be evaluated, and any required adjustments to your treatment plan will be made to ensure that your TMD discomfort is alleviated. Treatment for TMD with an experienced therapist is rather active and involves hands-on work.
The most significant advantage offered by TMJ appliances is a reduction in pressure. It is essential that the joint in question not be subjected to any pressure. These mouth guards or other equipment are resistant to any and all forms of pain. You are free to work, chew, grind, and open your mouth in whatever way you see fit. The dentist will determine the length of time that they should be worn. When you are using the guards, all you need to do is maintain your composure.
Read more: Are TMJ Disorders and Sleep Apnea Linked?
Consult with Garza DDS to learn more about TMJ appliances
If you are one of the many people suffering from painful symptoms of TMJ, an appliance may be a promising treatment option. To find out if this is the right solution, consult with Garza DDS. We have years of experience helping patients like you get relief from their temporomandibular joint issues.