Custom Orthotics in Gilbert, AZ

If you have a TMJ disorder (popping and clicking, grading sounds), flat, worn, or clenched teeth, jaw discomfort, ear issues (vertigo, tinnitus), and neck (postural) concerns, NM/Physiologic disharmony, you are a candidate for an orthotic.

Orthotics restore improper function to health and normal function. As orthotics is not a cure but rather a reversible tool, there are no hazards associated with this treatment if the protocol is followed according to Dr. Garza’s instructions. It is possible to remove and discard orthotics.

There are a few dental equipment and treatments that can truly make a difference if you grind or clench your teeth. Occlusal guards and dental orthotics may look similar to the untrained eye, yet their functions are vastly different. While both are solutions for teeth-grinding and clenching, one only prevents future harm, and the other can be the initial step in alleviating pain.

Orthotic

If one’s goals and objectives are to properly bring the muscles to a neutral and relaxed functional posture, then any device must combine physiologic design and anatomical shape. When treating TMJ Dysfunction, it is necessary to know that as muscles are stretched, the position of the jaw and the relationships between the teeth alter, and it is essential to notice this. Incorporating the patient’s anatomy and chewing movements into the orthotic device is crucial for facilitating quick healing during the initial phase of TMD treatment.

Clear acrylic is molded to suit your lower teeth to create therapeutic orthotics. (Whenever possible, we connect orthotics to the lower teeth because they are more pleasant than those attached to the upper teeth.) The orthotic’s biting surface mimics a set of properly aligned teeth.

Nightguard

A night guard is intended to cure bruxism and is sometimes given before a TMJ splint, particularly if your bruxism develops TMD. To alleviate the symptoms of teeth grinding, night guards serve as a barrier between upper and lower teeth. A night guard is a mouthpiece worn during sleep to protect against the harmful effects of teeth grinding, also known as bruxism.

Because a night guard is a subtype of splint, all night guards are splints, but not all splints are night guards. Each type of splint has a particular function and use. TMD splints, for instance, are available in several forms, such as stability (or permissive) splints, repositioning splints, and NTI-tss devices.

Splint

Different types of splints treat Temporomandibular Joint Disorder in various manners (TMD). In general, splints for the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) help jaw muscles to relax, distribute pressure evenly across teeth, ease tension on the joint, and aid in realigning the jaw.

Placing an orthotic that further protrudes the mandible will worsen the TMJ condition. The majority of upper splints we encounter have these ineffective designs. If this occurs in your clinic, you can make a rapid adjustment by building up the anterior portion of the orthotic (from lateral to lateral) with cold cure acrylic to allow just the lower anterior to contact the new bite plane, thereby discluding the posterior teeth. Your objective is to prevent the posteriors from touching the plastic. No more than 1 mm of disclusion is required. Typically, it is much simpler to construct an NTI.

The cost of TMJ treatment by Dr. Garza varies depending on the patient’s mouth. There are numerous alternatives for tailoring treatment to your particular circumstances. However, the majority of patients can anticipate to pay within a given range based on the type of orthotic they select.

When worn correctly, a dental orthotic is the first step toward long-term treatment for TMD and preventing further tooth damage. The orthotic is utilized to get a better understanding of your symptoms. So, if this is the case, then the next step is to get your teeth into alignment with those created by the orthotic – and this is phase 2.

Phase 2 may comprise physiologic orthodontics, whole mouth rehabilitation, a combination of the two, or a semi-permanent orthotic, depending on the individual’s needs.

Always wear your orthotics as instructed. If asked to wear it while eating, it may take a while to become accustomed to it. Begin with finely ground meats and soft vegetables (such as potatoes), pasta, yogurts, and soups. Eliminate foods that are difficult to chew, such as peanuts, raw vegetables, candies, gum, and ice cubes. This will require an adjustment but may be achieved with patience and determination.