Both bruxism and temporomandibular joint dysfunction, sometimes known as TMD or TMJ, are painful diseases frequently treated using occlusal splint therapy. An occlusal appliance, often known as a splint, is a device that can be worn in the mouth and is designed to cover the bite surface.
Using a repositioning splint for TMJ can be an effective method for realigning the jaw, one of the most common treatments for a TMJ problem. Once your jaw joint is properly positioned, you should discover that many of your TMJ symptoms subside.
In this article, we’ll be addressing a common question we get concerning repositioning splints for TMJ.
What is TMJ?
Temporomandibular joints, often known as TMJs, are the joints in your head that connect your jaw to your skull. You have two of these joints, one placed in front of each ear on either side of your mouth. They are called the temporomandibular joints. They reach down to your mandible (lower jaw) and extend from your temple. These joints are essential for normal jaw function, which includes activities like chewing food and speaking clearly. However, there is a possibility that you will experience issues with your TMJ in the future, which may affect your quality of life.
What are TMJ Splints?
According to a brochure published by the National Institutes of Health on TMJ, “if a splint is recommended, it should be for a limited time and should not induce permanent changes in the bite” (move the jaw forward/back or cover only particular teeth). In addition, the brochure indicated that you should discontinue using a splint if it causes or increases pain and consult with the healthcare provider who manufactured the splint.
It is recommended that you inquire particularly of the dentist about whether or not the splint that they are proposing for you would alter the position of your bite or jaw.
Additionally, some individuals could discover that wearing a splint causes or increases the amount of clenching and grinding that they do. If this is the case, you need to remove it immediately and make an appointment with your dentist.
A thorough treatment strategy for TMJ should begin with splint therapy, as it forms the basis of the treatment and is an essential component. It is the primary and most essential therapeutic device for treating various diseases affecting the TMJ. Splints can be used for a variety of purposes, including the treatment of temporomandibular disorders, the stabilization of the bite, and the prevention of damage and wear on the dentition.
Protecting the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) discs from dysfunctional forces that could result in perforations or permanent displacements is a typical objective of the occlusal splint treatment. Creating a stable and balanced bite is another goal of treatment, along with improving the function of the jaw muscles and relieving the pain that is associated with the condition.
There is a wide selection of bite plates and night guards available on the market for the treatment of clenching, grinding (bruxism), TMJ, and facial pain. In addition, many patients make use of nightguards that may be purchased without a prescription. Pain and clicking in the TMJ might indicate a more serious problem, and the dental professional advises patients to avoid using dental appliances that do not require a prescription.
What are TMJ Reposition Splints?
To treat your TMJ, your dentist may suggest that you wear a splint. A splint is a removable dental appliance that covers many or all teeth in the upper or lower jaw, depending on the patient’s needs.
Splints are custom-made at a dental laboratory from an impression of the patient’s teeth and a durable acrylic resin. They are molded from the impression to fit the patient’s teeth. After the splint has been fabricated, the dentist will try it in and make any necessary adjustments for alleviation of pain-related joint disc displacement.
You will be expected to wear it during the recommended times (all day, only at night, both), as well as to come in for follow-up appointments to check on how your symptoms are progressing and to have the splint readjusted, if necessary. You will also be expected to visit for follow-up appointments to check on how your symptoms are progressing and to have them readjusted. Your dentist will provide you with instructions on how to care for the splint in your mouth properly.
Patients need to be informed that their dentist may give them a variety of explanations as to why they need to use a splint in the course of their treatment for their jaw problem. There are two primary classifications:
The purpose of the splint is to provide pain relief and improve jaw function to make the jaw more mobile.
The splint application is supposed to be the initial stage of a multi-stage process. This will follow some major dental treatment, such as orthodontics, crowning teeth, or other similar procedures to establish a new permanent jaw position.
The second principle is not supported by the most recent scientific findings and presents significant dangers due to the irreversibility of its implementation. There are usually risks involved with invasive procedures, such as damage to the articular structures and facial nerve or perforation of the mandibular fossa.
When to Use a Repositioning Splint
When a patient has symptoms of TMJ, the TMJ specialist like Garza DDS performs clinical examinations to determine whether repositioning splints are the best therapy option for them, and the patient should utilize the repositioning splints.
TMJ appliance therapy may be able to alleviate some or all of your problems by realigning your jaw so that it is in the correct position or by repositioning any disc displacement. You can treat your TMJ and enhance your quality of life with the use of a repositioning splint, provided you collaborate closely with your doctor.
Clinical findings from examinations by our doctor will indicate the TMD symptoms, including pain occurring during chewing or jaw movements, pain during palpation, neck pain, impaired mandible movement, referral of pain within the head, and unilateral clicking in TMJ.
Different functions are served by various kinds of occlusal splints, including stability splints and other types. If you grind your teeth at sleep, a night guard could be the solution that works best for you.
Types of Splints
The purpose of splint therapy is to stabilize jaw relationships, create appropriate occlusal patterns, and reduce dysfunctional muscle activity, parafunctional oral habits, and joint loading. Splints are known as intraoral appliances, stabilization appliances, occlusal appliances, interocclusal appliances, repositioning splints, bruxism splints, night guards, mouth guards, and others with names denoting commercial vendors promoting particular designs.
Anterior bite plane
Only six of the lower front teeth are in contact with this splint, which fits on the upper jaw. As a result, it prevents clenching and grinding of the back teeth. In general, it is only worn at night because constant wear can cause the back (posterior) teeth to shift.
A study indicated that an anterior repositioning splint is one of the efficient treatment options for decreasing pain related to disc displacement with reduction.
Stabilization or flat plane splint
Your sore jaw muscles will be relieved by this splint, which covers all your upper teeth and has a flat surface to reduce tooth grinding. However, it does not prevent tooth clenching because the lower teeth can still contact it. Therefore, in some patients, their condition can be aggravated by the splint.
NTI-tss (Nociceptive Trigeminal Inhibition Tension Suppression System)
The NTI appliance is designed to prevent teeth clenching and grinding by fitting over the top front teeth. However, because it barely fits on a few teeth, it can be detrimental to their health. In addition, if it comes off during the night, there is a risk that it will be eaten or aspirated due to its small size.
Repositioning splint
This splint is utilized to move the lower jaw forward or backward in order to “recapture” a dislodged (clicking) disc or establish a “better” jaw posture. Extended use (beyond six weeks) increases the chance of extremely damaging permanent changes in the bite, long-term joint damage, and greater discomfort, needing additional treatment and possibly surgery.
The anterior repositioning splints (ARS) bring the patient’s mandible forward to an edge-to-edge position or stabilize the protrusive position. However, long-term use can cause an open bite and difficulty chewing.
Interoccusal splint
A disposable interocclusal splint sits between the patient’s posterior teeth bilaterally and has fluid-filled pads.
The interocclusal splint removes occlusion as a consideration in the positioning of the mandible by inserting a layer of flexible fluid between the upper and lower occlusal surfaces of the teeth and preventing the teeth from coming into contact with one another. In addition, this appliance could also be an efficient method for displaced disc recapture and pain level alleviation.
Over-the-counter splints
These occlusal splints are available for purchase in stores. The splints are constructed of plastic that softens when heated and may be molded to fit over the teeth. It is difficult to acquire a correct fit, and shifting the teeth can result in lasting changes to the bite.
Sport mouth guards
People who participate in contact sports wear them to protect their teeth from harm. These are not intended for patients with TMJ issues.
How Much Does a Splint Cost?
Before constructing and fitting your splint, some dentists require you to sign a contract for splints and a whole “treatment package.” Please be aware that in many instances, if you sign a contract for thousands of dollars in advance of the procedure, you are committing to pay the full amount of the contract even if you are unable to wear the splint due to pain or dysfunction.
Splints can cost thousands of dollars; initial and follow-up tests and fittings require many consultations. Due to the lacking scientific data demonstrating the safety and efficacy of splints, neither medical nor dental insurance may cover this treatment. Be sure to contact your insurance provider first.
Consult with Garza DDS to learn more about repositioning splints for TMJ
If you are experiencing pain in your jaw, popping or clicking noises when you open your mouth, or difficulty chewing, you may have TMJ. Your dentist may recommend a splint to reposition your teeth and help relieve the tension in your joint. Splints can be custom-made for each patient, and come in fixed and removable varieties. If you are interested in learning more about how a splint can help treat TMJ symptoms, consult with Garza DDS today. We would be happy to answer any questions and help you get started on the path to relief, providing you with an excellent clinical experience.