Splint therapy is a key part of any comprehensive TMJ treatment plan. A splint is a removable oral appliance that looks like a mouthguard and can be custom-designed to fit your upper or lower teeth. Splints relieve pain and discomfort by reducing pressure on the jaw joints and muscles. They also promote better jaw alignment and less wear and tear on the teeth. There are four primary types of tmj splints. Permissive splints (sometimes called stabilization splints) are worn at night and can help to stop clenching and grinding, which can cause teeth sensitivity, achy teeth, and other symptoms. Repositioning splints are designed to correct the bite and align the jaw for ideal occlusion. These splints are typically worn 24/7 and include various indentations that allow the teeth to glide across the bite plane.
While splints are the primary treatment for TMJ, many patients may still require other treatments to address their specific symptoms. For example, some people with TMJ have significant bite misalignments that can cause pain. These types of cases often require orthodontic therapy as a crucial component of the treatment plan.
TMJ is a common condition that causes discomfort in the jaw joint and muscles. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including teeth grinding and clenching, stress, arthritis in the joint, or injury. TMJ disorders can be extremely painful and interfere with your daily life. Fortunately, they are usually reversible with conservative treatment. Conservative treatments are non-invasive and reversible, unlike surgical treatments.
Surgical treatments can cause permanent changes to the jaw and teeth, so they should be considered a last resort. Conservative treatments are a safer, more predictable, and longer-lasting option for most patients.
A splint for TMJ helps to cushion and relax the jaw muscles and temporomandibular joint. This can help prevent clenching and grinding, which can trigger TMJ pain. It can also reduce the amount of wear and tear on the teeth, which can lead to tooth decay and eroded enamel. Splints can also be used to correct a bad bite (an overbite or underbite).
Most TMJ splints are designed to be comfortable and inconspicuous, so they can be worn as needed. They are most commonly worn at night, especially for bruxism sufferers who tend to experience TMJ pain and discomfort during sleep. They can also be worn during stressful or emotional times to prevent a flare-up of symptoms.
TMJ splints can help with a number of different symptoms, including earaches and headaches from clenching and grinding, sore and tight jaw muscles, a locked jaw, and limited range of motion in the jaw. They can also help to prevent additional dental and jaw problems by preventing the teeth from rubbing against each other, which can cause further damage to the TMJ.
Whether you are suffering from TMJ or another jaw muscle or joint disorder, you should seek treatment as soon as possible to avoid further complications. Contact our team to learn more about splint therapy for TMJ or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Szymanski.