TMJ Therapy
TMJ stands for temporal-mandibular joint, which acts as a hinge connecting your jawbone to your skull. Complications in this joint may arise due to misalignment of the teeth, clenching, grinding, or excessive muscle tension. Symptoms in the TMJ can arise and include headaches, earaches, popping or clicking of the jaw, neck stiffness, and facial muscle pain or soreness. Our doctors have various methods for TMJ treatments, including professional occlusal guards (“Nightguards”).
A Professional Occlusal Guard May Be for You If
Your First Appointment
At your appointment with our doctors, a TMJ assessment will be performed, checking your range of movement, feeling for tightness or tension in your facial muscles, examining your teeth for signs of clenching and grinding, and checking for clicking or popping in the jaw. After your assessment and proper diagnosis, a 3D scan or impression of your teeth is taken and sent to our laboratory to create a strong, durable occlusal guard that can be worn day or night. Our occlusal guards are individually designed and customized to fit your mouth perfectly.
Your Second Appointment
During your second appointment, we will have your new occlusal guard ready for you. Our doctors will ensure perfect fit. We will review homecare instructions, including how to clean your new occlusal guard, how to store it, and when to wear it. Occlusal guards are most often worn at night, but can also be worn while watching TV on the couch or sitting at your office desk to prevent damage to the teeth. People who grind their teeth or unintentionally clench down too hard when they sleep can cause pain and damage to their teeth.
Let Us Take Away Your Pain
Frequently Asked Questions
TMJ therapy is a treatment approach to address complications in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which connects the jawbone to the skull. It aims to alleviate symptoms such as jaw pain, headaches, and muscle tension through various methods, including the use of occlusal guards.
TMJ disorders can manifest in several ways, including headaches, earaches, jaw popping or clicking, neck stiffness, and facial muscle pain or soreness. These symptoms can be indicative of misalignment, teeth clenching or grinding, or excessive muscle tension in the jaw area.
Occlusal guards, also known as "nightguards," are custom-made dental appliances that fit over the teeth. They provide a cushioning effect and help to redistribute forces during teeth grinding or clenching, reducing strain on the TMJ. Occlusal guards are often worn at night but can also be used during the day to prevent teeth damage.
The duration of TMJ therapy can vary depending on the severity of the condition and the individual's response to treatment. Typically, it involves an initial assessment to diagnose the issue, followed by the creation of a custom occlusal guard. The therapy may span several appointments, allowing for adjustments and monitoring of progress.
While TMJ therapy aims to alleviate symptoms and improve jaw function, the outcome may vary for each patient. In many cases, TMJ therapy can provide significant relief and enhance quality of life. However, complete elimination of symptoms may not always be achievable, as the underlying causes and individual responses to treatment differ.
