If you have jaw pain, it can affect your daily life by making it hard to chew, talk or even to find a more comfortable position to lay your head. TMJ splints are now being considered by many as a conservative yet successful means of resolving this pain. These are non-invasive tools that help to keep the jaw properly aligned and relieve the strain on the TMJ. If you are someone who wants pain relief without surgery and medication, you can opt for TMJ splints as they are simple, safe, and proven.
TMJ disorders (or TMD) Temporom and ibular joint disorders, or simply TMJ disorders, are one of the common culprits of jaw pain. Symptoms can include clicking or restricted movement in the jaw, facial pain, and tension headaches. A TMJ splint is a customised occlusal splint which will reposition the jaw and reduce strain on the associated muscles and joints. Over time, by wearing TMJ splints (bite guards or occlusal appliances) on a nightly basis it can assist to decrease the inflammation while allowing healing to occur by natural means aside from invasive procedures.
Non-Surgical TMD Treatment TMD treatment itself will start by addressing muscle tension and bite problems. This is where TMJ splints can really help. By maintaining the jaw in a consistent, relaxed position, splints stop the teeth from tensing or grinding, leading to less stress on the joint. With consistent use of TMJ splints, pain can diminish, stiffness can decrease and typical jaw movements can return.
While splint therapy will help attenuate some of the stresses associated with bruxism, there remain other factors that exacerbate or even cause bruxism which can hinder recovery. Supplemental techniques of stress management, jaw exercises, and chewing non-hard or non-chewy foods can improve the results medication therapies and the use of TMJ splints. These conservative techniques complement one another and can address the underlying causes of TMJ pain without the potential concerns of surgery or long-term medication use. With increasing knowlege, more and more individuals are incorporating TMJ splints as part of comprehensive jaw pain care.
Before treatment of jaw pain is initiated, an appropriate diagnosis is crucial. The dentists evaluate patient’s joint function, bite relationship and muscle state to find if the patient is suitable for TMJ splints. Since every case is different, splints are customized for comfort and to achieve optimal therapeutic results.
Sleep also is an important component of TMJ pain management and nighttime clenching is a frequent problem. Wearing TMJ splints at night can also help you stop grinding your teeth in your sleep, a medical condition called bruxism. This prevents the teeth from wearing down, and relaxes the jaw muscles during sleep. The relief from nighttime strain adds to the daytime comfort and long-term therapeutic benefit for TMJ splints.
The aim of the game for sufferers of chronic and long-term jaw pain is how to get as much relief as possible without having to go under the knife. TMJ splints provide a non-surgical, and can be tailored to suit each patient’s needs with a non-decreasing option to both treat and prevent the symptoms of TMJ dysfunction. With regular use, professional assistance from a TMJ specialist, and regular self-care, many people are able to cope with their jaw pain and regain normal comfort in their daily lives through their TMJ splints.
