Appliance Therapy

TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT(TMJ) People who suffer from symptoms such as headaches, earaches, tenderness of the jaw muscles, or dull, aching facial pain may suffer from TMD-temporomandibular joint disorders. The muscles and joints may not function properly, resulting in cycles of pain and spasms. These disorders can have a variety of causes and, can be treated. You may also have a damaged jaw joint due to injury or disease. Since TMD symptoms (eg, tooth clenching or grinding, headaches, jaw pain or discomfort, clicking, grating, difficulty in closing your jaw) can lead to more serious conditions, early detection and treatment are important. No one treatment can resolve TMJ disorders completely, and treatment takes time to be effective.
Misalignment of the jaw can be corrected using different devices applied by your dentist or an orthodontist. Treatment is based on determining the underlying cause of the problem and correcting it, if possible Anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS) can help to reduce inflammation in the jaw. Muscle spasms or muscle tension may be relieved by using moist heat packs on the affected area. A diet of soft foods is recommended. Biofeedback or relaxation exercises may also be effective. Surgery of the jaw is rarely required.
SNORE GUARD During sleep, the muscles and soft tissues in the throat and mouth relax making the breathing airway smaller. This decrease in space increases the velocity of air flowing through the airway during breathing. As the velocity increases in the constricted space, the soft tissues like the soft palate and the uvula vibrate producing the classic snoring sound. It should also be noted that sleep studies have shown that excess body weight, heavy alcohol consumption and sedatives have been shown to increase the severity of snoring.
The snoring prevention device gently positions the lower jaw into a forward position by means of special connectors that are attached to transparent flexible upper & lower forms. These upper and lower forms are custom laminated with heat and pressure to a model of your mouth. They have an excellent fit and are very comfortable since they are only 2 millimeters thick. With your lower jaw slightly forward, the airway stays open and prevents soft tissue vibrations which cause snoring. Even with congested nasal passages, the snore guard prevents snoring and does not inhibit oral breathing. It has also been proven effective in cases of Obstructive Sleep Apnea.
BITE SPLINT

If you are suffering from TMD, you may need to wear a bite splint, or nightguard. This device can assist your jaws into the most anatomically relaxed position at night, thus limiting the amount of strain on the ligaments of your temporomadibular joint. This device can reduce or eliminate TMD problems when used correctly. Come in today for your evaluation to find out if this treatment is right for you!