Splint Therapy

Splint Therapy for TMJ

The temporomandibular joint, commonly referred to as TMJ, is one of the body's crucial joints. It is primarily recognized as the connection between the jaw and the skull, but it serves a more extensive role. Surprisingly, it has been found to influence our posture in addition to its functions in speech and chewing. Despite its significance, the TMJ can be one of the body's most problematic joints. TMJ disorder, also known as TMD, is a condition that results in inflammation, pain, and tenderness in the jaw. These symptoms often coincide with other indicators like jaw locking and clicking. Fortunately, TMD is frequently manageable, and one approach for treatment is splint therapy.

Treating TMJ with Splint Therapy: A Comprehensive Guide

For TMJ treatment, Dr. Todd Schroeder from 4 Seasons Sleep may recommend a splint or an oral appliance designed to reposition the jaw and alleviate TMJ pressure, similar to using crutches for a knee or ankle injury. When using an oral appliance, either the upper or lower teeth are covered by a removable dental device known as a splint. These splints are meticulously crafted in a dental lab, using an impression of your teeth to ensure they are entirely customized to your unique needs, typically constructed from durable acrylic resin. After fabrication, Dr. Schroeder will properly fit and adjust the splint to ensure it effectively relieves TMJ pressure and facilitates healing. You will need to follow the prescribed wear schedule for the splint, which may be during the day, only at night, or a combination of both. Additionally, attending any necessary follow-up appointments is crucial to evaluate symptom improvement and make any required adjustments to the splint. Dr. Todd Schroeder from 4 Seasons Sleep will provide guidance on how to maintain and care for the splint effectively.

Splints promote relaxation of the jaw's ligaments and muscles, effectively preventing involuntary jaw habits such as clenching, grinding, and other behaviors that contribute to TMJ-related pain.

Bite misalignment problems have the potential to result in TMD. Overbites and underbites can place strain on the jaw, leading to TMD-related discomfort. Splints are effective in restoring the bite angle to its natural and stress-free position.

Moreover, splints can aid in managing bruxism and protect the patient’s teeth from further damage. Headaches, tooth soreness, and excessive enamel erosion have all been associated with conscious or unconscious clenching and grinding.

Splint Types

Splints come in various shapes, but they can all be categorized into two distinct groups:

Stabilization Splints

They are worn to alleviate the TMJ pressure resulting from clenching, grinding, and other bruxism symptoms. This particular splint, worn exclusively at night, encompasses all teeth and is commonly positioned on the upper set.

Repositioning Splints

These are employed to address bite alignment problems or occlusions and safeguard against TMJ pressure throughout the daytime. They are worn continuously every day until the desired outcome is achieved.

Splints are a Great Solution

Splints serve as a valuable tool in addressing concerns like bruxism and occlusions, offering a lasting solution to the underlying issues. Nevertheless, certain situations may necessitate "Phase II" therapies to permanently reposition the jaw into the "stress-free" position achieved by these appliances. Effective treatment alternatives encompass surgery, orthodontics, and dental procedures

Make an appointment with Dr. Todd Schroeder

If you suspect you may be experiencing TMD symptoms and are interested in exploring the potential benefits of splint therapy, don't hesitate to schedule an appointment with Dr. Todd Schroeder at 4 Seasons Sleep. The team will coordinate a comprehensive examination and consultation to address your specific concerns. In certain instances, dental imaging may be required for our doctor to obtain a thorough understanding of the underlying factors. TMD can be discomforting and even debilitating, but our treatments frequently prove effective in restoring full functionality for our patients.