Temporomandibular Joint Disorder
Intraoral Appliances
Your health care provider may recommend other therapies instead of or in addition to physical therapy. These additional therapies must be done by a dentist, orthodontist or oral surgeon.
These are irreversible therapies that change your bite. They are done to decrease pressures in the TMJs. Examples of occlusal therapy include orthodontics (braces), jaw surgery and dental procedures such as placing multiple crowns and equilibration. Research studies do not show strong enough proof that occlusal therapy helps relieve TMD symptoms. Although occlusal therapy is usually not necessary, some TMD cases do require permanent bite change.
Orthotics are a common treatment for TMD. They include occlusal splints, bite guards and night guards. People with TMD wear them to prevent bruxism, keep the jaw joint in proper position and relax the jaw muscles. An orthotic may cover the upper or lower row of teeth and is easily put in and taken out of your mouth. You may need to wear an orthotic part of the day, all day, or just at night.
Occlusal Therapies
These are irreversible therapies that change your bite. They are done to decrease pressures in the TMJs. Examples of occlusal therapy include orthodontics (braces), jaw surgery and dental procedures such as placing multiple crowns and equilibration. Research studies do not show strong enough proof that occlusal therapy helps relieve TMD symptoms. Although occlusal therapy is usually not necessary, some TMD cases do require permanent bite change.
Orthotics (Oral Orthopedic Appliances)
Orthotics are a common treatment for TMD. They include occlusal splints, bite guards and night guards. People with TMD wear them to prevent bruxism, keep the jaw joint in proper position and relax the jaw muscles. An orthotic may cover the upper or lower row of teeth and is easily put in and taken out of your mouth. You may need to wear an orthotic part of the day, all day, or just at night.