Oral Appliance Therapy for TMD
Oral Appliance Therapy for TMD
Oral appliance therapy is a type of treatment that involves using a custom-made mouth guard or splint to reposition the jaw and alleviate symptoms of TMD. The appliance is worn at night while sleeping, and it is designed to help reduce pain, improve jaw function and prevent further damage to the temporomandibular joint.
The oral appliance works by repositioning the jaw in a more optimal position, which can help to reduce muscle tension, strain, and pressure on the TMJ. It also helps to prevent the upper and lower teeth from grinding and clenching against each other, which can be a major cause of TMD. By repositioning the jaw and preventing teeth grinding, the appliance can help to reduce pain and improve jaw function and mobility.
Oral appliance therapy is often recommended as a first-line treatment for TMD and is considered a conservative, non-invasive approach. It is particularly effective in treating TMD caused by bruxism (teeth grinding) and sleep apnea and can be used in conjunction with other treatments such as physical therapy, medication, cognitive behavioral therapy, and PRF.
It's important to note that oral appliance therapy is not suitable for everyone, it's always recommended to consult with a dentist or a doctor who specialized in TMD to evaluate if this type of treatment is suitable for you and what the best type of oral appliance that would be appropriate for your condition.
At Nonsurgical TMJ Austin Dr. Ashley Smitherman has had extensive training in the treatment of TMD and has helped many patients live pain free. If you have TMJ pain or have been diagnosed with a form of TMD, please call our office and set up a consultation for our conservative and nonsurgical treatment options.
Can I treat TMJ/TMD at home?
There are several home remedies that may be helpful in relieving the symptoms of TMD (temporomandibular disorder). Here are a few options you can try:
- Applying heat or cold to the affected area: Applying a warm compress to the jaw or chewing muscles can help to relax the muscles and reduce pain. Alternatively, using an ice pack can help to reduce swelling.
- Stretching and strengthening exercises: Gentle jaw exercises can help to improve jaw movement and muscle strength. You can try opening and closing your jaw, or gently moving your jaw from side to side.
- Relaxation techniques: Reducing stress and tension in the jaw muscles can help to alleviate TMD symptoms. Try techniques such as deep breathing or progressive muscle relaxation to help relax the jaw muscles.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers: Taking over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help to alleviate pain caused by TMD.
- Changing your diet: Avoiding tough or chewy foods, and limiting the amount of time spent chewing gum, can help to reduce stress on the jaw muscles.
- Avoiding certain habits: Habits such as nail-biting, chewing on pens or pencils, and excessive gum chewing can put unnecessary stress on the jaw muscles and should be avoided.
- Oral Appliance: Wearing a custom-made mouthguard or splint while you sleep can help to reposition the jaw and alleviate symptoms of TMD.
It's important to note that if you have severe pain or have been experiencing symptoms for an extended period of time, you should see your dentist or doctor for further evaluation and treatment. They may recommend other options such as physical therapy, splints, or even surgery, though here at Nonsurgical TMJ Austin we focus on minimal and noninvasive treatment options, and we avoid surgical treatment options.
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