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What is a TMJ Splint?
The most common treatment for TMJ pain or TMD (temporomandibular joint disorder) is the use of bite splints. A bite splint is a removable oral device that covers some or all of your teeth. These devices are made from dental acrylic. They are worn like a retainer or mouth guard and created using digital impressions of your teeth.
What Happens When I Get a TMJ Splint?
Most patients will be instructed to wear their TMJ splints throughout the night, though your dentist will discuss your personal course of TMJ treatment during your appointment. Wearing your splint at night can help prevent jaw clenching and teeth grinding.
A splint can be an invaluable tool in tackling stress and bruxism. Suppose you find yourself excessively grinding or clenching your teeth while awake. The splint is designed to act as a buffer, moving your jaw enough to relax the TMJs into a natural resting position. Additionally, it is designed to ease the tension of the muscles in your face, neck, and shoulders. Don’t miss out on this opportunity for relief!
Looking for a TMJ specialist “near me”? The dentists at West Grande Prairie Dental can help you determine which type of bite splint or mouth guard is best for you.
5 Types of TMJ Splints
At West Grande Prairie Dental, we can help make recommendations for several different types of TMJ/TMD (Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction) mouth guards and bite splints.
These oral devices are custom-made, protective tools that can help increase your quality of life and reduce the pain you may feel from a chronic disorder such as TMD (Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction) or an oral injury. TMJ Mouth guards can also reduce the risk of injury during recreational activities and athletic events.
Bite splints can be referred to by a wide variety of names, including
- Occlusal appliance
- Repositioning splint
- Nightguard
- Mouth guard
- Bruxism splint
- Intraoral appliance
- And many others
There are also different kinds of TMJ splints that dentists use to help with TMJ/TMD treatment.
Different types of TMJ bite splints include:
- Custom Flat Plane Splint/TMJ Night Guard
- Removable Neuromuscular Orthotic
- Mandibular Advancement Device for Sleep Apnea and Snoring
- Sports Mouth Guards
- Over-the-Counter Splints
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Custom Flat Plane Splint/TMJ Night Guard
This is most commonly used for patients who experience teeth grinding or TMJ disorder. Using a night guard assists patients who clench their jaw and grind their teeth while sleeping, leading to tooth wear, tooth chipping, and a reduced bite.
A flat plane splint, or TMJ mouth guard, is a removable oral device that covers some or all of your upper and lower teeth. These devices are meant to help relieve TMJ pain associated with TMJ/TMD symptoms, improve jaw function, and reduce jaw pain. Patients can get a custom dental night guard made for their personal care and comfort to prevent unconscious grinding.
Removable Neuromuscular Orthotic
A neuromuscular orthotic is a bite-repositioning appliance that is fabricated after your jaw muscles have been relaxed. This ensures that your jaw is in the proper position to promote healing. Our dental technology and expertise in neuromuscular dentistry will allow your dentist to determine if we can improve the comfort and function of your bite.
Mandibular Advancement Device (Sleep Apnea/Snoring)
Most sleep apnea and anti-snoring mouthguards work by positioning your jaw forward. This increases the size of your upper airway and reduces the air resistance that leads to sleep apnea and snoring. Visually and in comfort and fit, a sleep apnea mouth guard resembles a sports mouth guard.
Sports Mouth Guards
A sports guard is essential for athletes in protecting their teeth and gums during gameplay. If you or your child participate in any of the following activities, you should be practicing with a protective sports guard.
- Basketball
- Boxing
- Hockey
- Football
- Lacrosse
- Martial arts
- Racquetball
- Rugby
- Track and field
- Skateboarding
- Skiing or snowboarding
- Skydiving
- Soccer
- Surfing
- Volleyball
- Water polo
- Weightlifting
- Wrestling
Making sure you or your children wear protective sports mouthguards during gameplay will reduce the need for emergency dentistry.
Sports-related injuries to the mouth and jaw are among the most common injuries incurred by athletes and sports enthusiasts. Be sure to ask us about a custom mouthguard at your next appointment so you can be prepared for your next game. GO TEAM!
Over-the-Counter Splints
Over-the-counter splints or mouth guards may help protect your teeth from grinding, but because they aren’t designed as a custom fit, they do not provide the best protection. If you shift or move your jaw while you’re sleeping, the splint may dislodge and become a choking hazard. A custom splint will safely provide better protection and healing benefits as it is custom-made to fit your teeth.
Mouth Guard Maintenance
Like a retainer, braces, or any other special dental appliance, it is important to take care of your mouth guard by storing it properly and keeping it clean. Knowing when to replace your old mouth guard with a new one is also very important, so make sure to discuss this with your dental professional.
Here are some simple ways to keep your mouthguard clean and working properly.
- Gently scrub your mouth guard with a toothbrush and soak with a denture cleaner routinely.
- Store your mouth guard in a protective case.
- Replace your mouth guard when it has become worn or is no longer fitting properly.
- Do not wear a retainer with your mouth guard. If you have braces, your dentist will help design a mouth guard to protect your teeth and your braces.
- Bring your mouth guard to each dental checkup so your dentist can ensure it is still acceptable for use.
Benefits of TMJ Treatments
Treating your TMJ pain with a custom splint may result in better jaw pain management, reduction of clenching or grinding teeth, and even fewer TMJ headaches. Without TMJ pain associated with TMD (Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction), you might also experience benefits such as better sleep, improved mood, and more enjoyment while eating. Living without TMJ pain is possible.
If you are experiencing symptoms of TMJ pain or TMD (Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction), the dedicated dentists at West Grande Prairie Dental can give you a complete examination and help determine the best course of TMJ treatment to relieve your jaw pain and discomfort. TMJ pain and TMD can persist and get progressively worse over time. If you’re experiencing TMJ pain, don’t wait to contact your dentist.
Stop TMJ Pain and TMD (Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction) and Start Living
It’s time to start living a better, pain-free life! West Grande Prairie Dental wants to help you find the right TMJ treatments to help relieve your TMJ pain or TMD (Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction). We have a team of dedicated dentists and a caring staff ready to provide quality healthcare for your family. Looking for a TMJ specialist “near me”? Contact our office today!
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