subject: General TMJ Therapy [print this page] General TMJ Therapy General TMJ Therapy
If your bite is misaligned, the muscles around your jaw are constantly strained in their normal resting position, which can lead to temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ or TMD). This condition is characterized by pain in your jawbone, and can make it difficult to accomplish daily tasks like chewing, sleeping and even talking.
TMJ therapy includes a number of options, beginning with mouth guards and splints to help alleviate pain. Then to permanently correct your bite, the root of your misalignment must be identified and treated accordingly. This can be done by reshaping your teeth and moving your bite into its correct position with orthodontics or cosmetic dentistry. Surgery may be advised in severe cases, but it is always best to try the most conservative treatments first.
Splints and Mouth Guards for Pain Relief
The first line of TMJ treatment is often an oral splint, designed to reduce the stress on your jaw so it can be repositioned. To keep you from grinding your teeth and clenching your jaw, your neuromuscular dentist may also recommend a soft plastic mouth guard that slips over your upper and lower teeth.
Different types of splints and mouth guards can be created by your neuromuscular dentist. The appliance that will work best for you can be determined by assessing your TMJ symptoms and through different diagnostic tests. A mold of your upper and lower teeth will be taken, and your splint or mouth guard will be custom-fitted for maximum comfort and efficiency.
Occlusal Equilibration
Occlusal equilibration involves the selective reshaping of your teeth to create a better bite and allow your jaw to close properly. This can be done by shaving down teeth that are too long, and adding dental crowns to teeth that are too short. Once your lower jaw is able to close correctly in your temporomandibular socket, your muscles will function properly and your pain can be permanently alleviated.
TMJ Surgery
Surgically is considered only after all other conservative TMJ therapy options have been exhausted. Keep in mind that surgery does not always correct TMJ symptoms. An oral surgeon may perform a minor procedure called arthrocentesis, where needles are inserted into your jaw joint that dispense a sterile fluid. When necessary, your oral surgeon can also cut away any tissue adhesions and reposition the disc in the hinge of your jaw joint.
At-Home Exercises
At-home exercises are often recommended to relax your jaw muscles and eliminate clenching habits. The appropriate exercises can also help correct the misalignment of your jaw joint, helping to reduce ongoing pain. After analyzing your bite, your neuromuscular dentist can provide you with simple, individualized exercises that will gradually help retrain your jaw muscles.
Alternative Therapy
Some people who suffer from TMJ have also found relief with alternative therapies, such as:
Yoga and stretching Yoga is effective in relaxing the entire body, including your jaw muscles. Neck and upper back stretches can also help alleviate pain.
BOTOX Cosmetic injections These injections can temporarily lessen pain, and improve jaw function and the ability to open your mouth.
Acupuncture This therapy targets the root of your pain and can help relax your jaw joint and surrounding muscles.
Deep breathing and meditation Like yoga, deep breathing and meditation can help relax the muscles in your jaw, neck and back, while helping to relieve headaches and other TMJ symptoms.
