FAQs

What is TMJ Disorder and what its signs or symptoms?

TMJ Disorder is a general term describing a variety of signs and symptoms people experience in the head and neck area. TMJ is short for Temporomandibular Joint or the jaw joint. If the joint is damaged people may report clicking, popping, locking and/or soreness just in front of the ear. Other common symptoms associated with TMJ disorders include sore jaw muscles, headaches and bite related problems. Learn More

I wake up with severe jaw pain but I'm not stressed. Why is this happening?

Severe jaw pain in the morning is indicative of heavy stresses placed on the jaw through excessive muscle activity during sleep. This can take the form of static clenching or active grinding. There is a strong correlation between airway problems and grinding on the front teeth. Sleep disorders such as snoring and apnea (stop breathing) are potentially serious health issues. Some people appear to grind due to noxious stimuli such as a poor bite. You may not feel you are under a significant amount of personal stress and yet still have sleep habits that are stressful to the TMJ system. Learn More about TMJ Disorders

What is Splint Therapy?

Splint Therapy is designed to alter the bite relationship/how the teeth come together, in an effort to improve overall jaw system stability. A bite splint covering the teeth can reduce muscle forces related to clenching and grinding. A splint can also perfect a poor bite to improve comfort and reduce the forces through the jaw joint bringing relief to a damaged joint.

What should I expect during and after Splint Therapy?

Splint therapy is both diagnostic and therapeutic. Splints are used to evaluate the response of the jaw system to a positive change in the environment. If effective, positive results should occur within a short period of time. Sore muscles should feel better within a couple days. Sore joints should respond well within a few weeks. Many headaches are improved within 24 hours.

When splint therapy creates a positive result it leads the dentist to conclusions about the cause of the original symptoms. If it is thought that a poor bite was the main culprit, then after splint therapy the bite will be treated to stabilize it long term. This will involve bite therapy such as bite adjustment (equilibration), orthodontics, or some restorative dentistry, as needed. If sleep habits, such as clenching or grinding persist, then a splint may be worn every night indefinitely for protection.