If you’ve ever experienced jaw pain, difficulty chewing, or a clicking sound when you open your mouth, you might be among the millions of Americans dealing with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. These painful conditions affect the complex joint connecting your jawbone to your skull, along with the surrounding muscles and ligaments. While TMJ disorders can be frustrating and often debilitating, modern dentistry offers effective solutions, with custom orthotics standing out as one of the most successful treatment options.
At Skale Dental Professionals, we regularly help patients find relief from TMJ pain through personalized treatment plans. Our approach focuses on addressing the root causes of TMJ disorders rather than simply managing symptoms, helping our patients achieve long-lasting comfort and improved quality of life.
What Exactly Is a TMJ Disorder?
The temporomandibular joint works like a sliding hinge, connecting your jawbone to your skull on both sides of your face. This sophisticated joint, combined with several muscles, allows you to talk, chew, and yawn. When something goes wrong with the joints or jaw muscles, you may develop a temporomandibular disorder (TMD).
TMJ disorders can develop for several reasons, including teeth grinding and jaw clenching (bruxism), arthritis affecting the TMJ, jaw injury or trauma, structural jaw problems present from birth, or stress-induced muscle tension in the jaw area.
The symptoms of TMJ disorders can be wide-ranging and significantly impact daily life. Many patients report pain or tenderness in the jaw, face, neck, or shoulders; restricted jaw movement or locking of the jaw; painful clicking, popping, or grating sounds; a change in how the upper and lower teeth fit together; headaches, often mistaken for migraines; and earaches or hearing problems without an infection.
For many people, TMJ symptoms come and go, often worsening during periods of increased stress. However, for others, the condition can become chronic and severely affect their quality of life.
How Custom Dental Orthotics Help TMJ Disorders
Among the various treatment approaches for TMJ disorders, custom-made dental orthotics have proven particularly effective for many patients. Also known as splints or occlusal appliances, these custom-fitted devices are designed to fit over your teeth and realign your bite into a more harmonious position.
Custom TMJ orthotics work through several mechanisms:
- They establish proper jaw alignment, reducing stress on the TMJ
- They prevent teeth grinding and clenching, particularly during sleep
- They help relax the jaw muscles, reducing muscle fatigue and pain
- They provide a physical barrier between upper and lower teeth, protecting dental surfaces
- They encourage proper jaw positioning that can “reprogram” muscle memory
Unlike over-the-counter mouth guards, custom TMJ orthotics are precisely crafted based on detailed measurements and impressions of your teeth and jaw. This customization ensures maximum comfort and effectiveness, addressing your specific jaw alignment issues.
The Process of Getting Custom TMJ Orthotics
At Skale Dental Professionals, we follow a comprehensive approach when fitting patients for custom TMJ orthotics. First, we conduct a thorough examination to confirm that symptoms stem from a TMJ disorder and to identify the underlying causes. This may include evaluating jaw movement, checking bite alignment, and taking precise measurements of jaw position.
Once we’ve completed our diagnosis, we take precise digital impressions of your teeth. These impressions are the blueprint for your custom orthotic, ensuring a perfect fit. We also carefully determine the optimal jaw position to relieve pressure on your TMJ and surrounding muscles.
After your orthotic is fabricated, we perform a careful fitting, making any necessary adjustments to ensure comfort and effectiveness. We’ll provide detailed instructions on when and how to wear your orthotic, plus proper cleaning and maintenance techniques.
Most patients wear their orthotics at night, though some may benefit from daytime use as well, depending on their specific condition. Regular follow-up appointments allow us to monitor your progress and make any needed adjustments.
Taking the First Step Toward TMJ Relief
Living with TMJ pain isn’t something you simply have to endure. With proper diagnosis and treatment, including custom orthotics, most people can find significant—if not complete—relief from their symptoms. At Skale Dental Professionals, we’re committed to helping our patients overcome TMJ disorders and return to pain-free living. Our comprehensive approach, personalized treatment plans, and continued support throughout the healing process have helped countless patients rediscover comfort and improve their quality of life.
Call us today at (847) 272-1072 or complete our contact form to schedule a consultation. Together, we’ll determine if custom TMJ orthotics are the right solution for your jaw pain and develop a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
