If you ask someone without TMJ what the symptoms of TMJ are, they’re likely to cite the popping and clicking sounds that can come from the jaw when it moves, or even the rare (but popularly misperceived as common) jaw lock.
But if you ask someone who suffers from TMJ about their symptoms, you’ll get a much longer, more unpleasant list. That list could include chronic migraines, excruciating jaw pain, and even pain in the back or ears … and that’s just the beginning. Living with TMJ means living with everything from discomfort to full-on pain that could start any time, and last any duration. That’s why often, when people are seeking TMJ treatment, they don’t just want an effective treatment — they want a fast treatment.
How Do Bite Splints Work?
In the mouth of someone with TMJ, there is a lot of tension. The misalignment of the jaw causes the entire muscular and skeletal structure of the mouth to be skewed and strained, putting pressure on the fragile and complex joints. Until this tension is resolved, the jaw will continue under pressure, and the patient will continue to experience pain and worsening damage to their temporomandibular joints.
This is where neuromuscular dentistry comes in. A bite splint relieves this pressure by forcing the jaw into a healthier position. Not only does this reposition the jaw while the splint is being worn, but it also retrains the jaw muscles to hold themselves in a position of less tension.
When you see a bite splint, also known as an oral appliance, orthotic appliance, or stabilization splint, you may first think of an athlete’s mouth guard. They are certainly a similar shape, but while a mouth guard is designed to protect the teeth and jaw from a quarterback’s tackle or a high-flying puck, a bite splint’s purpose is closer to home.
Comparing Mouthguards and TMJ Bite Splints
When it comes to protecting your teeth and alleviating jaw pain, understanding the difference between mouthguards and TMJ bite splints is crucial. Mouthguards are commonly used in contact sports to protect the teeth and jaw from impact. They are designed to absorb shocks and prevent injuries during activities like football or hockey.
On the other hand, TMJ bite splints, also known as occlusal splints or orthodontic splints, serve a different purpose. These custom-made appliances are designed to address TMJ disorders by repositioning the jaw joint and reducing tension. Unlike generic mouthguards, TMJ bite splints are tailored to fit the upper and lower teeth of the individual, providing a more precise fit. This ensures that the jaw is held in a healthier position, which can help alleviate symptoms of bruxism (teeth grinding) and other TMJ-related issues. While both devices may look similar, their functions are distinct: mouthguards protect during physical activity, while bite splints provide therapeutic benefits for TMJ disorders and overall oral health.
The Role of Custom-Made Bite Splints in TMJ Treatment
Custom-made bite splints play a pivotal role in the effective treatment of TMJ disorders. These dental splints are specifically crafted by a dental professional to fit the unique contours of a patient’s mouth, ensuring optimal comfort and efficacy. The precision of a custom-made bite splint means it can better address the specific issues of jaw alignment and tension that contribute to TMJ pain.
Bite splints, also known as TMJ bite guards or orthotics, work by gently repositioning the jaw joint, reducing muscle tension and alleviating pain. This is particularly beneficial for individuals who clench or grind their teeth, as the splint helps to distribute the forces more evenly across the dental crowns, minimizing wear and damage. Moreover, custom-made splints are more effective in reducing symptoms of bruxism and improving overall oral health compared to over-the-counter options.
The use of these appliances has been shown to provide significant relief from TMJ-related symptoms, such as jaw pain, headaches, and teeth grinding. Custom-made bite splints offer a non-invasive, long-term solution for managing TMJ disorders by retraining the jaw muscles to adopt a less strained position. If you are experiencing symptoms of TMJ, consulting with a dental professional in Columbia, SC, can help you explore the benefits of custom-made bite splints as part of your treatment plan.
Study Shows Benefits of Bite Splints
A recent study compiled data from 33 randomized controlled trials to learn more about the effects of bite splints on patients with TMJ. Researchers found that in the short term, bite splints showed much better results than other treatment options for TMJ. The researchers found that while the long-term effects of a bite splint are equivalent to the long-term effects of other therapeutic TMJ treatments, pain relief was the area where the bite splint really shined.
The data indicated that bite splints were extremely effective at reducing pain, decreasing muscle tenderness, and improving patients’ mouth-opening ability. The study also found that continuous use of the bite splint throughout the day (not just overnight) was a major contributing factor to the treatment’s efficacy.
There are a number of different treatments available to people who suffer from TMJ. But if you’re tired of those symptoms and ready for relief, a bite splint may be a speedy and effective option.
If you want to talk more about bite splints, Columbia, SC TMJ dentist Dr. Adam Hahn can help. Call (803) 781-9090 or contact us online to schedule an appointment and learn more about how an experienced TMJ dentist can treat symptoms with orthotic appliance therapy.
