Have you been experiencing TMJ pain? If so, your dentist may recommend an oral splint in order to correct the problem. Read on to learn more about the splints that are available and how they might help with your TMJ pain.
What Types of Splints Are Available?
There are two main types of oral splints available: repositioning and stabilization splints. A repositioning splint will attempt to reposition the lower jaw by pulling it forward, and it will be worn at all times.
Stabilization splints are used to prevent clenching and grinding by covering the teeth, and they only need to be worn when you most frequently engage in these activities.
How Does an Oral Splint Help with TMJ Pain?
A bite splint is used to hold the jaw into an optimal position in order to provide long-term relief. To get the most out of your oral splint, it is important that your body has enough time to adjust to the new position, and this might not happen right away.
While some relief might be noticed within the jaw immediately, you may still experience some muscle soreness. Within six weeks, you should have improvement when it comes to your neck aches, headaches, facial pain, and other symptoms of the neck, head, and face. Optimal improvement should begin within three months.
There are a few theories as to why splint therapy actually works to relieve TMJ pain. It is thought that they could allow the ligaments and muscles to relax, ultimately ridding the muscles of the face of tightness and tension.
If your bite isn't properly aligned, these splints can also make adjustments so that it is in a better position, allowing for the muscles to rest.
If you are suffering from TMJ pain, contact our office to see if oral splints or any other treatment option can help relieve your symptoms.