TMJ Syndrome - Treatment Options

TMJ syndrome is a condition that occurs when the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) that connects the upper and lower jaw is misaligned or stressed. This can cause pain in the jaw, the face, and in extreme cases, the neck and shoulders. The causes of TMJ syndrome require careful analysis. Once the causes have been determined, there are a multitude of TMJ treatment options available from dentists, including pain relief through the application of mouth guards, bite therapy, and TMJ exercises.

Treatment for TMJ Pain

TMJ treatment, referred to by some dentists as TMJ therapy, includes many options. The first step is to relieve the pain with the application of mouth guards, also known as dental splints. The next step in TMJ treatment is to apply bite therapy principles and tools to analyze the cause of the misalignment or stress that is causing the problem. If necessary, a routine of jaw exercises will be created to eliminate the clenching or grinding that is contributing to the stress on the lower jaw.

TMJ Mouth Guards for Pain Relief

TMJ mouth guards are soft plastic protectors that slip over the upper and lower teeth to prevent grinding of the teeth. Guards make it more difficult to clench the jaws, an important first step in TMJ pain relief. Your dentist will take a mold of your upper and lower teeth to custom-fit your TMJ mouth guards for maximum comfort and efficiency.

Jaw Exercises for TMJ

TMJ exercises are designed to relax the jaw and eliminate clenching, and also to help in the correction of alignment problems. After careful analysis, your dentist may provide you with an appropriate series of very simple exercises to be performed in front of a mirror. The use of a mirror in TMJ exercises helps you see the misalignment that is one of the factors in TMJ syndrome. Gradually, the exercises will teach you control of the jaw muscles and eliminate clenching.

TMJ Bite Therapy

A process known as TMJ therapy, or bite therapy, is used by dentists to help find the causes of TMJ syndrome and provide long-term pain relief. TMJ bite treatment begins with a careful, detailed analysis of your mouth and jaw to find the causes of your disorder. For some, the issue may be jaw clenching; this can usually be attributed to stress or simply a bad habit. For others, the teeth may not come together evenly, a condition known as malocclusion. This can cause uneven use of the jaw and result in muscle pain. Dentists have several tools at their disposal to measure bite pressure throughout the mouth and formulate a plan for dental work that will correct malocclusion and provide TMJ pain relief.

Find a Specialist Near You

TMJ syndrome is a complicated subject within the field of dentistry. The level of training and TMJ treatment experience among dentists varies considerably. DocShop can help you find a dentist in your area with the background necessary to offer a high level of skilled treatment for TMJ.