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Orthotic Appliances

Problems with your jaw joint and the muscles in your head, face, and neck that can affect it are known as Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMD). It is often referred to as TMJ, which is actually the jaw joint itself, or the “hinge” that connects your lower jaw to the temporal bone of your skull and is located directly in front of each ear.

Dental appliances, commonly referred to as splints or mouth guards, are recommended and specifically designed to treat different disorders related to the jaw (TMJ) and/or facial muscles

When an orthotic appliance is the treatment of choice, it’s important for the dentist to determine why it is being used, when the patient should wear it, what is to be accomplished while using it, and how should it be designed.  They can be prescribed for wear during nighttime, daytime, some combination of both, or 24/7 depending on the diagnosis.

FAQs

What are Orthotic Appliances?

Orthotic Appliances are removable devices that are usually made of a durable acrylic material and fit over the (biting) occlusal surfaces of either the maxillary (upper) or mandibular (lower) teeth. The goal is to create a precise bite relationship with the opposing teeth to treat a specific TMD condition which may include:

  • Relaxing fatigued jaw muscles or those in spasm

  • Realigning misalignment of the upper and lower jaws and correcting imbalance in jaw musculature

  • Repositioning TMJoint discs that are dislocated

  • More favorably posturing the head with the neck and shoulder

  • Protecting the teeth from abnormal forces that may create a tooth fracture or breakage of restorations

  • Providing protection for the teeth from daytime and nightime  bruxism (clenching or grinding the teeth)

What are the Symptoms for Treating TMD with Orthotic Appliances?

Orthotic appliances are most often considered when the jaw joint makes a clicking sound ,when there is difficulty and limitation in opening or closing the jaw, usually due to a “dislocation” of the disc or when muscles in the head or face are tight and sore.  Often, there may be discomfort while talking, chewing or opening wide.

What are the common symptoms of Temporomandibular Joint Disorder?

Common symptoms of Temporomandibular Joint Disorder include: 

  • Pain or tenderness in your face,  jaw joint area, neck and shoulders, and in or around the ear when you chew, speak, or open your mouth wide

  • Problems when you try to open your mouth wide

  • Jaws that get "stuck" or "lock" in the open- or closed-mouth position

  • Clicking, popping, or grating sounds in the jaw joint when you open or close your mouth or chew (this may or may not be painful)

  • A tired feeling in your face

  • Trouble chewing or a sudden uncomfortable bite  change where the upper and lower teeth are not fitting together properly

  • Swelling on the side of your face

  • Tinnitus (ringing in ears)

  • Toothache, headache, neck ache, dizziness, ear achesor stuffiness feeling in the ear hearing problems, and upper shoulder pain