TMJ Treatment
TM (temporomandibular) disorders are problems related to the many components of your complicated jaw joint.
Description: Many people hear their jaw click, pop, grate, catch or lock when they open it. Some people experience shifts in how their teeth touch when they bite. Several other symptoms may be signs of TM Disorders.
Treatment: There are several possible methods for treating TM Disorders including those that can be done at home by the patient, physical therapy, splints, bite correction, or in some cases, surgery.
Problem Area Correction: Jaw clicking, popping, grating, catching or locking, sore and stiff muscles around the jaw, difficulty or painful when opening your mouth, teeth no longer touching during bite.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- My jaw has been clicking for years and I haven't had any problem. Do I need to have it checked?
Not necessarily, many people have pops and clicks throughout their body and live long and full lives. But, when it becomes symptomatic with pain, locking, or headaches you should consult with a dental professional.
USING THE MANDIBULAR REPOSITIONING APPLIANCE
PURPOSE:
The appliance is intended to reposition the various components of the chewing apparatus into a harmonious, smoothly functioning system. When malocclusion (mis-position) of the teeth exists, as in your case, the teeth control the jaw. The jaw muscles are then twisted, and this causes muscle spasms, pain, and forces the jaw into malposition. The continued use of the appliance allows the jaw to find its proper position by eliminating the teeth as the dominant factor and letting the jaw function correctly. In order to break up the harmful habits of the jaw malposition, the appliance MUST BE WORN DAY AND NIGHT. Learn to eat with it, laugh with it, and speak with it.
USAGE:
After three days you should have no difficulty speaking while wearing the appliance. To speed up the process of getting accustomed to the appliance, practice reading very slowly before a mirror for 15 minutes at a time, three times a day, for three days. The appliance must be worn at all times, except when eating. You will notice an excessive flow of saliva for the first two days because the salivary glands will be "fooled" by the presence of the appliance, and will react as if it were food. Do not be concerned about this; excess salivary flow will disappear in a few days. When the appliance is removed for cleaning, you will notice that only one or two teeth meet one another. This is to be expected. Actually what has happened is that the appliance is allowing the jaw to find its proper position.
ADJUSTMENT:
The biting surfaces of the appliance will be changed whenever you come to the office. Do not be alarmed if you notice that one side is thick while the other side in thin. This difference is due to the malposition of your jaw. When the appliance is adjusted in the office, thin areas may appear in it and tiny particles may even break off. This is nothing to worry about, and in fact, is an indication that the jaw is finding its proper position.
CARE OF THE APPLIANCE AND THE TEETH:
Brush both sides of the appliance carefully with toothpaste every time you brush your teeth, then rinse the device thoroughly in antiseptic mouthwash solution. When brushing the teeth, pay special attention to the inner surface of the lower teeth. Brush them very carefully. Then, proceed to the other surfaces. Whenever you come to the office the appliance will be re-polished and cleaned.
POSSIBLE INCONVENIENCES:
Because the tongue has not yet become accustomed to the appliance, food may become lodged under it in the roof of the mouth. This will occur only for the first few days. The tongue soon will accustom itself to the presence of the appliance. If you feel any pain from pressure of the appliance on the gums or pressure of clasps on the teeth, please call the office so that we can decide whether a special visit is necessary.
DURATION OF TREATMENT:
The usual length of time for wearing the appliance is 3-4 months. At the end of that period, it will become a crutch to be used while the teeth are being reshaped. Once the reshaping is accomplished, the jaw will be in a correct position - in harmony with the other components of the chewing apparatus. The appliance will not be needed under normal circumstances. However, situations of severe emotional strain, illness, or overwork can bring about muscle spasm. If this happens, insert the appliance and contact Dr. Jones’ office.
