Mouth Guards for TMJ & TMD
Mouth Guards Can Help You Chew Again Without Pain & Clicking
Temporomandibular joint disorder, commonly known as TMJ or TMD, is a condition caused by dysfunction of the jaw joint, resulting in pain and discomfort, such as clicking and popping. Luckily TMJ Mouth Guards & Night Guards can help.
Because the symptoms of TMJ disorder often appear gradually and unrelated to one another, it can be difficult to diagnose. Good news – a TMJ mouth guard is a dependable method to treat TMJ! If you’re struggling with this condition, wearing a night guard for TMJ while you sleep is a great option.
The TMJ Association estimates that the typical person has a 50-50 chance of suffering from TMJ by the age of 30, according to studies. TMJ affects at least 12% of adults and between 10 and 35 million people in the United States. However, the actual figure is likely to be far greater due to the fact that many undiagnosed instances exist. TMJ is actually more prevalent in women than males.
How exactly does a TMJ mouth guard work? What kind is it? How long will it take for the mouthguard to aid your symptoms? And, how much do they cost? We’ll give clear answers to these questions in this post.
Mouthguards for TMJ Treatment
The TMJ mouth guard is a great option for treating jaw pain because it will protect the teeth and head to relieve discomfort. A study conducted in 2016 found that this non-surgical form of treatment protects against possible future injury by preventing clenching of one’s molars or grinding their dentures into whatever they’re chewing on at night time, which both cause chronic stress within our bodies! The result?
You’ll be more comfortable with less headaches throughout each day as well as decreased swelling around your eyes from being awake all day long due having poor sleep habits caused by jaw pain at night. It will make you more comfortable by reducing your pain while it will not cure TMJ.
How does a TMJ Mouth Guard Work?
The mouthguard is an effective treatment for TMJ by:
- Corrects your bite by modifying the jaws and teeth.
- Prevents teeth grinding/clenching (also known as bruxism)
- Supports the facial muscles, allowing them to relax
- Prevents the jaw from becoming locked up
How Long Does it Take For the Mouthguard to Help TMJ?
When you wear your custom fit mouthguard, the first few days will be difficult. You may experience some pain relief immediately after putting it in but this feeling won’t last for long because as time goes on and with daily use; most people find that their jaw starts feeling better within one month of wearing an adjusted TMJ guard.
A study of people with TMJ who used a stabilization splint found that therapy was very successful after 6 to 12 months of regular usage. It’s critical that you follow your dentist’s instructions regarding usage of your mouthguard for optimum comfort & relief.
"By the end of 12 months, 84% of patients were pain-free."
Custom Fitted TMJ Mouth Guards
A TMJ mouthguard will realign your teeth and jaw to ease the strain and discomfort on your teeth, jaw, head, and other areas of your body. A nightguard custom-fit to your mouth is the best way to quickly and effectively treat your TMJ.
Rather than ordering one online, we strongly advise consulting your dentist about a mouthguard to treat TMJ disease. To make a mouthguard that is appropriate for your condition, the dentist will take an impression of your teeth. Your mouth is unique, so why settle for a one-size-fits-all mouthguard? A custom fit will ensure that you’re comfortable and that your teeth and jaw are protected.
Which TMJ Mouth Guard is Right for You?
The material, form, and size of a TMJ mouth guard are determined by your unique requirements. Mouthguards are available for a variety of TMJ causes, including light grinding to heavy grinding/clenching, daytime vs. nighttime grinding, upper vs. lower mouthguards, and hard vs. soft materials.
Furthermore, there are mouthguards for stabilization and repositioning. The most ideal mouthguard depends on your personal symptoms as well as the source of your TMJ. The most popular types include the NTI-TSS, stabilization splint, and repositioning splint.
Cost of TMJ Mouth Guards
The cost of a custom mouthguard from the dentist will vary, but it is likely to be between $200 and $500. While this is the most costly solution, it also delivers the greatest level of protection for your jaw and mouth.
If you’re looking for other options, you could get a custom fit night guard from an online retailer. These usually cost $100-$200. You can also purchase over-the-counter mouth guards or “one size fits all” mouth guards for $10-$15.
The cheapest option may not be the best in this case because an ill-fitting night guard can cause further damage. Consult with your dentist to learn about all of your options and what would work best for you specifically.
Meet Dr. John M. Isbrandt, DDS
Dr. Isbrandt has been providing restorative and cosmetic dentistry for thousands of patients in the St. Charles area, which is evident from his dental clinic’s mission statement: “We strive to establish long-lasting relationships, driven by trust and comfort, to help our patients reach and maintain optimal dental health for life.”
Dr. Isbrandt and Dean Street Dental are considered the best dentist and dental clinic, respectively, in the St. Charles area.