Temporomandibular joint dysfunction splint – How does it help?

 

TMJ, or the temporomandibular joint, is the joint that connects your lower jaw or mandible with your skull. In the facial skeleton, your lower jaw is the only movable bone and the movement is possible because of TMJ. Any pain or discomfort in the TMJ or surrounding areas is called temporomandibular joint disorder or TMD. At Advanced Dental Clinic Delhi, our experts will carefully examine your case clinically and radiologically before formulating a customized treatment plan. 

Before we discuss the treatment, let’s first understand the symptoms and causes of temporomandibular dysfunction. In the information provided below, we will also discuss a special treatment modality: Temporomandibular joint dysfunction splint.

TMJ Disorder symptoms  

Facial pain

The pain starts from the joint in front of the ear and radiates toward the temple area. It is aggravated by chewing or moving the jaw. It can be sharp shooting or dull in nature

Ear pain

It can be a shard shooting or dull kind of ear pain that occurs during jaw movements. It may be associated with a ringing sensation or tinnitus. 

Jaw dysfunction

The most common sign of TMD is the clicking or popping sounds made during normal jaw movement.

Causes of  TMJ Disorder

• Misalignment of the teeth
• Poor head and neck posture
• Trauma to the joint
• Teeth grinding or clenching
• Direct trauma to the teeth 
• Psychological factors like stress, anxiety, and depression
• Sleep apnea
• Tongue-tie
• The structural problem with the jaw anatomy

TMD Treatment  

Self-care

• Avoiding hard food items
• Warm compression of the joint
• Avoid moving the jaw
• Practice stabilizing the jaw at the rest position
• Doing jaw exercises and stretching

Medication

The most common medicines used are antiinflammatory drugs that help reduce joint lining inflammation. The medicines are just a temporary relief, and for a proper cure, it should be noted that a comprehensive clinical examination is a must.

What is a Temporomandibular joint dysfunction splint?

You must have heard about splint treatment for twisted ankles and broken wrists. But have you heard of splints in dentistry?  Splint therapy is a common treatment modality for TMD disorders.

Mechanism of splints- How it works?

• It helps by relaxing  the jaw muscles and the associated ligaments to relieve the pain.
• The bite plate or the night guard helps prevent the teeth from clenching and wearing down.
• It also improves the alignment of the jaw to overcome underbite or overbite issues. The mouthguards used in splint therapy are not standard but specifically engineered to enhance the TMD condition.

There are two main types of splint therapies: stabilization and repositioning splint therapy.  

Stabilization Splint

Stabilization splints are best for people with teeth-grinding habits. It works on the barrier mechanism that prevents teeth contact. They are to be worn overnight as teeth grinding is at its maximum during sleep. 

Repositioning Splint

The joint may move into a different position due to direct trauma or excessive wear and tear of the supporting structures. This new position puts excessive stress on the joint. Repositioning splint helps in returning back to the original desired position and relieves the pain by aligning the jaw in its natural position.