TMJ Treatment – Orthotics / Neuromuscular Dentistry
Northern Virginia, including Arlington, Tysons Corner, Alexandria, Fairfax, and McLean, Virginia Neuromuscular Dentist
There are many different types of treatment options for temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD/TMJ), depending on the severity of your own situation. At Galleria Dental Aesthetics, we know that the symptoms of TMJ/TMD can range from merely annoying to physically debilitating. Regardless of how severe your condition is, our neuromuscular dentists are specially trained to identify the right treatment to correct your condition as quickly and painlessly as possible.
Dental Orthotics and TMJ
One effective way to treat TMJ is through the use of dental orthotics, also called mouthguards or splints. An orthotic device is a custom-made dental appliance to help achieve the proper bite alignment after you have been diagnosed with TMD. These comfortable and unobtrusive dental orthotic appliances are worn by the patient according to the neuromuscular dentist’s specifications. There are different goals of dental orthotics, including:
- To protect the teeth from nighttime tooth grinding
- To help reposition the jaw joint to its proper location
- To allow the jaw and face muscles to fully relax
- To realign the patient’s bite to its optimal position
Some patients will need to wear a dental orthotic appliance only in the evenings while others may require that the splint be worn all day and night to help achieve the correct bite. Many patients experience almost immediate relief from certain TMJ symptoms, such as severe headaches, while wearing the device.
Dental Work and TMJ Relief
Certain dental procedures can also help to realign a patient’s bite and relieve TMD symptoms. Missing teeth, uneven bite surfaces, or decayed teeth can cause dental stress, thereby leading to stress on the temporomandibular joint. Dental procedures that may bring relief to TMJ include:
Other TMJ Treatment Options
Besides dental orthotic devices, therapy, and dental work, there are other treatment options that may help alleviate the pain of TMD including:
- Medications, such as muscle relaxants and anti-inflammatory drugs
- Relaxation techniques and stress management
- Jaw exercises, stretching and massage
- Jaw rest
- Heat and ice therapy
- Orthodontics to realign the teeth
- Surgery, only used as a last resort
If you have been diagnosed with TMJ/TMD and you are searching for the right treatment option, please contact the knowledgeable neuromuscular dentists at Galleria Dental Aesthetics in Northern Virginia to schedule a neuromuscular dentistry consultation. Located in Tysons Corner, we serve all of Northern Virginia and the surrounding areas including Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax, and McLean.
