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TMJ Appliances | TMJ Dentist in Philadelphia

Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) is describing a suffering from pain or discomfort of the TMJ and the Jaw muscles. You may complain of associated headaches or noises like snapping in ear or chewing difficulties. Luckily, TMJ Appliances can be used for to manage some of TMD conditions.

What are TMJ Appliances?

TMJ appliances are­custom-made devices to fit over your teeth. They are designed to position your jaw joints correctly. And lower stress on the TMJ. The appliances are made from different materials. TMJ appliances can be hard acrylic, soft rubber, or a combination. You may wear your appliance at night and during the day based on what your TMJ specialist recommendations.

Indications for TMJ Appliances

people with TMJ symptoms may complain of:

  • Jaw pain or tenderness
  • Severe Headaches
  • Earache or tinnitus (ringing ears)
  • Clicking, popping or grating sounds while opening or closing the mouth
  • Difficulty in mouth opening or closing
  • Neck or shoulder pain

 

Types of TMJ Appliances

Flat Plane Stabilization Appliance

designed for the upper jaw arch (maxillary arch).

Traditional Anterior Bite Plane

developed in a horseshoe form that covers the palate while having an occlusal platform on six to eight front teeth. It does not engage the posterior teeth during closure or parafunctional activities, preventing clenching.

Mini Anterior Appliances

designed to engage anterior teeth of the upper jaw, the incisors. Different models of mini anterior appliances are now in the market such as nociceptive trigeminal inhibition tension suppression system, the best bite, the anterior midline point stop devices.

Anterior Reposition Appliance

designed to achieve the correction of the jaw relationship by moving the lower jaw forward. It’s mainly used as a short-term measure to alleviate the pain of internal derangement of the TMJ.

Posterior Bit Plane Appliances

designed for the lower arch (the mandibular arch).

Pivot Appliances

made from hard acrylic, covering either the top or bottom arch. It has a simplified design consisting of one posterior occlusal contact in each quadrant to limit the internal pressure on the joint.

Steps Involved in Getting a TMJ Appliance

your dentist or orthodontist will:

  • examine your teeth, jaw, and TMJ area carefully.
  • decide if you need a TMJ appliance­ or not. If an appliance is indicated, your dentist will
  • take­ impressions of your teeth and jaw.
  • place the material into your mouth and then it hardens to give a mold.
  • send the impression to a dental lab where the device is made
  • fabrication phase will take several days and a few weeks.
  • following appointment, your dentist will refine the appliance for you.
  • your dentist will check the fitting of the appliance into your teeth to make sure that your teeth will be aligned to the right bite.
  • retainer probably will be used for a short time – from few weeks to several months, depending on the severity of your TMJ disorder.

 

Approach to TMJ Care

If you are you tired of dealing with TMJ discomfort, Razavi Dental Office, your trusted dentist in Philadelphia, offers custom TMJ appliances tailored to your needs. schedule a consultation with us today and take the first step towards a happier, pain-free smile.

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