TMJ Therapy

Ease chronic jaw pain

Smile at Life Dentistry offers TMJ Therapy, a specialized treatment specifically for those suffering from temporomandibular joint dysfunction. This therapy encompasses a variety of techniques to diagnose and treat jaw pain and jaw-related issues. Therapists use soft tissue release to relieve tension around the jaw muscles, as well as manual therapies such as mobilization and joint manipulation to reduce pain. In addition, they may also employ relaxation exercises, postural changes and other assistive devices such as night guards or splints to improve overall comfort. The goal of TMJ Therapy is to restore the proper motion of the jaw joints, alleviate pain, reduce excessive muscle strain and improve quality of life.

Protect your bite

Are you looking for an extra layer of protection for your teeth? Occlusal guards from Smile at Life Dentistry can help! Occlusal guards are special mouthguards made to fit your individual bite. They help protect vulnerable teeth from grinding, clenching, and other types of injury. They also provide a measure of comfort by creating a cushioning effect between the upper and lower jaw. 


At Smile at Life Dentistry, we can custom-fit you with an occlusal guard that's designed to fit your individual bite perfectly. Our experienced team will take precise measurements of your mouth so we can create a comfortable and protective guard that fits like a glove. We use high-quality materials that are both soft and durable.


If you're in need of extra protection for your teeth, don't hesitate to contact us about getting fitted for an occlusal guard today! The benefits of having such a guard far outweigh the cost and time associated with getting it made. With this extra layer of protection, you'll be sure to keep your smile healthy and beautiful for many years.

FAQs

  • How often should I return for checkups while undergoing TMJ Therapy or wearing an occlusal guard?

    The frequency of checkups for either TMJ Therapy or an occlusal guard varies depending on the individual patient's needs and circumstances. 


    During these appointments, Dr. Haik will assess your progress towards alleviating symptoms and make any adjustments necessary to optimize treatment outcomes. Typically, we will measure the jaw opening range of motion (ROM), palpitate the joint to ascertain tenderness levels; evaluate chewing patterns; check tension levels in the muscles; balance occlusion with equilibration or reshaping of teeth; and adjust trim any appliances like splints or guards as necessary.


    The goal is always to restore natural function over time through careful monitoring, re-evaluation and refinement of treatment options as needed. This helps ensure that your condition doesn't deteriorate further than it already has and allows you to benefit from long lasting relief from TMJ symptoms. If left untreated, untreated TMD can cause severe pain associated with dysfunction in the facial joints leading eventually a diminishing quality life so regular checkups are incredibly important when undergoing TMJ therapy.

  • Are occlusal guards suitable for people with a wide range of bite misalignment issues?

    Yes, occlusal guards are an effective treatment for a wide range of bite misalignment issues. Occlusal guards work by creating a barrier between the upper and lower teeth to help reduce pain from night grinding. This is especially helpful for those who suffer from temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, since the guard helps compensate for misaligned bites by distributing pressure evenly among the teeth while sleeping.


    In addition to being useful in cases of TMJ disorders, occlusal guards also help with other bite misalignments such as crossbite (when your upper and lower jaws don't align properly), open bite (when your top and bottom front teeth don't touch when you close your mouth), deep overbite (when the top front teeth overlap significantly with the bottom teeth) , and bruxism (excessive grinding or clenching of the teeth). 


    Occlusal guards work best when they are made specifically for each individual's unique needs- this means that it’s important to be evaluated by a dentist or oral health specialist first in order to determine if occlusal guard therapy is right for you. The most common type of custom-made guard is crafted from acrylic material which must be fitted on a model made from dental impressions, then trimmed and polished to ensure proper fit once in place over the patient's jaw. 


    Overall, occlusal guards can effectively provide relief from misaligned bites due to various conditions including TMJ disorder, crossbite, open bite deep overbites, or bruxism - however it’s still advisable that before treatment begins patients should consult their dentists as every person’s condition will vary depending upon severity of condition.

  • What kind of results can I expect from TMJ Therapy and do they last long-term?

    When it comes to TMJ therapy and the results you can expect, it’s important to remember that every case is different. Some people may experience immediate relief while others find that their best results come after weeks or months of treatment.

  • How long will I have to wear an occlusal guard if prescribed?

    The length of time that you are required to wear an occlusal guard depends on a variety of factors, including the initial diagnosis and the type of treatment recommended by your healthcare provider. Generally speaking, medical professionals will recommend wearing an occlusal guard on a long-term basis in order to prevent further damage or trauma to your teeth. 


    However, it is important to note that every case is different and therefore the timeline for wearing an occlusal guard will vary from person to person. For individuals with bruxism (regular clenching or grinding of teeth), dentists often recommend using an occlusal guard for extended periods - sometimes even months before transitioning into shorter-term maintenance phases. The necessity for this long duration may also depend upon response from physical therapy sessions and other treatments used alongside the use of the appliance. 


    Therefore, if you have been prescribed with an occlusal guard, discuss with Dr. Haik about expected progress associated with its use over time and how likely it is that you will need a short break in between treatment phases or regular checkups. Dr. Haik may also want to continue monitoring any changes while they adjust your dental appliances regularly throughout the course of their prescription as well as during periodic visits so make sure that you stick closely to any instructions provided by them moving forward.

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