• 15 FEB 17
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    The Benefits of Oral Splints

    The Benefits of Oral Splints

    There are a variety of reasons that a person may require oral splints, but the two main causes are TMJ Disorder and Bruxism – both of which can cause severe pain that cannot be remedied easily.

    For people who suffer from either TMJ Disorder or Bruxism, oral splints are the most common and the most effective way to administer treatment and subdue the pain and discomfort caused.

    What is TMJ Disorder?

    TMJ stands for the temporomandibular joint, which is located just in front of the ear. While most people never have any reason to be aware of the TMJ, some people will find that their joint is misaligned. As a result, they can be on the receiving end of painful headaches, amongst a variety of other issues.

    What Causes TMJ Disorder?

    The root of TMJ Disorder isn’t always the same for every person, and there are a number of ways it can be caused. Just some of these include:

    • An injury
    • Improper posture
    • Grinding or clenching teeth
    • Missing teeth
    • Irregularly shaped teeth
    • Fillings

    What Are the Symptoms of TMJ Disorder?

    Just as the causes vary, so can the symptoms. Some effects may be:

    • Tension headaches
    • Clicking jaw
    • Jaw lock
    • Tooth pain and sensitivity
    • Earaches
    • Back and neck pain
    • Awkward angling of the jaw
    • Misaligned bite

    What is Bruxism?

    Bruxism is more commonly known as nocturnal teeth grinding. Patients are people who cannot help but grind their teeth as they sleep and have no way to control the habit.

    While splints will help to defer the grinding, we will also endeavour to solve the underlying issues that may be the source of the problem.

    What Causes Bruxism?

    Similar to TMJ Disorder, there are several reasons a person may be experiencing Bruxism. Just a few of these reasons include:

    • Anxiety
    • Bite malfunction
    • Missing teeth

    What Are the Symptoms of Bruxism?

    Some common symptoms of teeth grinding are:

    • Chronic headaches
    • Muscle pain
    • Stiffness in the jaw
    • Disturbed sleep
    • Worn down and loose teeth
    • Inflamed gums

    How are TMJ Disorder and Bruxism Treated?

    Splints are used to allow the muscles and ligaments in the mouth and jaw to relax, and as a result, the facial muscles are able to relieve some of the tension and tightness that may be caused clenching and grinding teeth. Splints also work to protect grinding teeth from wearing down – prevents pain and jagged edges in the future.

    Splints can also help to reposition the jaw in order to realign the mouth. These types of splints are often worn 24 hours a day in order to achieve the best possible results.

     

    If you believe you are suffering from TMJ Disorder or Bruxism and feel oral splints are the right treatment for you, contact our Ipswich dentist today.

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