TMJ--temporomandibular joint and muscle disorders--cause pain and tenderness in the chewing muscles and joints that are attached to your lower jaw and to your skull, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The NIH says many of the symptoms associated with TMJ are caused by physical stress that's placed on the structures around the joint. In some cases, the precursor of TMJ is unknown.
The Mayo Clinic says an estimated 5 to 15 percent of people in the United States suffer from pain connected with TMJ disorders. In the majority of cases, the symptoms of TMJ can be remedied with non-surgical methods including splints, including mouth, bite guards and other appliances.
Symptoms
TMJ disorders produce a variety of symptoms associated. They include jaw pain and tenderness as well as aching in and around your ear. You may also experience discomfort while chewing and suffer from headaches.
History
The NIH says the use of splints to treat teeth grinding and clenching connected with TMJ disorders date back to the 1930s. Some people have found splints to be helpful, while others may experience a worsening of pain while wearing the appliance. The NIH says the effectiveness of the guards may wane over time.
Effects
Bite splints allow your dentist to direct the positioning of your jaw by controlling how the teeth that are opposite the split will hit. TMJ and Facial Pain Institute, a center that specializes in nonsurgical treatment of facial pain, says these devices can prevent additional wear on your teeth from the effects of grinding. According to the Mayo Clinic, you may benefit from wearing a bite guard if you grind your teeth in your sleep. However, bite guards sometimes worsen the symptoms of sleep apnea.
Types
According to the NIH, there are several types of splints to choose from. Some bite guards fit over the top teeth, while others slide over the lower teeth. TMJ and Facial Pain Institute says lower splints are generally more comfortable and have less of an impact on your speech.
Partial vs. Full Coverage
Partial coverage splints are worn over either the back teeth or the front teeth. According to TMJ and Facial Pain Institute, the downside of these appliances is that the uncovered teeth can change position while the covered teeth can undergo undesirable bite changes. Full coverage splints cover all the upper or lower teeth and they are unable to shift. TMJ and Facial Pain Institute says most dentists prefer these splints.
Directive and Permissive Splints
TMJ and Facial Pain Institute says directive splints are constructed with guides that fix the opposite teeth and hold the jaw in a fixed position. Permissive splints are completely flat and smooth. They permit the muscles to relax and allow the jaw to find its own instinctive position.
