Many Americans suffer from temporomandibular joint disorders (commonly known as TMD). The TMJ joint connects the jaw (mandible) to the lower part of the skull. Each TMJ actually has two joints, giving it the ability to rotate and slide from side-to-side. People with TMD suffer chronic inflammation of this joint, causing pain and discomfort when chewing, talking, yawning and moving the jaw.
Symptoms associated with TMD include:
- Headaches and migraines (often more intense in the morning)
- Neck and shoulder pain
- Difficulty biting or chewing
- Clicking or popping while opening and closing the mouth
- Earache (especially in the AM)
- Pain and tenderness in the jaw
- Worn teeth
- Pain and tenderness in the face
Many people suffer TMD symptoms due to clenching and grinding their teeth. A night guard is one of the best ways to protect your teeth and relieve TMJ pain. A night guard is a thin, acrylic mouthpiece that can be designed to fit over either the upper or lower teeth. Most times they are made of a soft, rubbery material that is flexible and easy to wear. There are also night guards made of harder acrylic material. The dentist will choose which night guard is best to help your unique case. The purpose of the night guard is to reposition the jaw to a slightly open position so that it relaxes the TMJ and releases tension in the muscle. Each night guard is custom made to fit your teeth. We can make adjustments to make sure your night guard fits well and feels comfortable in your mouth.