How Can Night Guards Help With TMJ Pain?

Little boy getting Inhalation Sedation while teeth treatment at dental clinic. Teeth treatment child

TMJ is a painful condition that makes eating or biting difficult. It’s usually caused by an improper placement of the jawbones, which creates pressure on the joints.

If you’re suffering from TMJ pain, you might have learned that a custom mouthguard may be the solution you need to ease your discomfort. But how exactly will such an appliance help?

Check out this short article from Timberlake Dental to find out!

What Is a Mouthguard?

A mouthguard is a type of dental appliance you put over your teeth and wear during sleep. These devices can be used to address several issues, such as tooth grinding and yes, even TMJ.

Mouthguards are custom-made to fit every patient perfectly. This makes them comfortable to wear, and most people get used to their mouthguards very quickly.

There are cases when you may need to wear the mouthguard during the day. For example, if you play sports like football or hockey, a mouthguard is an essential tool to prevent facial injuries while playing, including knocking out or fracturing teeth.

How Do They Fix TMJ?

A mouthguard doesn’t fix or cure TMJ. Instead, it provides relief by keeping your teeth slightly apart while you sleep.

As a result, you’re less likely to grind your teeth or clench your jaw. This reduces the amount of pressure placed on your joints and facial muscles. 

Moreover, your mouthguard can also correct the position of your jaw to prevent locking, clicking, or popping.

By wearing the mouthguard every night, you’ll effectively manage your TMJ and be able to chew your food without the excruciating sharp pain in your jaw.

How Can You Get a Mouthguard?

Your first step is to see our Denton dentist, Dr. Rodney Chowning, for a short consultation, where he will look at your teeth and jaw to determine the extent of your TMJ. 

Dr. Chowning will look for signs of tooth grinding, and how your jaw is positioned. He will also ask you to describe your symptoms to get the full picture. 

Then, he will take an impression of your teeth and have a mouthguard made for you. Note that you can also find ready-made mouthguards online, which seem more convenient at first. However, these appliances are usually not as comfortable and may even fail to reduce your symptoms.

With a custom-fit mouthguard from Timberlake Dental, you have the best chances to reduce all your discomfort and manage this condition.

Ready to Set Up an Appointment?

You don’t have to deal with the pain of TMJ any longer. Dr. Rodney Chowning is here to help you get a custom mouthguard to protect your teeth, jaw, and your sleep.

To get started, schedule a visit to Timberlake Dental online, and stop by to unlock your best path toward a pain-free life.

Want to learn more about our mouthguards? Call us at (940) 382-1750 for a short chat!