What is a TMJ Orthotic?
An orthotic is a clear, precisely fitted device that sits on your lower teeth. The orthotic is worn to help correct the alignment of your jaw based on your neuromuscular measure and the muscles that insert into it. It is specifically designed to reposition your jaw, support the temporomandibular joints, and balance the muscles that control your bite. Unlike a simple guard, it is built from detailed measurements of your jaw in its most relaxed, healthy position.
How a Neuromuscular TMJ Orthotic Helps With TMJ
TMJ disorders are often caused by a muscular imbalance that causes constant pain and discomfort due to dysfunction, so 5,000 times a day. A neuromuscular TMJ orthotic is uniquely designed to correct this, rather than simply protect the teeth from grinding.
Wearing a Neuromuscular TMJ Orthotic it gently holds your jaw in that measured position so your muscles can work at their proper resting length and your joints can decompress. Over time, this can reduce jaw pain, clicking or popping, headaches, neck and shoulder tension, and even symptoms like ear pressure or dizziness that are tied to TMJ dysfunction. Learn more about pain throughout the body caused by TMJ disorder.
What TMJ Orthotic Treatment Looks Like
Step 1: Initial Splint and Measurement Phase
During TMJ treatment at TMJ and Sleep Center, you begin with a thorough exam to understand your symptoms, jaw position, and bite. If you are a good candidate, you will first wear a soft splint while your custom neuromuscular orthotic is fabricated.
Splints are made with set thicknesses, and generally worn at night. While being treated at TMJ and Sleep Center, you will begin by wearing a soft splint while your custom orthotic is being made. This approach helps make gradual adjustments and avoids overloading your muscles too quickly.
Step 2: First Neuromuscular TMJ Orthotic
Once your orthotic is placed, you will notice your bite feels more comfortable as proper muscle functions start immediately. When your jaw is properly aligned, you will also notice an improvement in other functions such as head posture, balance, and sleep. Your neck, shoulders, back, and whole body will be stronger with this optimized muscle positioning. “You live your life through your face”
Step 3: Ongoing Adjustments and Second Orthotic
TMJ treatment is a gradual process. Your orthotic is adjusted regularly as your bite and muscle patterns change to keep you in the optimal position. If you are being treated at TMJ and Sleep Center, you will most likely go through two different orthotics, with the goal of pain relief and gradual correction. Patients need to be seen monthly.
By the time you move to your second orthotic, your jaw and posture have already changed significantly. The second orthotic builds on the progress made with the first, fine-tuning your bite and everyday movements (such as chewing and speaking) so your jaw can function correctly thousands of times a day.
Some patients also choose a long-term or “permanent” orthotic to maintain the stability they’ve achieved, especially if they want to preserve their new jaw position without further restorative or orthodontic treatment. The overall goal of phase I is to create muscular and postural stability so your muscles remain functional and comfortable.
Frequently Asked Questions About TMJ Orthotics
How Often Do I Need to Wear an Orthotic?
Once you get your orthotic, it starts working immediately to help your jaw adjust to the correct position. It should be worn 24/7, especially when eating. It is constantly working to improve your jaw alignment and muscle integrity, so it is critical that your jaw completes all of its daily movements with that guide. The orthotic will be adjusted monthly as the bite changes over time.
Your orthotic will be worn on your lower teeth and will be nearly invisible. It is not as obvious as braces or a retainer. Knowing your orthotic won’t be visible makes it easier to wear in public settings, such as school or work. Thousands of TMJ sufferers have worn and adjusted, all the while becoming A-symptomatic.
How Long Do I Have to Wear a TMJ Orthotic?
Generally, phase I TMJ treatment includes two orthotics. Each phase lasts about four months as long as you comply with consistent wearing. Once your muscles have completed the main adjustment and your bite and posture have improved, you will move on to the second orthotic.
The second orthotic will feel different because your jaw and posture have already adjusted so much over the past few months. The goal of the second orthotic is to build on the progress that your first one has made, and finish correcting your bite and everyday movements “5000 times a day”
While it is not a common path, you may choose to get fitted for a permanent orthotic. This is something you can wear throughout your life to keep everything in its place. The goal of treatment with orthotics in phase I is to create posture and muscular stability. This will be addressed prior and through treatment. This makes muscles functional and happy!
What Does Wearing a TMJ Orthotic Feel Like?
At first, a neuromuscular TMJ orthotic may feel bulky as your mouth and jaw get used to something new. This is normal and usually improves within days to weeks as your muscles adapt and begin to relax in the new functional measured position.
Most patients find that the device soon feels natural, and many report that their bite feels more comfortable and stable with the orthotic in place. Because it is clear and fitted to your lower teeth, the orthotic is discreet and far less noticeable than braces or many retainers in everyday settings like work or school. The orthotic keeps the muscles in the proper room for consistent support.
Can an Orthotic Benefit Me?
Remember, an orthotic is only a part of your journey. If you are interested in learning how a custom orthotic can benefit you, contact TMJ and Sleep Center for a free cure consultation. We will discuss your symptoms, talk about a treatment path, and find out if TMJ treatment is right for you. Listen to our podcast and learn more about TMJ and how we can help you.
Take the Next Step to Living Pain Free
If you’re living with jaw pain, headaches, or bite issues possibly caused by TMJ disorder, our team at TMJ and Sleep Center can help you find long-term relief with customized neuromuscular orthotic therapy. Schedule your complimentary TMJ consultation today to see if this treatment is right for you, review your personalized care plan, and start moving your jaw—and your life—back into balance. Call TMJ and Sleep Center or request an appointment online now to get started.