What to Expect: Step-by-Step
1. Detailed Consultation and Exam
We review symptoms, medical history and stress factors; measure jaw opening, check bite alignment and assess tooth wear patterns.
2. Digital Imaging
Low-dose cone-beam CT or panoramic X-ray (if required) reveals joint anatomy and rules out other issues.
3. Custom Appliance Design
3-D scans capture your bite; a lab fabricates a hard-acrylic night-guard that distributes forces evenly and 'deprograms' clenching muscles.
4. Bite Adjustment and Muscle Therapy
Minor enamel reshaping, muscle-stretch coaching or referral for physio or massage can fine-tune jaw balance.
5. Adjunctive Options (Case-by-Case)
Anti-inflammatory meds, trigger-point injections or BOTOX® may be recommended for severe muscle spasms or joint inflammation.
6. Follow-Up and Splint Tuning
At two weeks, we check fit, comfort and symptom changes; future visits (every 3–6 months) ensure continued relief and appliance longevity.
7. Long-Term Maintenance
Periodic polish of the guard, stress-management tips and yearly imaging (if needed) keep joints healthy and teeth intact.
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders and bruxism (unconscious clenching and grinding) put extra stress on jaw joints, muscles and teeth. Modern TMJ / bruxism therapy combines custom nightguards, bite adjustments, muscle-relaxation techniques and—when needed—medications or injectables to ease pain and stop enamel damage before it starts.