SPLINT THERAPY
The way the teeth hit each other or occlusion has a direct effect on the joints. An incorrect occlusion puts stress on the joint cartilage, tendons and muscles that help you open and close your mouth. These can cause the system to function incorrectly or breakdown. Following your exam, if we determine that this is part of your problem, we will recommend splint therapy. Splints are a piece of hard acrylic custom fitted to your upper or lower teeth. They are adjusted through a series of appointments so all your teeth share an equal load when you close. This reduces stress on your joint and helps to reduce or eliminate pain. In severe cases, we may also implement certain medication to speed therapy. Once your bite is stabile, we will re-evaluate your bite to determine what treatment is necessary to provide long term stability and relief of symptoms.