TJM Treatment?

Question

Those of you who have had TMJ, how long did you have to wear those mouth guards until the problem was fixed?

Answer 1

MICHAEL,

IF YOU HAVE AN NTI BRUXISM APPLIANCE MOST OF MY PATIENTS SEE RESULTS AFTER A FEW DAYS OF WEARING THESE AT NIGHT. SEE BELOW.

Answer 2

NTI appliances are good at relieving symptoms, but until the TMJ tooth misalignment is corrected this will be a battle you will always have to fight.  I have had patients come to me after wearing an NTI and they had developed loose teeth, as well as more pain than when they started.  These, and other night time appliances are good band-aids, but do not fix the problem.  The analogy I use with my patients is this: If a quarterback in football (American) is hit by a blitzing linebacker and dislocates his throwing shoulder will the shoulder heal if he wears a brace every night, then goes out  and throws as hard as he can everyday in practice?  The only way you can FIX this problem is to wear an appliance full time with regular adjustments.  For my patients this is at least once every week until we no longer need to make adjustments.  After three weeks of identical bites we know the jaw is in a stable and repeatable position and we can move on to restoring the mouth so the teeth and jaw joint line up all the time.  To see  what this health based dentistry has done for patients go to the link below.