TMJ Treatment and Night Guards in Redmond

Jaw pain, clicking, morning headaches and worn-down teeth can all be related to the jaw joints and to clenching or grinding your teeth. Here is an overview of TMJ disorders and teeth grinding, how your dentist evaluates them, and how a custom night guard is made.

What Is the TMJ?

The temporomandibular joints (TMJs) connect your lower jaw to your skull, just in front of each ear. They are some of the most complex joints in the body: they hinge and slide so you can open your mouth, chew, speak and yawn. Each joint has a small disc that cushions the movement, and several muscles control how the jaw moves.

TMJ Disorders (TMD)

“TMD” is a general term for problems with the jaw joints and the muscles around them. Many things can play a role, including tight or overworked jaw muscles, clenching or grinding, an injury to the jaw, arthritis, or a disc that has moved out of place. Often there isn’t one clear cause. For many people, symptoms come and go and improve with simple care.

Common signs of TMD include:

• Pain or tenderness in the jaw, face or around the ear
• Pain when chewing or opening wide
• Clicking, popping or grating sounds when the jaw moves (clicking without pain is common and is not always a concern)
• A jaw that feels stuck or locks open or closed
• Headaches or aching in the temples
• A bite that suddenly feels uneven

Teeth Grinding and Clenching (Bruxism)

Bruxism means grinding or clenching your teeth. It can happen during the day, often without noticing, or during sleep. Many people only find out they grind when a dentist points out wear on their teeth or a bed partner hears it.

Signs of bruxism include teeth that look flat, worn or chipped; cracked teeth or fillings; teeth that are more sensitive; a sore or tired jaw when you wake up; and morning headaches. Stress, some medications and sleep problems can make grinding worse. Grinding during sleep is sometimes linked with snoring or sleep apnea, so mention it to your physician if you also snore or feel tired during the day. See sleep apnea and snoring.

The Exam

Your dentist starts by asking about your symptoms: when they happen, what makes them better or worse, and whether you’ve had a jaw injury. The exam usually includes gently pressing on the jaw and face muscles, listening and feeling for joint sounds, measuring how wide you can open, and watching how your jaw moves. Your dentist also checks your teeth for wear and looks at how they fit together, and may take X-rays. Sometimes your dentist will recommend seeing a physician or another specialist to rule out other causes of facial pain.

How a Custom Night Guard Is Made

A night guard is a thin, hard plastic appliance that fits over your upper or lower teeth while you sleep. It doesn’t stop grinding or clenching, but it puts a protective layer between the teeth so the guard wears instead of your teeth and dental work. For some people, it may also help ease strain on the jaw muscles.

1. Exam and planning. Your dentist checks your teeth, gums, jaw joints and bite and decides which type of guard is a good fit.
2. Digital scan. Instead of a putty impression, a digital scan of your teeth and bite is taken.
3. Lab-made guard. The scan is sent to a dental laboratory, where your guard is made to fit your teeth closely.
4. Fitting. At your fitting visit, your dentist checks how the guard fits and how your teeth meet against it, and makes small adjustments so it sits evenly and feels secure.
5. Follow-up. Bring your guard to your checkups so your dentist can make sure it still fits and look at any wear.

To care for your guard, rinse and gently brush it after each use, let it dry, and store it in its case. Keep it away from hot water, which can warp it, and out of reach of pets.

Custom and Store-Bought Guards

Store-bought guards come in one-size or “boil-and-bite” versions that you shape at home. They are easy to get without a dental visit. Because they are not made from a scan of your teeth, they may fit more loosely, feel bulkier, or wear through more quickly. A custom guard is made to fit your teeth and is adjusted by your dentist to match your bite. If you’re using or thinking about a store-bought guard, especially if you have jaw pain, talk with your dentist about whether it’s a good choice for you.

Other Approaches

A night guard is only one part of managing TMD or bruxism. Your dentist may also suggest:

• Eating softer foods for a while and avoiding chewing gum
• Applying warm or cold packs to sore muscles
• Noticing daytime clenching and relaxing your jaw: lips together, teeth apart
• Ways to manage stress
• Referral to a physical therapist or a physician for other treatments
• Repairing or adjusting worn or broken teeth when needed

TMD affects each person differently, and treatment aims to ease symptoms and protect your teeth rather than to cure the condition. If you have jaw pain or think you might be grinding your teeth, we can take a look at our Redmond office.