Occlusal Guard And Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD)

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a complicated joint that moves on a hinge and slides. Symptoms of TMD are headaches, worn dentitions, grinding, clinching, popping or clicking, tenderness to the area or even “lock jaw”. Typically the first treatment option is to fabricate a custom occlusal guard, sometimes refered to as a splint or bite guard. This is a hard thick acrylic material that is worn during the night or at times of grinding/clinching. The purpose is to deprogram the muscles to get them to relax and protect the teeth from further wear.