Splint Therapy – Fort Worth, TX
Custom-Made Solutions for Complete Relief
One of the most effective and simple ways Fort Worth Snoring & Sleep Center can help a patient overcome TMJ pain is by using a custom-made oral appliance. Dr. Conditt personally designs all of his splints for each patient so they’re guaranteed to have a comfortable fit and provide effective treatment. Whether a patient is experiencing jaw, face, head, or neck pain, splint therapy is a proven method to help them go away and stay gone.
Why Choose Us for Splint Therapy?
- Treatment is very conservative and reversible
- Custom-designed for every patient
- Able to provide long-term pain relief
How Does Splint Therapy Work?
With this approach, a patient simply wears a small, custom-made mouthguard to bed every night. It will slightly reposition the jaw to take any pressure off of the TMJ so that it as well as the surrounding muscles, ligaments, and nerves have a chance to relax and heal. These appliances can also help curtail another common symptom of TMD—unconscious teeth grinding—by placing a protective barrier between the rows of teeth.
Over time, the jaw should adapt to this new position, and a patient will eventually be able to go throughout their day pain and symptom-free. After a few months of consistent use, some patients are able to stop wearing their oral appliance altogether, while others will need to keep using it in order to experience sustained results.
Is Splint Therapy Right For You?
If you’re tired of dealing with persistent jaw, face, head, or neck pain, the long-term relief you need could come in the form of a simple mouthguard made by Dr. Conditt. He has used this approach for decades to help countless patients get out of pain, and he can do the exact same for you.
If you’re interested in learning more about splint therapy and how it could solve your chronic pain, we invite you to schedule a FREE consultation with Fort Worth Snoring & Sleep Center today.
Splint Therapy FAQs
Splint therapy is an effective and relatively simple way to address TMJ disorder (TMD). If you are curious about whether it may be right for you, Dr. Conditt and our team are ready to assist you. In the meantime, you may want to learn more about this treatment and how it works. Below, you will find answers to some common questions about splint therapy. Of course, we are always happy to personally answer questions as well.
What Are the Two Types of Splints for TMJ Therapy?
There are two types of splints that may be used to address TMD symptoms:
- A stabilization splint stabilizes the jaw during sleep and places a barrier between the upper and lower teeth to prevent teeth grinding.
- A repositioning splint helps train the lower jaw to rest in its proper position. These splints are usually worn both day and night.
The type of splint that is right for you will depend on your circumstances. Dr. Conditt will design a custom treatment plan that is tailored to your unique needs.
When Will I Start to Notice Results from Splint Therapy?
Every patient is different. Many people notice a positive difference within 6 weeks of receiving their splint. Symptoms like jaw pain, headaches, and neck aches may be greatly reduced within that timeframe. For other patients, results can take a few months. It is important that you remain patient and comply with your treatment instructions.
Since you should not expect to experience results from your splint right away, you can use pain management techniques in the meantime. For example, you may need to eat a soft diet, perform facial massages, or use heat/cold therapy to soothe overworked muscles.
How Are TMJ Splints Made?
TMJ splints are customized for each patient. We will need to take impressions of your mouth and partner with a dental laboratory to create your unique device. Depending on various factors, it can take a few weeks for your splint to be ready for use.
TMJ splints can be made of various materials, such as acrylic and resin. These materials tend to be gentle on the teeth and durable enough to last for years.
How Should I Take Care of My TMJ Splint?
Here are a few tips to keep your splint in good working order:
- Make sure it stays clean. You should use mild, clear soap and warm water to clean your splint on a daily basis. Regularly soaking it in a cleansing solution is also a good idea.
- Store it properly. Whenever you are not wearing your splint, make sure it is stored in a place where it will not collect dust or catch the attention of a curious pet or small child.
- Seek assistance when necessary. If your splint breaks or becomes very uncomfortable to use, call our team for help.