209 Harvard st , Suite 501 Brookline, MA, 02446

TMD Oral Appliance Therapy at Advanced Brookline Dental

Brookline, MA’s Top Choice for TMD Therapy

Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMD) can cause chronic pain and discomfort in the jaw, affecting your ability to chew, speak, and even sleep. Advanced Brookline Dental in Brookline, MA, provides comprehensive TMD oral appliance therapy to help alleviate these symptoms and restore your quality of life.

Understanding TMD

TMD refers to a group of conditions that affect the temporomandibular joints (TMJs), which connect your jaw to your skull, as well as the muscles and ligaments surrounding these joints. Symptoms of TMD can include:

  • Jaw pain or tenderness
  • Difficulty or discomfort while chewing
  • Locking of the jaw joint
  • Clicking or popping sounds in the jaw
  • Headaches or earaches
  • Facial pain

These symptoms can be caused by various factors, including stress, teeth grinding (bruxism), arthritis, or trauma to the jaw.

What is TMD Oral Appliance Therapy?

TMD oral appliance therapy involves the use of a custom-made dental appliance, often referred to as a splint or night guard, that is worn over your teeth. These appliances are designed to help:

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Reposition the Jaw

By adjusting the position of your jaw, the appliance can reduce pressure on the TMJs and alleviate pain.

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Prevent Teeth Grinding

For patients who grind their teeth, the appliance serves as a barrier, protecting your teeth from wear and reducing the strain on your jaw muscles.

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Relax the Jaw Muscles

The appliance helps to relieve tension in the jaw muscles, which can reduce pain and improve jaw function.

BOTOX® for TMD Treatment

In addition to oral appliance therapy, Advanced Brookline Dental provides BOTOX® as a treatment option for TMD. BOTOX® works by relaxing the muscles around the jaw, reducing muscle tension and alleviating pain associated with TMD. This treatment can be particularly effective for patients who experience muscle spasms, clenching, or grinding that contributes to their TMD symptoms. BOTOX® injections are minimally invasive and provide relief that typically lasts for several months, making it a convenient option for managing TMD.

How TMD Oral Appliance Therapy Works

When you visit Advanced Brookline Dental for TMD treatment, Dr. Galiazzo will perform a thorough examination of your jaw, teeth, and bite to determine the best course of action. If oral appliance therapy is recommended, the process will involve:

Custom Fitting

Impressions of your teeth will be taken to create a custom-fitted appliance that is comfortable and effective. This appliance is usually made of durable acrylic and is designed to fit snugly over your upper or lower teeth.

Wearing the Appliance

The appliance is typically worn at night while you sleep, but it may also be worn during the day if needed, depending on the severity of your symptoms. Dr. Galiazzo will provide instructions on how and when to wear your appliance for the best results.

Follow-Up and Adjustments

Regular follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments to the appliance. This ensures that it continues to fit properly and provides relief from your symptoms.

Benefits of TMD Oral Appliance Therapy

Oral appliance therapy offers several benefits for patients suffering from TMD:

Non-Invasive Treatment

This therapy is a conservative, non-surgical option that can effectively reduce pain and improve jaw function.

Custom Comfort

The appliance is custom-made to fit your mouth comfortably, making it easy to wear during sleep or other times as needed.

Reduced Symptoms

Many patients experience significant relief from jaw pain, headaches, and other symptoms of TMD with consistent use of their oral appliance.

Schedule Your TMD Consultation in Brookline, MA

If you’re experiencing symptoms of TMD, don’t let the discomfort affect your daily life. Dr. Galiazzo and the team at Advanced Brookline Dental in Brookline, MA, are here to help. Schedule a consultation today to learn more about TMD oral appliance therapy, BOTOX®, and how these treatments can benefit you. We are committed to providing personalized care to help you achieve relief and restore your quality of life.

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