CRB CLINIC - DIGITAL DENTISTRY
Splint therapy
Treating TMJ dysfunction
with a mouth guard
License of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine AD No. 063321 dated 06.09.12.
Symptoms we can help you with:
-
Crunching, clicking, creaking in the jaw joint - Noise, ringing, squeaking, whistling in the ears, congestion, numbness of the ear
- Pain in the jaw, jaw joint, ear area, pain in the facial muscles
- Headaches, neck pain caused by dysfunction of the jaw joint
- Limitation in opening the mouth, incorrect opening/closing of the mouth
- Tooth wear, bruxism, grinding of teeth in sleep
CRB CLINIC
DIGITAL DENTISTRY
DIGITAL DENTISTRY
Splint therapy
Treatment with a mouth guard
Treatment with a mouth guard
Results assessed after just 5 days of treatment
Visible changes on CT scans, symptom reduction
Visible changes on CT scans, symptom reduction
What is splint therapy?
Splint therapy is a method of aligning the mandible and TMJ joints using a positioning mouthguard.
This treatment is used for TMJ dysfunction.
The mouthguard achieves its therapeutic effect by correctly positioning the joint heads, stabilizing the jaw, and, consequently, relaxing the muscles. Additionally, the mouthguard helps relieve pressure on the cranial nerves.
This treatment is used for TMJ dysfunction.
The mouthguard achieves its therapeutic effect by correctly positioning the joint heads, stabilizing the jaw, and, consequently, relaxing the muscles. Additionally, the mouthguard helps relieve pressure on the cranial nerves.
The uniqueness of the mouthguard at CRB Clinic
- Changes in CT images after 5 daysAt the end of the first week of treatment, we perform a follow-up CT scan. This shows how the position of the joint head has changed.
- Treatment with a cap takes 1 month.By working with the musculoskeletal system, adaptation to the new jaw position occurs more quickly, and overall treatment is more effective. Our team includes not only dentists but also orthopedists who specialize in muscles and ligaments.
- Reduction of symptoms in 1-2 weeksSymptoms of TMJ dysfunction are reduced by:
- relieving pressure on the cranial nerves;
- restoring muscles and ligaments, eliminating spasms and muscle weakness;
- changing the joint position to a non-traumatic one.
- Treatment without exacerbationsThe joint position is calculated in a special program with micron accuracy and undergoes double verification: in a digital simulator and clinically, using a verifier. Only then is the mouth guard manufactured.
An example of changing the position of the lower jaw using splint therapy (caps)
- Jaw position without a mouth guardDistal position of the jaw: the lower jaw is retracted, the upper teeth overlap the lower ones.
- Position of the jaw with a mouth guardThe mouth guard moves the jaw forward and downward, preventing the upper teeth from overlapping the lower teeth.
Consultations by phone:
044 580 40 04
044 580 40 04
CRB CLINIC
DIGITAL DENTISTRY
DIGITAL DENTISTRY
How does treatment with a positioning tray work?
The main stages in order
1. Calculating the correct joint position
Based on CT scan and diagnostic data, the doctor calculates a new position for the jaw joint.
We don't use generally accepted average models; the calculation is made as accurately as possible from the start. Individual anthropometric parameters are taken into account: joint size and curvature, degree of bone wear and tear, etc. The resulting position corresponds to the patient's individual characteristics. The optimal position of the mandible is then calculated.
The new jaw position is tested for functionality using a digital simulator. We ensure that:
- the joint maintains a stable, non-traumatic position during any jaw movement;
- the teeth on the mouthguard close in the correct contact positions.
We don't use generally accepted average models; the calculation is made as accurately as possible from the start. Individual anthropometric parameters are taken into account: joint size and curvature, degree of bone wear and tear, etc. The resulting position corresponds to the patient's individual characteristics. The optimal position of the mandible is then calculated.
The new jaw position is tested for functionality using a digital simulator. We ensure that:
- the joint maintains a stable, non-traumatic position during any jaw movement;
- the teeth on the mouthguard close in the correct contact positions.
2. Verification - checking the planned jaw position
At this stage, a custom-made verifier is manufactured for the patient. This is a special instrument that allows for clinical verification of the digitally calculated position of the joint and mandible.
Before verification, the chewing and neck muscles are relaxed. The verifier is attached to the patient's teeth, simulating the new jaw position. The doctor evaluates the accuracy of the planned model.
This stage allows us to verify and, if necessary, adjust the position of the mandible before the mouth guard is manufactured.
Before verification, the chewing and neck muscles are relaxed. The verifier is attached to the patient's teeth, simulating the new jaw position. The doctor evaluates the accuracy of the planned model.
This stage allows us to verify and, if necessary, adjust the position of the mandible before the mouth guard is manufactured.
3. Modeling and manufacturing of a mouth guard
Our mouth guard is worn only on the lower jaw. It has a pronounced texture on the chewing surface that prevents the jaw from sliding in the guard. Thanks to the mouth guard's special design, the jaw always remains in a stable, planned position. Unlike most clinics, we do not grind down the contact points while wearing the mouth guard.
The functionality of the mouth guard is assessed immediately upon insertion. Since cranial nerves are located near the TMJ joints, the correct mouth guard always improves nerve conduction.
The functionality of the mouth guard is assessed immediately upon insertion. Since cranial nerves are located near the TMJ joints, the correct mouth guard always improves nerve conduction.
4. Restoration of muscles and ligaments
A key element in treating the symptoms of TMJ dysfunction is restoring the proper function of the muscles and ligaments of the jaw, facial apparatus, and neck.
With prolonged misalignment of the TMJ joints, the muscles and ligaments adapt to the incorrect load: muscle imbalance develops, elasticity decreases, and hardening, spasms, and calcified areas appear.
With the help of physiotherapy, we:
With prolonged misalignment of the TMJ joints, the muscles and ligaments adapt to the incorrect load: muscle imbalance develops, elasticity decreases, and hardening, spasms, and calcified areas appear.
With the help of physiotherapy, we:
- eliminate spasms;
- activate weak muscles;
- normalize the range of motion of the joint;
- break down and remove calcifications from the tissue;
- restore the elasticity of muscles and ligaments.
Consultations by phone:
044 580 40 04
044 580 40 04
CRB CLINIC
DIGITAL DENTISTRY
DIGITAL DENTISTRY
Evaluation of the result
Evaluation of the treatment result on the cap consists of several stages:
- 1. Restoration of cranial nerve functionBy placing the jaw in the correct position, we restore nerve conduction and check reflexes using neurological tests.
- 2. Restoring proper functioning of muscle chainsCorrect jaw positioning normalizes the synchronous functioning of muscle chains throughout the body. This helps restore sore muscles in the back, legs, and other areas.
- 3. Correct position of the joint on a CT scanWe take a follow-up X-ray after five days of wearing the mouth guard. This image shows changes in the position of the TMJ joints.
- 4. Reducing symptoms of TMJ dysfunctionA properly designed mouth guard results in symptom relief within 1-2 weeks of treatment. The results are maintained within a month.
Recommendations for using the mouth guard
- Jaw stabilityThe mouth guard is fixed in place in the mouth and should not move. After inserting the mouth guard, the lower jaw should also be stable, i.e., close in one possible position.1
- Wearing 24/7The mouthguard is worn 24 hours a day, every day, until discontinued by the attending physician. The mouthguard should only be removed during meals and brushing.2
- Remove during mealsThe mouth guard is removed during meals. After eating, rinse your mouth/brush your teeth before putting the mouth guard back on.3
- Cleaning the mouth guardThe mouthguard should be cleaned daily (during brushing) with a toothbrush and toothpaste. The mouthguard container should also be rinsed and cleaned.4
CRB clinic
Answers to questions
The topic of TMJ dysfunction is very broad, and the symptoms can be very diverse. Many patients ask similar questions. I've compiled the most frequently asked ones and commented on them below.
D.G. Kalashnikov - Clinical Director of the Dentistry Department, orthopedic dentist, gnathologist specializing in the treatment of TMJ dysfunction and total prosthetics. He is a certified Invisalign doctor. He specializes in orthodontic treatment with aligners for TMJ dysfunction and works with digital protocols. He has over 27 years of experience.
D.G. Kalashnikov - Clinical Director of the Dentistry Department, orthopedic dentist, gnathologist specializing in the treatment of TMJ dysfunction and total prosthetics. He is a certified Invisalign doctor. He specializes in orthodontic treatment with aligners for TMJ dysfunction and works with digital protocols. He has over 27 years of experience.
When choosing a gnathologist, it's important to consider their practical experience and the capabilities of the clinic where they work.
A gnathologist is a physician with a narrow specialty who diagnoses and treats disorders of the temporomandibular joint and masticatory muscles, considering their relationship with the bite and nervous system.
At our clinic, TMJ treatment is handled by the Clinical Director of the Dentistry Department, a physician with over 27 years of experience. His team includes not only dentists but also specialists who specialize in muscles and ligaments, as they directly affect joint function. Additionally, the team includes a neurologist who evaluates the condition of the cranial nerves and their involvement in the pathological process.
The combination of these specialties ensures a comprehensive approach to diagnosis and treatment, which positively impacts the outcome.
A gnathologist is a physician with a narrow specialty who diagnoses and treats disorders of the temporomandibular joint and masticatory muscles, considering their relationship with the bite and nervous system.
At our clinic, TMJ treatment is handled by the Clinical Director of the Dentistry Department, a physician with over 27 years of experience. His team includes not only dentists but also specialists who specialize in muscles and ligaments, as they directly affect joint function. Additionally, the team includes a neurologist who evaluates the condition of the cranial nerves and their involvement in the pathological process.
The combination of these specialties ensures a comprehensive approach to diagnosis and treatment, which positively impacts the outcome.
We see initial results within 5 days. The maximum period of wearing a mouth guard at our clinic is 1-1.5 months.
Why this period:
Why this period:
- During this time, we achieve the desired result, and further use of the mouth guard is not necessary.
- Wearing a mouth guard for more than 2 months prevents micro-movement of the teeth, which impairs blood circulation and nutrition to the periodontal tissues and teeth.
- A mouth guard is not a permanent solution. After achieving good treatment results, the therapeutic jaw position is fixed with crowns or onlays.
This timeframe is due to the fact that the doctor, when selecting a mouth guard, relies solely on the patient's sensations and symptoms. Based on these criteria, they adjust the mouth guard on average every two weeks. This approach has several disadvantages, the main ones being the length of treatment and constant flare-ups. The patient experiences pain and discomfort.
Furthermore, prolonged mouth guard wear negatively impacts periodontal tissue, impairing blood circulation. This can lead to tooth mobility, impaction, and displacement.
Our approach is unique in that we immediately manufacture the correct mouth guard and stabilize the jaw. We focus on restoring innervation and observing changes in CT scans. We work with muscles and ligaments to speed up adaptation to the new position.
Furthermore, prolonged mouth guard wear negatively impacts periodontal tissue, impairing blood circulation. This can lead to tooth mobility, impaction, and displacement.
Our approach is unique in that we immediately manufacture the correct mouth guard and stabilize the jaw. We focus on restoring innervation and observing changes in CT scans. We work with muscles and ligaments to speed up adaptation to the new position.
A positioning splint is not visible externally. However, by changing the jaw position, it can create a more symmetrical face. Due to muscle relaxation during splint therapy, the face may become less tense, wrinkles are smoothed, nasolabial folds are softened, and skin tone is improved.
Pain and crunching in the jaw joint typically occur due to malposition of the TMJ joint. This is most often caused by a malocclusion or insufficient height of the molars (worn or missing teeth).
With the help of a mouth guard, we realign the joint. This can prevent pinched nerves and jaw muscle strain, which are what most often causes pain. The crunching noise stops by removing the joint from its incorrect, traumatic position.
With the help of a mouth guard, we realign the joint. This can prevent pinched nerves and jaw muscle strain, which are what most often causes pain. The crunching noise stops by removing the joint from its incorrect, traumatic position.
Bruxism most often occurs due to malocclusion and a violation of the "resting height" of the masticatory muscles. This causes the muscles to reflexively contract, causing the jaws to clench and the teeth to grind as they search for the correct occlusal position. This friction accelerates tooth wear, the bite continues to decrease, and the disease progresses.
- Splint therapy achieves two goals:
- it fixes the jaw in a rigid position, preventing friction and tooth wear;
- it restores the correct bite height and the correct "resting height," at which the masticatory muscles stop reflexively contracting.
The most common cause of tinnitus is nerve compression by the jaw joint. This occurs when the joint is misaligned.
With splint therapy, we realign the TMJ joint. This relieves the pressure on the nerve, and tinnitus may decrease or disappear completely.
With splint therapy, we realign the TMJ joint. This relieves the pressure on the nerve, and tinnitus may decrease or disappear completely.
You should continue wearing the mouthguard immediately. If the mouthguard fits securely on your teeth and you don't feel any discomfort, you can put it on immediately.
If you are unable to put the mouthguard on yourself, schedule an appointment with the clinic as soon as possible.
If you are unable to put the mouthguard on yourself, schedule an appointment with the clinic as soon as possible.
A splint is a special positioning mouthguard for fixing the lower jaw in a new position. This position is usually calculated digitally.
There are also other types of dental mouthguards, including protective mouthguards for sleeping, retention mouthguards for maintaining the results of orthodontic treatment, and aligners for moving teeth.
There are also other types of dental mouthguards, including protective mouthguards for sleeping, retention mouthguards for maintaining the results of orthodontic treatment, and aligners for moving teeth.
The mouthguard should not be boiled, frozen, or treated with chemicals not intended for skin contact.
Do not eat or chew anything (nails, pens, pencils) while wearing the mouthguard. It is advisable not to smoke.
Do not eat or chew anything (nails, pens, pencils) while wearing the mouthguard. It is advisable not to smoke.