Natural Therapies for TMJ Disorder

The symptoms of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder vary widely from case to case but, generally speaking, patients who suffer from TMJ disorder usually experience chronic pain that is intense enough that it impedes the ability to function on a daily basis. If you are suffering from severe pain as a result of TMJ disorder, the Grand Rapids doctors at TMJ & Sleep Disorders of Michigan can provide lasting relief through a variety of different therapy methods.

Appliance Therapy

Our doctors have undergone specialized post-graduate training to identify and treat a case of TMJ disorder, and in many cases, oral appliance therapy is considered the most accepted method of treatment. This consists of fabricating a customized oral appliance to reposition the jaw, thus providing relief from TMJ disorder.

Each oral appliance is custom-made from digital impressions of the mouth, which is a more convenient and precise method than taking impressions by traditional means. When a patient with TMJ disorder wears one of these oral appliances, the lower jaw is guided back into its preferred alignment through consistent, gentle pressure. Once harmonious alignment has been restored, the stress on the temporomandibular joint is relieved, and the surrounding musculature can relax. As a result, any other symptoms, such as pain or chronic headaches, also will go away.

We will instruct you on how often to wear your oral appliance, which will be dependent on the severity of your case.

Phase 2 Therapy

The term “Phase 2 therapy” usually refers to a treatment of TMJ disorder that seeks to achieve long-term solutions.

This type of therapy may consist of any of the following methods:

Occlusal adjustment, also referring to the selective reshaping of the biting surfaces of teeth. This method is appropriate for patients whose muscle measurements have indicated they can tolerate having shorter back teeth.
Neuromuscular orthodontics uses specialized orthodontic treatments to move your teeth into the preferred orthotic position. Neuromuscular orthodontics is classified as a type of functional orthodontics, which seeks to achieve goals beyond just straighter teeth, such as a well-aligned bite, wider dental arches, and an open airway.
Neuromuscular reconstruction of teeth can be used on TMJ patients who have teeth that are damaged, missing, or have aesthetic flaws. We can use crowns and veneers in combination to restore teeth, while also making sure to adhere to neuromuscular dimensions that keep your bite aligned.

Physiotherapy

Certain exercises and stretches also can be performed to improve the function of the temporomandibular joint, as well as the surrounding musculature, helping to remedy a case of TMJ disorder.

These exercises may be passive, active, or active-assisted, and could consist of any combination of the following:

Relaxation exercises
Jaw muscle massage
Temporomandibular joint mobilization, movement pattern or stabilization exercises

In some cases, even acupuncture could be used as a method of treatment. The treatment we select, however, will be based on your individual needs. Sometimes, a combination of treatments may be necessary to achieve harmony among your jaw alignment.