Appliance Therapy

The typical first stage of treatment involves the use of a custom fabricated bite appliance (orthosis??) that is worn for multiple hours each day (usually at night during sleep).  This appliance works to relax tense muscles and helps to eliminate the toxins (ie. lactic acid) that are built up in the stressed muscles of the jaw.   The bite appliance (a.k.a:  nite guard, bite splint, bite guard, NTI appliance, etc) also relieves pressure from the jaw joints and helps to allow the TM Joint to return to a more normal position.

With a bite appliance, nothing is done to permanently alter your teeth, the muscles or your bite.  Dr. Crete often uses the analogy of placing a lift or orthotic in your shoe for a foot or leg problem.   The objective is to provide relief, eliminate or reduce your pain and then to assess the most ideal position for your teeth, muscles and jaw related to your bite.  

It is not unusual to experience dramatic relief from your TMD symptoms within 24-48 hours of wearing your bite appliance.  Some patients with extreme pain are seen weekly by Dr. Crete to make adjustments to the appliance and to coach patients on jaw positioning and eating habits.