Choose the best mouth guard for TMJ based on your symptoms
TMJ pain keeping you up at night? You’re not alone. From chronic jaw pain issues to relentless headaches, joint pain from TMJ is no joke.
Sure, you could try pain meds, muscle relaxers, or even Botox. And if things get extreme, there’s surgery (while it’s not the first choice for everyone).
That’s why most dentists start with an oral appliance instead.
Now at Reviv we think a normal rubber mouthguard is sufficient, but it’s still important to understand the different types of dental guards out there so that you can compare and contrast a bit.
Dentists believe that the right type of mouth guard, usually a custom night guard, helps realign your bite, ease tension, and stop grinding before it wreaks havoc on your teeth. It’s the easiest, least invasive way to get your jaw joint (and life) back on track.
Dentists’ mouth guards for TMJ: Case-by-case breakdown
You might wonder, “What’s the deal with all these different types of mouth guards?” Well, buckle up, because I’m about to break it down for you in a way that makes sense—no jargon, just real info.
1. Anterior Bite Guard (Deprogrammer) for acute TMJ pain
The Anterior Bite Guard, a Deprogrammer, is specifically designed to alleviate acute jaw pain.
This dental appliance promotes the relaxation of facial muscles and reduces stress on the joint by improving jaw alignment and preventing harmful movements.
Typically worn during flare-ups, it allows only the front teeth to make contact when biting down. This helps unwind jaw muscles and discourages clenching, providing relief from TMJ symptoms.
Reviv does not believe you should use this type of splint if it is ‘indexed’. Meaning that it locks how the upper and lower teeth come together..
2. Stabilization Splint (Flat Plane Splint) for chronic muscle pain
Let’s talk about the Stabilization Splint, also known as the Flat Plane Splint.
If you’re grappling with chronic muscle pain from TMJ, this is your go-to solution.
This splint covers all your teeth and is designed to prevent grinding and clenching. It’s like a protective shield for your jaw!
It provides a smooth surface that helps reduce muscle tension and joint stress. Usually made from durable hard acrylic material, it’s built to last while giving your jaw the support it needs. You’ll find that wearing this splint can significantly ease discomfort and help restore balance to your bite.
Note that the flat plane splint is the only dental splint that Reviv endorses as the others we believe will all damage you. This is because it does not ‘lock’ an occlusion.
3. Repositioning Splint for joint derangement
The Repositioning Splint is your best ally when dealing with joint disorders related to TMJ.
This device is designed to alter the position of your jaw, ensuring it’s aligned correctly. By doing so, it helps alleviate pain associated with joint issues.
Perfect for patients experiencing joint-related TMJ pain, this splint can be worn throughout the day. It works to realign the jaw, promoting better joint position and leading to symptom relief over time.
Reviv does not believe you should use this type of splint.
4. Hard and Soft Night Guards for Bruxism (Teeth grinding)
Let’s explore bruxism—yes, that pesky teeth grinding that can wreak havoc on your smile!
When it comes to protecting your teeth at night, you’ve got two solid options: the Hard Night Guard and the Soft Night Guard.
Hard Night Guard
This is your go-to for serious protection against teeth grinding. If you’re facing significant bruxism issues, this guard is a game changer.
Made from rigid material, it’s designed to stand up to the toughest grinding. It effectively prevents tooth wear and alleviates associated pain, ensuring your teeth stay safe from damage while you sleep. Think of it as a shield for your mouth, giving you peace of mind every night.
Soft Night Guard
On the flip side, if your grinding is more on the mild side, the Soft Night Guard is here to save the day.
This guard provides cushioning between your teeth, offering immediate relief and comfort without being as durable as its hard counterpart. It’s perfect for those lighter cases of bruxism, giving you that cozy feel while still protecting your teeth from damage.
5. Hybrid Night Guard for mixed symptoms
Got a bit of both muscle and joint pain? Hybrid Night Guard can relieve the pain.
It's got a soft inner material for comfort and a hard outer layer for added protection.
So, whether you’re dealing with tight jaw muscles or sore jaw joints, this night guard’s got your back.
It’s like getting the best of both worlds—comfort where you need it, and strength where it counts. Perfect for those with mixed TMJ symptoms who want to wake up feeling better, not worse.
6. Boil-and-Bite Mouth Guards for temporary relief needs
Sometimes, you need something quick and easy, and that's where boil-and-bite mouth guards come in.
These adjustable guards let you mold them at home by softening them in hot water. They’re a solid option if you’re looking for temporary relief from mild TMJ symptoms—think jaw pain or light grinding—without the commitment of a custom fit.
But they’re not as precise or comfortable as the custom ones, so while they’ll do the job in a pinch, don’t expect long-term magic. They’re great for those quick fixes when your jaw needs a break.
Reviv’s view: Try the boil and bite guard without boiling it! It will work better.
Custom vs. Over-the-Counter (OTC) Mouth Guards
When you're picking out a mouth guard for managing TMJ, it's super important to know the difference between custom ones and the over-the-counter (OTC) options. Each type has its perks and works better for different situations.
Custom Mouth Guards
Custom mouth guards are precisely made by dental professionals based on your teeth impressions.
Advantages
1. They are tailored to fit your mouth exactly, ensuring comfort and effectiveness in protecting against grinding and jaw clenching.
2. Typically made from high-quality materials, custom guards can withstand significant pressure and last longer.
3. Dentists can adjust the thickness and design based on your specific symptoms, such as bruxism severity or TMJ issues.
Best For:
1. Individuals with severe bruxism or TMJ disorders who require a tailored solution.
2. Those who want maximum comfort and effectiveness during sleep or sports activities.
3. Long-term usage where durability is essential.
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Mouth Guards
OTC mouth guards are mass-produced and available in stores; they can be pre-formed or boil-and-bite types that mold to your teeth after heating.
Advantages:
1. Generally less expensive than custom options, making them accessible for immediate needs.
2. Can be purchased and used right away without waiting for a dental appointment.
Drawbacks:
1. OTC guards may not fit well, leading to discomfort or ineffective protection against grinding.
2. Often made from thinner, flexible materials, which may not provide adequate protection for severe cases.
Best for:
1. Mild bruxism or TMJ symptoms where immediate relief is needed.
2. Users looking for a temporary solution while awaiting a custom guard.
3. Those on a budget who want basic protection.
What is the best mouth guard for TMJ?
Dentists believe that choosing the right mouth guard for TMJ disorders depends on your specific symptoms.
Here’s a quick guide to how they think about it:
1. Anterior Bite Guard: Best for acute TMJ pain. It relaxes facial muscles by allowing only front teeth contact, reducing clenching.
2. Stabilization Splint: Ideal for chronic muscle pain. This guard covers all teeth and prevents grinding, providing long-lasting support.
3. Repositioning Splint: Effective for joint issues. It realigns the jaw, alleviating pain and can be worn throughout the day.
4. Hard Night Guard: Perfect for severe bruxism. Made from rigid material, it protects against significant grinding.
5. Soft Night Guard: Suitable for mild bruxism, providing comfort but less durability.
6. Hybrid Night Guard: Great for mixed symptoms, offering both comfort and protection.
7. Boil-and-Bite Guards: Good for temporary relief but less precise.
Now you could get one of these and spend thousands of dollars on your treatment. And I think you’d probably have a 90%+ chance of either getting worse or at least not getting better.
Because dentists do not understand concepts like the flattening of the curve of spee.
And so we highly recommend you consider giving Reviv a chance. You’ll spend a LOT less and we guarantee that you will get MUCH better results.
Discover Reviv: A tailored solution for TMJ relief
If you're struggling with TMJ or related issues like neck pain, brain fog, or posture problems, Reviv might be the game-changer you're looking for.
Here's why:
1. Root-cause approach: Our appliance targets the root cause—your skeleton and skull helping to address TMJ, neck pain, spinal tightness, and more.
2. Comprehensive support: Gain access to over 60 videos from our founder, who’s spent 10 years studying how to heal from the inside out.
3. Ongoing guidance: Direct access to our founder for personalized support during your healing journey.
4. Risk-free trial: We’re so confident in the results, we offer a 90-day money-back guarantee.
5. Affordable & effective: For just $100, you can start your journey towards healing.
Thousands of people have already found relief, and now it's your turn. Give Reviv a try—you’ve got nothing to lose and everything to gain.
Click here to get started!
