Temporomandibular (TMJ) Bite Plates
Often called a bite plate or a splint, TMJ bite-plates will keep your upper teeth from grinding against your lower teeth. In addition to alleviating TMJ symptoms, this bite plate will prevent wear on your teeth from grinding that can lead to other problems. Whatever the cause, the results may include a misaligned bite, pain, clicking, or grating noise when you open your mouth or trouble opening your mouth wide.
Taking Care of Your Teeth
Whether due to ageing, grinding or our nutritional habits, our teeth tend to get worn away as we grow older. At Claremont Orthodontics, we aim to help you keep your teeth for life by providing them with the best possible orthodontics solutions available.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re struggling with grinding your teeth and this is affecting both your dental integrity and the quality of your life, we are happy to answer all the questions you may have with regards to the solutions. At Claremont Orthodontics, we encourage parents to learn more about temporomandibular bite plates and schedule a consultation with us should you need help in solving your teeth grinding issues.
What Are Temporomandibular (TMJ) Bite Plates?
TMJ Bite Plates are designed to keep your upper teeth from grinding against your lower teeth. In addition to alleviating TMJ symptoms, bite plates will prevent wear on your teeth from grinding which can lead to other problems. Whatever the cause, the results may include a misaligned bite, pain, clicking, or grating noise when you open your mouth or trouble opening your mouth wide.
What Do Bite Plates Actually Do?
Bite plates absorb some of the stress caused by grinding the teeth and clenching the jaw. They relax the jaw muscles to ease tension as well as relieve jaw joints (TMJ) and decrease pain.
Bite plates limit the progression of tooth decay caused by bruxism as well as the deterioration of the supporting bone.
This appliance provides many benefits to patients and it is a highly effective, yet non-invasive way to treat TMJ pain and its related symptoms. It is made of plastic resin.
What Conditions Necessitate TMJ Bite Plates?
TMJ Bite Plates are needed to correct problems that develop due to certain oral habits. Whatever the cause, these should be addressed sooner rather than later. TMJ Bite Plates are usually necessary for people who experience the following symptoms:
- Broken, fractured or missing teeth
- Premature tooth wear
- Difficulty opening and closing the mouth
- Tooth sensitivity (without decay)
- Headaches
- Sensitive facial muscles in the morning
- Pressure in the area near the ears
- Disturbed sleep
How Is A Plate Made?
Using impressions or digital scans of the teeth, models are made. They are then sent to the laboratory to make a customised plate.
What Are The Consequences Of Non-Treatment?
- Natural teeth and porcelain wear away
- Fractured teeth (sometimes this is irreversible)
- Muscle spasms causing morning headaches
- Implant failure
- Periodontal problems and gum recession
- Disruption of postural control
- And much more!
If we haven’t answered all your questions in these temporomandibular (TMJ) bite plate FAQs, we’re happy to answer them during a consultation at our orthodontic practice. If you would like to learn more, please call us at (021) 671 0171 or email us at info@claremontorthodontics.co.za to book an appointment today.