Jaw grinding or bruxism, is the habit in which patients tend to grind or clench their teeth, throughout the day. This not only causes their teeth to chip and cause attrition, but can also place excessive forces on the jaw muscles and temporomandibular joint (TMJ).
Many such patients are either advised to wear a night guard or request one themselves. Now, while this night guard is a good aid for patients with bruxism, it is often mistaken as a ‘solution’ for the TMJ Disorders.
It is important to note that a night guard is not designed to treat the underlying causes of your TMJ Disorders or Bruxism. It is made for a specific purpose; to act as a physical barrier between your upper and lower teeth. It, however, only protects them from the effects of grinding, and does not usually stop the grinding habit itself.
Both bruxism and TMJ Disorders are caused by multiple factors and hence need a collective approach for management. This does not mean that all oral appliances are ineffective in treating TMJ Disorders.
There are over 20 types of oral appliances used in TMJ management, the choice of which is entirely based on your diagnosis, underlying cause and treatment goals.
So, if your night guard didn’t help, it doesn’t necessarily mean your TMJ disorder cannot be treated. It mostly means the treatment was aimed at protecting your teeth rather than addressing the specific cause of your jaw pain.
Successful TMJ management begins with an accurate diagnosis, followed by a personalized treatment plan tailored to your condition.