Your dentist may recommend a custom temporomandibular joint (TMJ) splint to treat your TMJ pain or temporomandibular disease (TMD).

TMJ splints are removable dental appliances that cover your upper and/or lower teeth, just like a nightguard, but they have additional design features such as ramps and stabilizing tabs that help to provide relief from jaw pain and improve jaw function. Your dentist will choose the design that is right for you and your situation, recommend when it should be worn (during the day, at night, or sometimes both) and follow-up with you frequently.

Although splints may be purchased over-the-counter and heated in hot water to shape over your teeth, it is difficult to do this accurately and evaluate whether your TMJ is being held in a position that is correct for you and will not cause additional pain or damage to your TMJ. Our splints are custom-made for you based on detailed measurements and a digital 3D scan of your mouth (no radiation involved).