The jaw joint, also known as the temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, is a very complex joint in the body.  The muscles used by this joint are directly influenced by the way our teeth fit together.  An improper bite may cause muscles to compensate, resulting in a strain on these muscles and the joint itself. This strain  often causes headaches, muscle aches, and pain in the face, neck and shoulders, dizziness, earaches and joint pain.  There are several options to treat this problem.  It’s important that you be evaluated by a dentist with expertise in this area.

A dental splint is used to treat dental problems such as grinding, wear, and TMJ symptoms.  A splint allows teeth to come together in a position that is favorable to both the joints, muscles and teeth. This approach is aimed at treating symptoms but usually does not address the source of the problem.  Therefore, if the source of the problem can be identified and resolved, treatment should be considered.