You are likely excited about finally getting some relief from your pain if you suffer from the unpleasant symptoms of temporomandibular disorder (TMJ), such as jaw pain, headaches, and ear fullness. Your TMJ dental appliance can give you the relief you need and promote healing in your jaw.
However, after receiving your TMJ appliance from a dental clinic in NE Calgary, you may have some questions about the best ways to wear and care for your new device. In this article, you will find a guide on the best way to maintain your TMJ device and get the most out of it.
What Your TMJ Appliance Does and the Advantages of Looking After It
A TMJ dental appliance plays a significant role in the pain management of migraines and other unpleasant symptoms that TMJ sufferers struggle with. Your TMJ appliance is fitted to your mouth and bite alignment to help you begin your treatment. Your TMJ appliance helps you by:
- Reducing the strain on jaw joints, head, and neck muscles
- Relieving teeth clenching and grinding
- Eliminating muscle and joint strain
TMJ appliances are a vital part of your healing, so you want to keep yours in the best condition possible so that it can help you heal properly. You should be wearing your TMJ dental appliance daily until your jaw heals and your joints are re-aligned.
Cleaning and Care
The easiest way to clean your TMJ appliance is by using a denture brush and polident tablet. While brushing your appliance with a toothbrush and toothpaste may be adequate, it is easy to miss the crevices in your appliance and leave bacteria lingering there accidentally. Make sure to never use any products using alcohol on your dental appliance and ensure that you never boil your device or place it under hot water. Doing either of these things can cause irreversible damage. It is also important to remember to bring your TMJ appliance into your regular dental cleanings and check-ups so that it can be deep cleaned by a dentist near you.
The Best Way to Wear Your TMJ Device
It can be difficult to get used to the feeling of your new dental appliance, but after a short time, you will get used to it. If you are told you must wear your TMJ device 24/7, attempting to speak may feel frustrating. The more you practice speaking with your device in your mouth, the easier it will be.
Many individuals also end up removing their TMJ appliance in the middle of the night, as they find it uncomfortable while sleeping. After some time, you will also get used to the device in your mouth at night, and you will be able to keep it in all night without any problem. It is important to try your best to keep your TMJ device in your mouth the entire night because it promotes healing and prevents damage from grinding and clenching during the night.
TMJ Treatment Near You
While it can take a while to get used to your new dental device, keeping your treatment goals in mind can motivate you to spend more time caring for and wearing your new appliance. If you keep your TMJ device in good condition and follow your dentist’s instructions for wear, you will find that you are on the path to healing and happiness. At Sunridge Landing Dental Care, we use TMJ appliances as the primary way to help patients suffering from TMJ in NE Calgary. Please contact us to book a consultation today.