General Dentistry, Winston-Salem Dental Blog

TMJ Splint & Bite Splint Treatment: Explore Your Options TMJ Pain Relief [Video Guide]

TMJ Splint in Winston-Salem, NC | Night Guard [Video Guide]

It’s common for people with jaw pain to suspect they have TMJ. However, TMJ is the name of the jaw joint itself: the temporomandibular joint. Patients struggling with jaw joint pain may be experiencing TMJ disorder, or TMD. Regardless of its name, TMJ pain keeps many patients from enjoying their day-to-day activities. Dr. Matthew Keider is a Winston-Salem dentist who takes a comprehensive approach to oral health. To that end, he offers several TMJ treatment options in his practice, including the bite splint and the TMJ splint.

If TMJ disorder is making it hard for you to bite and chew comfortably, you may be able to find relief at Keider DDS!

TMJ Disorder: What Patients Should Know

TMJ Splint in Winston-Salem, NC | Night Guard [Video Guide]
Here is the temporomandibular joint, which acts as a hinge that allows you to open and close your mouth.
Dr. Keider commonly sees patients who struggle with pain and tension in their joints and jaw muscles. In the most general sense, TMJ disorder is a condition that affects the jaw joint and the muscles that control jaw movement, causing stiffness and difficulty with jaw movement. However, this disorder is actually more accurately described as a series of conditions that cause pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint and surrounding muscles.

Patients who struggle with TMJ disorder may notice their teeth are sensitive to cold. This is usually a sign that you’re clenching or grinding your teeth at night. Bruxism, the medical term for teeth grinding, is often a contributing factor to TMJ.

If you’re ready to experience some relief from your TMJ disorder, explore solutions at Dr. Keider’s practice.

Bite Splint vs. TMJ Splint: Exploring Custom Oral Appliances

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Dr. Keider offers two different types of splints, each with its own advantages and tradeoffs.

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Bite Splint

The first splint you should know about is the bite splint, which is a protective night guard. This specifically protects against tooth wear. However, it isn’t directly designed to address TMJ. Why is it still an option worth considering? For patients who struggle with bruxism and TMJ, a bite guard helps address bruxism. This may indirectly improve TMJ symptoms by focusing on a contributing factor.

The bite splint predominantly accounts for one factor contributing to TMJ, so it may not be as effective in more complex cases of TMJ disorder. However, the bite splint is a more affordable custom device because it does not require extensive joint or muscle adjustments. If you’re looking for a straightforward, cost-conscious option, and bruxism seems to be a significant factor in your TMJ pain, this device might suit your needs.

TMJ Splint

The second type of splint that Dr. Keider offers is the TMJ splint. This customized splint is designed for more advanced TMJ-related pain or muscle tightness. Designing the TMJ splint is a much more involved process. This is because Dr. Keider will need to take several specific measurements to achieve the correct jaw positioning in your mouth. Once the device is perfected to your anatomy, it can help relax your muscles as your teeth come together while you’re wearing it.

The TMJ splint process is more involved and costly. However, it is also meant specifically to alleviate more of the symptoms of TMD. This device is likely best when multiple factors are contributing to your TMJ pain or when symptoms are more severe.

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Whether you want a simple, more affordable bite splint or a more advanced TMJ splint, Dr. Keider is happy to support you in finding some TMJ relief. He wants you to join the countless happy patients who have chosen Keider DDS for their care.

Take the Next Step to Alleviate TMJ Pain

TMJ pain doesn’t need to hold you back any longer. If you’re struggling with TMD, Dr. Keider is happy to help. He will draw on his 30+ years of experience helping Winston-Salem patients find the right solution. He will work with you to evaluate every option that can help ease your symptoms. Regardless of whether you choose the custom TMJ splint for a more comprehensive intervention or a bite splint for teeth grinding, he works to craft an effective solution for your needs and budget.

During your first visit to his practice, Dr. Keider performs a full mouth exam, including a TMJ evaluation. Schedule an affordable consultation to learn more.

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Matthew Keider, DDS

Dr. Matthew Keider has been providing comprehensive dental care for over 30 years. A Michigan native, he earned his DDS from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry, one of the top-ranked dental schools in the world. Since 1993, he has served patients in Winston-Salem, NC, prioritizing high-quality, in-house care. Committed to ongoing education, Dr. Keider completes up to 200 hours of advanced training annually in cosmetic, restorative, and implant dentistry. His specialized expertise includes root canals, TMJ treatment, and dental implants, with advanced studies at the Misch International Implant Institute, Dawson Center, and Tulsa Dental. He is a member of the Forsyth County Dental Society, North Carolina Dental Society, and American Dental Association. Dr. Keider minimizes referrals by handling implants, extractions, root canals, and restorative treatments within his practice. Patients-of-record can reach him after hours for emergencies, and he strives to offer same-day emergency appointments when possible. Outside of dentistry, he enjoys basketball, fishing, and traveling with his wife of 32 years and their two children. Dr. Keider and his team are here to provide personalized, high-quality care in a comfortable setting. Call today to schedule your visit and experience a higher standard of dentistry!