If you recently had an oral appliance made to treat your Temporomandibular Joint Disorder/Dysfunction, it’s essential to understand that caring for your appliance is critical to gently shifting your bite into its optimal position. Proper care of your oral appliance will keep it in good shape over the next several months (or years), and it will be much more comfortable to wear when properly maintained.
Dr. Karthilde Appolon of Appolon Dental Group, serving Midtown Manhattan and surrounding areas of New York City, knows TMJ treatment and oral appliances are among the best TMJ treatments available today. Regardless of age, gender, reasons for TMJ, or other dental issues, oral appliances for TMJ treatment have proven to be highly effective with Dr. Appolon’s patients suffering from the painful symptoms of TMJ. Here’s what you can expect when you visit Appolon Dental Group for TMJ treatment in oral appliance therapy.
Your TMJ Treatment Plan
Dr. Appolon utilizes several different TMJ treatments for her patients. We find great success in these treatment modalities for this complex yet prevalent disorder:
- Lifestyle changes in sleep habits, diet
- TENS (Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation)
- Bite splints or oral appliances
- Dental procedures to correct uneven, worn, and misaligned teeth
- NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)
- Oral surgery (only for advanced cases)
After a comprehensive evaluation, including a medical/dental history, x-rays, exam, and various TMJ diagnostic tools and technology, Dr. Appolon will have a clear picture of where your problems lie and how best to correct your misaligned bite and other dental issues.
Your TMJ treatment plan will be created, and the steps we’ll take to help ease your TMJ symptoms will be thoroughly explained. You’ll be encouraged to ask questions, and we’ll involve you in the treatment plan every step of the way. We value our patients and want you to understand why specific TMJ treatments have been recommended for your particular situation. Your TMJ treatment plan will likely include some combination of the above, with oral surgery always being the last resort.
TMJ Oral Appliance Care
Oral appliance care for orthotics to treat Obstructive Sleep Apnea can also be cared for in much the same way outlined here. Be sure to ask the Appolon Dental Group team if you need clarification on the care instructions for your oral appliance.
- When the oral appliance is not in your mouth, store it in the case provided. Please avoid setting it on the nightstand, dresser, counter, or somewhere else where it can be lost or damaged.
- Wash your oral appliance with non-toxic soap or denture cleaner and brush. Dr. Appolon will likely recommend the best cleaning products for your particular appliance.
- Don’t soak or clean your appliance with abrasive, damaging products such as mouthwash, rubbing alcohol, peroxide, or toothpaste.
- Brush your oral appliance frequently according to our instructions. Brushing after each meal is recommended since your tongue is unable to remove food particles from under the appliance. Meticulous oral hygiene is necessary to avoid tooth decay and gum disease. Please don’t hesitate to ask for a refresher on proper tooth brushing if it’s been a while.
- As you get used to your oral appliance, you may experience more saliva production, difficulty speaking, and frequent tongue biting. Give yourself a couple of weeks to get used to it; if you’re still struggling after the two-week mark, be sure to give the team at Appolon Dental Group a call. We may need to inspect how the appliance lies in your mouth and make adjustments.
- For about a week or so after beginning oral appliance therapy, you will likely have soreness in the temples, neck, and other areas. You may also feel toothaches and tooth and gum sensitivity. If this persists longer than a week after beginning oral appliance therapy, let us know.
- We all love our pets, but please keep your oral appliance out of their reach. If your beloved fur babies get a hold of it, it can become a very expensive chew toy!
- Keep your oral appliance out of hot cars, microwaves, stovetops, and other hot surfaces.
- Please don’t pack your oral appliance in your luggage when traveling. Extreme hot or cold temperatures can damage the orthotic. Instead, keep your appliance in a purse or some other type of carry-on.
- Don’t put your oral appliance in pants or coat pockets. You may forget it’s there and sit on it or throw the clothes into the washing machine.
As always, please do not hesitate to contact Appolon Dental Group should you have any questions about caring for your oral appliance.
Learn More About Oral Appliances for TMJ and OSA Today
Please call Appolon Dental Group at (212) 557-8668 if you have questions about caring for your appliance. You may also submit questions or request an appointment using our online contact form.
