Craniofacial/TMJ Pain
Living with pain, any pain, can dramatically alter your quality of life. Craniofacial pain is a broad term used for encompassing all pain in the face and head, including those caused by Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMJ/TMD). Craniofacial pain can include the following symptoms:
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Muscular/facial pain
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Locking of the jaw
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Clicking or popping of the jaw
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Nerve disorders
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Referred ear pain, fullness or ringing
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Headaches
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Neck pain
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Photophobia (light sensitivity)
Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ/TMD), describes a group of symptoms including headaches; facial pain; jaw pain; sore, chipped, broken, or worn teeth, clicking or popping in the jaw, and limited jaw movement. In many cases people suffering from TMJ/TMD report chronic pain in the jaw, teeth, face, head, neck, shoulders, or back, or any combination of these areas. Snoring, grinding of teeth, frequent ear infections and restricted airway are other problems associated with TMJ/TMD.
Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy
If TMJ pain and other symptoms of TMD are caused by Oral Myofunctional Disorders (OMD's), then the best way to address the pain is to target those disorders. Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy treats OMD's by strengthening the oral and facial muscles and training them to be in their proper positions. Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy can make a major difference to TMD - helping to restore the Temporomandibular Joint to correct functionality, reduce pain, and increase mandibular (lower jaw) range of motion.
Functional Appliance Therapy
This treatment option works by relaxing the cranio-mandibular muscles - for extra-capsular relief. It treats symptoms by decompressing the joint and eliminating the effects of bruxing with its double-mouthguard effect. Further relief is provided by the change in the resting length of the muscles when the appliance is in place. This treatment assists in relieving TMJ and cranio-mandibular symptoms, limiting bruxing and grinding, and improves patient comfort.
Vivos Vida Appliance
The goals of this therapy are to eliminate TMJ and muscle pain, to improve jaw function, and to recapture the displaced disc. Since a splint fits over the upper or lower teeth, the appliance prevents contact between the teeth. When the teeth touch the splint, they're in the least harmful and most correct position. All TMJ appliances aim to relieve pain, discomfort and stiffness in the area where the upper and lower jaw connect, just in front of the ears. TMJ appliances may reduce the symptoms of TMD by reducing pressure on the jaw joints or realigning the bite.
Botox® Therapy
Botox® injections are a minimally invasive treatment option for patients suffering from migraine headaches, jaw pain due to bruxism, myofascial pain, shoulder pain, or neck pain. Derived from the botulinum toxin, it is a purified protein that helps relax overactive and painful muscles. While this injection procedure is most commonly known for its effect on wrinkles, it is also a highly effective pain therapy that can provide three to four months of pain relief.