TMJ, jaw joint pain relief, headache pain, neck pain, tmj disorder, tmj dysfunction, pain relief, neck and pain relief

Pain Relief For The Head and Neck Muscles

Test these areas for muscle tenderness

Temporalis

Lateral Pterygold

Masseter

Sternocleidomastoid

Trapezius

Temporo-Mandibular Joints

Retest with TMJ Appliance in place

Temporalis
Lateral Pterygold
Masseter

Sternocleidomastoid
Trapezius
Temporo-Mandibular Joints

Positioning the TMJ

Position the TMJ appliance in your mouth, TMJ logo upwards.

Align the center line of the TM with the midline of your upper teeth.

During the first week of use, you may need to 'phase' it in., i.e., 10 minutes Day 1, 20 minutes Day 2, 30 minutes Day 3., etc.

Close lips together

Teeth should lightly contact aerofoil shaped base.

Keep lips together.

Do not clench or grind on the TMJ appliance.

If pain increases or teeth become sensitive, decrease use time, then gradually increase.

Use for 1 hour

Sit quietly in a relaxed position for approximately 1 hour. It is best if head and neck are suported by chair headrest.

Once completed, gently stretch the muscles of the jaw and neck by turning your head from left to right, backward and forward and shrugging your shoulders. Remove the TMJ after stretching exercises.

After each use, rinse under water and replace in container. You may sterilize your TMJ by boiling for 10 minutes without damaging it.

If pain increases or teeth become sensitive, decrease use time, then gradually increase.

Night use - While sleeping

Once comfortable using TMJ (1-2 weeks), it may be worn while sleeping. Some people may find this uncomfortable at first, especially mouth breathers and snorers. The TMJ will help relieve both with perserverance. Many people awaken with headaches due to bruxing and grinding their teeth or clenching their jaws while sleeping. The TMJ lessens these problems with use and reduces those resultant wake-up head and neck pains.

Trimming

The TMJ appliance fits the majority of adult mouths without adjustment. However, people with narrow mouths may need to trim in areas marked. Do not trim more than 1/8-inch off the aerofoil base.

Some tooth movement may occur with use. If this is unfavorable, decrease use time.

What to Expect

Look for a reduction of symptoms after 1-2 weeks. It is variable from patient to patient, so ask your health professional to help gauge your progress. Your program should continue for 30 to 60 days. Then you may reduce usage to day or night. In some cases, users can even skip a day or night in between. Permanent appliance therapy may be necessary subsequently from your Dentist.

Warning: Premature splitting of base can occur if you bite hard on TMJ appliance.

Replace TMJ appliance if deterioration or splitting occurs.

SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE IF PROBLEMS OCCUR