Innovative Treatments for TMJ

By Jeffrey L. Brown, DDS

Sleep & TMJ Therapy

. http://sleepandtmjtherapy.com/

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Innovative Treatments for TMJ

There are many innovative approaches used to address maxillary and jaw concerns. The approach is focused more on holistic treatments like Appliance Therapy, Nuebie Machine, Laser Therapy, and Massage Therapy but there is another treatment to help. Whether waiting for treatment effects to happen or adjunctive to current treatment, there is another route which is Botox injections.  Our holistic treatment approach is outlined below, the technologies and what one can expect.

The Modified Gelb appliance aims to decompress the tissues of the jaw joint and allow the discs to go back into position.  Its purpose is to eliminate adverse loading forces and stabilize the both TM joints and reduce the pressure on the nerves and blood vessels within the fossa (jawbone sockets). This helps restore physiological function, decreasing pain, increasing the range of motion, and decreasing joint sounds. 

The ALF appliance is a lightweight wire appliance that applies light forces to the maxilla. When the levels of the cranial bones (the sphenoid, mastoids, and occiput) are uneven, this can torque and twist the cranium into an unnatural position causing discomfort to the body. The appliance realigns malpositioned segments of the maxillary complex. 

The Neubie is an electrical stimulation device that sends direct current signals precisely to where the pain is being experienced or to the limited movement of the muscle area. The system will “reset” neurological patterns to help “re-teach” the body to the correct optimal state or function. This helps with increasing range of motion, reducing spasms, increasing blood flow, relieving pain, and more.

Laser therapy is the use of photobiomodulation technology. The nonthermal laser results in therapeutic treatment for musculoskeletal injuries, alleviating pain, and chronic or degenerative conditions. The light source is placed in contact with the skin, resulting in the restoration of normal cell function and enhancement of the body’s healing processes.

Massage Therapy gently works the muscles of the head and neck region to stimulate blood flow and the release of toxins. This allows the muscles to heal faster and provides much-needed relief to sore and tense muscles.

Botox treatment is an adjunctive treatment to our appliance therapy.  It is used as a means to relax the tension within the jaw muscles and help alleviate the symptoms of pain.  These trigger points are defined as a knot or tightness within the muscle when it fails to relax. This causes irritation with the surrounding nerves and can cause referred pain (pain felt in another part of the body). An advantage is that normal function (speaking, eating, or swallowing) is unaffected.  The procedure is non-surgical, and impairment is not a concern for driving.  The procedure begins with a complete review of health history, and the target area is marked.

Our team is here to support you through these steps, ensuring each aspect of your treatment is clear and effective. Always consult your doctor, as some of these treatments are restricted by certain medical conditions.