Orthotic Therapy for TMJD in Wilmington, NC
Cape Fear Smiles provides orthotic therapy for TMJD in Wilmington, NC to stabilize the jaw, decompress the joint, and provide lasting relief from chronic jaw pain. Dr. Norma Cortez and Dr. Adrian Soto design custom oral orthotics that reposition the jaw into its optimal functional position, addressing the root cause of temporomandibular joint dysfunction.
Orthotic Therapy Explained
An oral orthotic is a precision-crafted appliance designed to position the lower jaw in a therapeutically optimal relationship with the skull. Unlike a simple night guard that only protects teeth, an orthotic actively repositions the jaw to decompress the TMJ, relax the surrounding muscles, and allow damaged structures to heal. This approach treats the cause of TMJD rather than just managing symptoms.
Benefits of Orthotic Therapy
- Repositions the jaw to decompress the TMJ and reduce pain.
- Custom-designed for your specific bite and joint position.
- Relaxes overworked jaw muscles and reduces tension.
- Allows damaged joint structures to heal in an optimal position.
- Non-surgical, reversible treatment approach.
- Can be combined with prolotherapy and laser therapy for enhanced results.
The Treatment Process
Treatment begins with detailed records including CBCT imaging, bite analysis, and muscle assessment. These records guide the design of your custom orthotic. The appliance is fabricated, fitted precisely, and adjusted to achieve the target jaw position. Regular follow-up visits monitor your response and fine-tune the orthotic as the joint and muscles adapt.
What to Expect
The orthotic is typically worn full-time initially, including during meals. Most patients adapt within a few days. As symptoms improve, the treatment plan evolves. Some patients transition to nighttime-only wear, while others may proceed to orthodontics or restorative care to permanently maintain the corrected jaw position.
For orthotic therapy for TMJD in Wilmington, NC, contact Cape Fear Smiles at 910-763-0931.