kata
06-12-2003, 06:52 PM
I thought this was good reading so I am posting. I did post it on another board and thought some of you may be interested in reading it.
Stay well and feel good.
Here it is:
- Take Control of TMJ
- 3 Rules of TMJ treatment
- What is a TMJ Specialist?
- TMJ- Four-Step Treatment Plan
=====================
Take Control of TMJ
Become an informed consumer/patient.
Cross over the lines between healthcare
professionals. Decide what procedures and
treatment are right for you.
Each professional uses the tools they
have been trained to use in working with
TMJ. A dentist makes mouthguards and
grinds teeth, a orthodontist uses braces
to change the bite, an oral surgeon
performs surgery, a MD prescribes drugs,
a chiropractor adjusts joints, a physical
therapist works with muscles, the list
goes on.
========================================
3 RULES OF TMJ TREATMENT
Rule #1 - Take control of your own
treatment.
Rule #2 - Focus on reversible and non-
invasive procedures. Go easy and keep it
simple.
Rule #3 - Obtain several independent
opinions before agreeing to invasive and
non-reversible procedures.
======================
What is a TMJ specialist?
There is no specialty for treatment of
TMJ. Those who use the title of TMJ
specialist are self-proclaimed experts.
There is no formal recognized program to
certify health practitioners as TMJ
specialist. Training, if any, may be
incomplete or limited to one way of
thinking. Training may come from a
teaching university or weekend seminar.
==================
FACT: TMJ Specialists are self-
proclaimed. There is not a standardized
certification for TMJ Specialist.
FACT: In an ADA survey, 60% of dentist
making over 1 million dollars a year
treated facial pain.
=====================================
Survey Results
What are the top rated causes of TMJ.
Survey results show the following:
#1 - Clenching or grinding of the teeth
#2 - Stress
#3 - Trauma
#4 - Occlusion
#5 - Whiplash
#6 - Orthodontics/Braces
Q. What do stress, trauma, occlusion,
whiplash and orthodontics have in common?
A. Each can cause or increase teeth
clenching and grinding (bruxing)
resulting in TMJ symptoms.
Stress, trauma, occlusion, whiplash, and
orthodontics are all initiators of an
elevated bruxing level. Both TMJ injury
and/or bruxing may be responsible for
initial TMJ symptoms.
Once bruxism is started, bruxing
perpetuate the TMJ symptoms and the
associated pain. As pain increases,
bruxing also increases, making the
problem worse. A bruxing pain cycle
develops perpetuating the TMJ problem.
The pain cycle continues until external
intervention acts to decrease the bruxing
behavior.
======================
FACT: Stress, Trauma, Occlusion,
Whiplash, and Orthodontics can cause
increased bruxing.
FACT: Once initiated the bruxing pain
cycle continues until interrupted.
FACT: Bruxing may not have started the
problems but will perpetuate it.
=====================================
Four-Step Program
=====================================
Getting better may mean "starting all
over again"; but this time, take control
and proceed in a controlled fashion.
Below is a 4-step plan for managing your
TMJ problem. Follow each step in order
for best results.
The four-step plan typically takes 8-12
Weeks. The goal is to be symptom free.
Step 1- Exam/Evaluation
Step 2- Control Clenching & Grinding
Step 3- Secondary treatment
Step 4- Invasive care
1) If you haven't already had an
examination by a dentist or MD, call and
get an appointment. The examination is
used to make sure, an obvious life-
threatening problem does not exist.
Evaluation could include imagining of the
TM joints if physical damage or disease
is suspected. (DO NOT buy the splint!)
2) Determine if you clench or grind
your teeth (bruxism) and bring behavior
under control. This cannot be determined
by examination. Once bruxing is under
control and the cycle is broken, symptoms
due to bruxing will go away. Controlling
bruxing is easy, safe, non-invasive,
and reversible. (Splints do not control
bruxism)
3) Once bruxing is controlled include
additional therapies to eliminate any
remaining symptoms. Have dentist evaluate
occlusion, physical therapist, or
chiropractor for neck and back pain, etc.
Prior TMJ treatment may need to be redone
or undone.
4) As a last resort and upon multiple
independent opinions you may need
invasive care. Less then 2% of TMJ
patients require surgery.
=============================
FACT: Many TMJ patients have been injured
for life, through non-reversible
procedures that were unnecessary and
ineffective.
FACT: Nightguards, splints, appliances do
not control nighttime clenching and
grinding habits.
Where TMJ Patients - Become Their Own
Solution
TMJ is a complicated problem that affects
millions of patients. There is not a
single cause or solution to TMJ. Each TMJ
patient must be treated individually
to meet the specific health needs of the
individual requiring care.
Stay well and feel good.
Here it is:
- Take Control of TMJ
- 3 Rules of TMJ treatment
- What is a TMJ Specialist?
- TMJ- Four-Step Treatment Plan
=====================
Take Control of TMJ
Become an informed consumer/patient.
Cross over the lines between healthcare
professionals. Decide what procedures and
treatment are right for you.
Each professional uses the tools they
have been trained to use in working with
TMJ. A dentist makes mouthguards and
grinds teeth, a orthodontist uses braces
to change the bite, an oral surgeon
performs surgery, a MD prescribes drugs,
a chiropractor adjusts joints, a physical
therapist works with muscles, the list
goes on.
========================================
3 RULES OF TMJ TREATMENT
Rule #1 - Take control of your own
treatment.
Rule #2 - Focus on reversible and non-
invasive procedures. Go easy and keep it
simple.
Rule #3 - Obtain several independent
opinions before agreeing to invasive and
non-reversible procedures.
======================
What is a TMJ specialist?
There is no specialty for treatment of
TMJ. Those who use the title of TMJ
specialist are self-proclaimed experts.
There is no formal recognized program to
certify health practitioners as TMJ
specialist. Training, if any, may be
incomplete or limited to one way of
thinking. Training may come from a
teaching university or weekend seminar.
==================
FACT: TMJ Specialists are self-
proclaimed. There is not a standardized
certification for TMJ Specialist.
FACT: In an ADA survey, 60% of dentist
making over 1 million dollars a year
treated facial pain.
=====================================
Survey Results
What are the top rated causes of TMJ.
Survey results show the following:
#1 - Clenching or grinding of the teeth
#2 - Stress
#3 - Trauma
#4 - Occlusion
#5 - Whiplash
#6 - Orthodontics/Braces
Q. What do stress, trauma, occlusion,
whiplash and orthodontics have in common?
A. Each can cause or increase teeth
clenching and grinding (bruxing)
resulting in TMJ symptoms.
Stress, trauma, occlusion, whiplash, and
orthodontics are all initiators of an
elevated bruxing level. Both TMJ injury
and/or bruxing may be responsible for
initial TMJ symptoms.
Once bruxism is started, bruxing
perpetuate the TMJ symptoms and the
associated pain. As pain increases,
bruxing also increases, making the
problem worse. A bruxing pain cycle
develops perpetuating the TMJ problem.
The pain cycle continues until external
intervention acts to decrease the bruxing
behavior.
======================
FACT: Stress, Trauma, Occlusion,
Whiplash, and Orthodontics can cause
increased bruxing.
FACT: Once initiated the bruxing pain
cycle continues until interrupted.
FACT: Bruxing may not have started the
problems but will perpetuate it.
=====================================
Four-Step Program
=====================================
Getting better may mean "starting all
over again"; but this time, take control
and proceed in a controlled fashion.
Below is a 4-step plan for managing your
TMJ problem. Follow each step in order
for best results.
The four-step plan typically takes 8-12
Weeks. The goal is to be symptom free.
Step 1- Exam/Evaluation
Step 2- Control Clenching & Grinding
Step 3- Secondary treatment
Step 4- Invasive care
1) If you haven't already had an
examination by a dentist or MD, call and
get an appointment. The examination is
used to make sure, an obvious life-
threatening problem does not exist.
Evaluation could include imagining of the
TM joints if physical damage or disease
is suspected. (DO NOT buy the splint!)
2) Determine if you clench or grind
your teeth (bruxism) and bring behavior
under control. This cannot be determined
by examination. Once bruxing is under
control and the cycle is broken, symptoms
due to bruxing will go away. Controlling
bruxing is easy, safe, non-invasive,
and reversible. (Splints do not control
bruxism)
3) Once bruxing is controlled include
additional therapies to eliminate any
remaining symptoms. Have dentist evaluate
occlusion, physical therapist, or
chiropractor for neck and back pain, etc.
Prior TMJ treatment may need to be redone
or undone.
4) As a last resort and upon multiple
independent opinions you may need
invasive care. Less then 2% of TMJ
patients require surgery.
=============================
FACT: Many TMJ patients have been injured
for life, through non-reversible
procedures that were unnecessary and
ineffective.
FACT: Nightguards, splints, appliances do
not control nighttime clenching and
grinding habits.
Where TMJ Patients - Become Their Own
Solution
TMJ is a complicated problem that affects
millions of patients. There is not a
single cause or solution to TMJ. Each TMJ
patient must be treated individually
to meet the specific health needs of the
individual requiring care.
Sponsor
Arleen
06-12-2003, 07:09 PM
Hi:
Thanks, Kata, for posting this information.
Hope you're doing well.
Arleen
Thanks, Kata, for posting this information.
Hope you're doing well.
Arleen
TiffanyAnn
06-12-2003, 07:10 PM
Thanks for the post. It just backs up what I have been saying all along..that we have to take control of our treatment.
Tiffany
Tiffany
GenDen
06-12-2003, 07:53 PM
You posted some very interesting and helpful information. I was wondering about one gap, however, It says to control bruxing. It does not say how to do it. The HOW is the problem. Were there any specific instructions in any other part of the article that tells HOW to control bruxing?
RobynRose
06-12-2003, 08:05 PM
I was just about to ask the same question as GenDen...
If splint therapy/guards etc. do not help with bruxism, what is th method suggested to control this self-perpetuating cycle? Thanks for posting the article --- thought provoking. I would love to take control of this problem and conquer it somehow.
:) Robyn
If splint therapy/guards etc. do not help with bruxism, what is th method suggested to control this self-perpetuating cycle? Thanks for posting the article --- thought provoking. I would love to take control of this problem and conquer it somehow.
:) Robyn
DianeTMJ
06-12-2003, 08:15 PM
I was just about to ask the question GenDen.. How do you control the bruxsim... "Controlling bruxing is easy, safe, non-invasive, and reversible".
Is there anything about controlling bruxsim, where this article was published?
Thanks, very good info!
Diane
Is there anything about controlling bruxsim, where this article was published?
Thanks, very good info!
Diane
crystalll
06-12-2003, 09:39 PM
I've seen this before. It's a portion of an advertisement for an anti-bruxism device. The device somehow fits in your mouth at night, and an alarm goes off every time you clench or grind. The alarm awakens you, thereby causing you to quit the bad habit....or something like that.
Crystal
Crystal
quinnma
06-12-2003, 09:46 PM
See my post on bruxism control I just posted. I saw this article in a TMJ newsletter that also published an article off the Wayne State web site. This article discussed the limits of most methods for controlling bruxism, and said the only probable help may be a biofeedback device that uses taste (not electricity or alarms).
quinnma
06-12-2003, 09:47 PM
See my post on bruxism control I just posted. I saw this article in a TMJ newsletter that also published an article off the Wayne State web site. This article discussed the limits of most methods for controlling bruxism, and said the only probable help may be a biofeedback device that uses taste (not electricity or alarms).
[Edited to remove website.]
[This message has been edited by Well-come (edited 06-13-2003).]
[Edited to remove website.]
[This message has been edited by Well-come (edited 06-13-2003).]
kata
06-12-2003, 09:59 PM
I am so glad everyone found it interesting. Here is more info from them and I will say it sounds very weird. You are awakened several times when you grind and has an alarm that goes off. I would love to hear from people who have used this.
Here is the info:
Most Dentist will tell you that nighttime
clenching or grinding (bruxism) cannot be
controlled - THIS IS NOT TRUE, what they
mean is THEY do not know how to control bruxism.
Or even worse they will tell you a hard
or soft mouthguard appliance will stop
bruxism - THIS IS NOT TRUE. This statement
means, either they have not read the published
research or they DO NOT understand it.
FACT: A mouthguard or appliance has never
decreased or stopped bruxing.
WHY CONTROL BRUXISM?
Controlling bruxism is essential to
curing your TMJ. Bruxism either causes
or perpetuates ALL TMJ symptoms. Bruxing
defeats all other TMJ treatments. Only
after controlling bruxism can you obtain
effective secondary TMJ treatment (step 3).
When clenching and grinding habits are
decreased most symptoms of TMJ will go
away, and any remaining symptoms are
easier to treat.
CORRECT TOOLS AND TREATMENT PROCEDURE
Controlling bruxism will require knowing
what tools to use and the treatment
protocol that makes the tools effective.
How to control nighttime bruxing.
Only one method exists today to control
Nighttime clenching and grinding habits;
that method is the proper use of a nighttime
sleep alarm or biofeedback unit.
The proper biofeedback EQUIPMENT combined
with the correct treatment PROTOCOL will
decreases both the duration and frequency
of bruxism in TMJ patients at night during sleep.
How biofeedback works
Biofeedback monitors the clenching and
biting activity at night by monitoring the
force applied to the teeth. When bruxism
is detected an audible alarm is sounded
alerting the patient to the undesired
behavior.
Because the alarm will continue until the
behavior is stopped, the patient will relax
their muscles decreasing the pressure on
the teeth to eliminate the undesired
alarm. The alarm is loud enough to awaken
the patient. If the patient does not
respond to the alarm they WILL be
awakened. Quickly the patient learns to
release the biting force to eliminate the
alarm sound, allowing for uninterrupted
sleep.
Patients stop clenching and grinding to
get uninterrupted sleep. The sleeping
brain, is capable of responding to signals
and modifying ingrained patterns of
behavior. After the first couple of days
you will seldom hear the alarm because the
response is so quick you will not be
awakened.
When clenching and grinding is stopped the
muscles relax, the joints are off loaded,
and the symptoms of TMJ go away as the
joint is allowed to heal.
Biofeedback is safe & effective,
non-invasive and reversible.
EQUIPMENT SELECTION
There are several biofeedback products that
Will meet the needs of the TMJ patients.
The OralSensor biofeedback system or
anti-bruxing appliance system is
designed specifically for the TMJ patient
to control nighttime clenching and
grinding of the teeth.
The product is safe and effective. OralSensor
is easy to use and low cost. OralSensor may
be purchased directly by the TMJ patient on-line.
OralSensor can be fit and used by the patient at
home without the costly supervision of a dentist
or doctor.
OralSensor Personal Trainer
Model No.: 3700
Type Device: Biofeedback, Appliance, Anti-Bruxing Appliance
Manufacturer: Cycura Corporation
TREATMENT PROTOCOL
Just as important as the right piece
of equipment is the treatment protocol.
To cure your TMJ problems use the right
equipment, follow the correct protocol,
and have appropriate expectations.
TREATMENT LENGTH
Treatment will consist of nightly use for
60-90+ days. Treatment length will vary
between patients. Factors that affect
treatment length include how long you have had
TMJ, your specific TMJ symptoms, and how
quickly you respond to behavior modification.
Consistent nightly use will promote rapid
Treatment progress. Skipping nights will
slow your progress.
SYMPTOM RELIEF
Symptomatic relief may start as quickly
as the first night of use. Typically
patients receive symptom relief somewhere
between the 2nd and 6th week of use.
At the end of week 6 additional TMJ
treatment for remaining symptoms is
recommended, Step 3.
One of the important lessons learned is
that once symptom relief has been
obtained you MUST continue use an
additional 4-6 weeks. The additional 4-6
weeks provides the long-term benefit so
symptoms do not return. Patients that DO
NOT go the additional 4-6 weeks will
return to prior condition within 2 weeks.
Nighttime use is all that is required.
The nighttime retraining cares over into
the day. You will catch yourself and be
able to control any daytime habit.
Be sure to do the extra 4-6 weeks after
symptom relief.
Effort Required
Changing bruxing habits will take effort
and determination by the user. The first
week will be the most difficult. Start
off slowly and build until you can use
the equipment throughout the night.
Don't be discouraged, keep going, and
don't quit.
PAIN AND SYMPTOM FREE
At the end of the 4-step program you
should be pain and symptom free.
JUST THE FACTS
FACT: In-office biofeedback training does
not work for TMJ symptoms caused by
nocturnal bruxism.
FACT: Nighttime use of biofeedback is
required to modify nocturnal clenching
and grinding habits (bruxism).
FACT: Nighttime biofeedback training will
last at least 6-12 weeks.
FACT: Continued use, 4-6 weeks beyond
symptomatic relief is required to obtain
long term benefits.
FACT: Patient who have had, in office
relaxation training respond quicker to
nighttime biofeedback use.
FACT: Biofeedback retraining to break the
bruxing habit takes effort and commitment.
FACT: Biofeedback will cost more money.
FACT: Patients quickly learn to respond to
the biofeedback alarm without being awakened.
FACT: Patients report better sleep, and
being more rested while using biofeedback
alarm to control bruxism.
FACT: Once bruxism is under control
additional care may be required to
eliminate remaining TMJ symptoms.
Get serious about the Four-Step Program.
Do Not skip steps.
Effort and expense will be
required to start over and get it right.
To cure TMJ you must follow each step in
order. Some steps may require repeating
prior treatment that was not performed in
the correct order.
Four-Step Program
Step 1- Exam/Evaluation
Step 2- Control Clenching & Grinding
Step 3- Secondary Treatment
Step 4- Invasive care
FACT: Getting better may mean starting
all over again.
Where patients -
Become Their Own Solution
Here is the info:
Most Dentist will tell you that nighttime
clenching or grinding (bruxism) cannot be
controlled - THIS IS NOT TRUE, what they
mean is THEY do not know how to control bruxism.
Or even worse they will tell you a hard
or soft mouthguard appliance will stop
bruxism - THIS IS NOT TRUE. This statement
means, either they have not read the published
research or they DO NOT understand it.
FACT: A mouthguard or appliance has never
decreased or stopped bruxing.
WHY CONTROL BRUXISM?
Controlling bruxism is essential to
curing your TMJ. Bruxism either causes
or perpetuates ALL TMJ symptoms. Bruxing
defeats all other TMJ treatments. Only
after controlling bruxism can you obtain
effective secondary TMJ treatment (step 3).
When clenching and grinding habits are
decreased most symptoms of TMJ will go
away, and any remaining symptoms are
easier to treat.
CORRECT TOOLS AND TREATMENT PROCEDURE
Controlling bruxism will require knowing
what tools to use and the treatment
protocol that makes the tools effective.
How to control nighttime bruxing.
Only one method exists today to control
Nighttime clenching and grinding habits;
that method is the proper use of a nighttime
sleep alarm or biofeedback unit.
The proper biofeedback EQUIPMENT combined
with the correct treatment PROTOCOL will
decreases both the duration and frequency
of bruxism in TMJ patients at night during sleep.
How biofeedback works
Biofeedback monitors the clenching and
biting activity at night by monitoring the
force applied to the teeth. When bruxism
is detected an audible alarm is sounded
alerting the patient to the undesired
behavior.
Because the alarm will continue until the
behavior is stopped, the patient will relax
their muscles decreasing the pressure on
the teeth to eliminate the undesired
alarm. The alarm is loud enough to awaken
the patient. If the patient does not
respond to the alarm they WILL be
awakened. Quickly the patient learns to
release the biting force to eliminate the
alarm sound, allowing for uninterrupted
sleep.
Patients stop clenching and grinding to
get uninterrupted sleep. The sleeping
brain, is capable of responding to signals
and modifying ingrained patterns of
behavior. After the first couple of days
you will seldom hear the alarm because the
response is so quick you will not be
awakened.
When clenching and grinding is stopped the
muscles relax, the joints are off loaded,
and the symptoms of TMJ go away as the
joint is allowed to heal.
Biofeedback is safe & effective,
non-invasive and reversible.
EQUIPMENT SELECTION
There are several biofeedback products that
Will meet the needs of the TMJ patients.
The OralSensor biofeedback system or
anti-bruxing appliance system is
designed specifically for the TMJ patient
to control nighttime clenching and
grinding of the teeth.
The product is safe and effective. OralSensor
is easy to use and low cost. OralSensor may
be purchased directly by the TMJ patient on-line.
OralSensor can be fit and used by the patient at
home without the costly supervision of a dentist
or doctor.
OralSensor Personal Trainer
Model No.: 3700
Type Device: Biofeedback, Appliance, Anti-Bruxing Appliance
Manufacturer: Cycura Corporation
TREATMENT PROTOCOL
Just as important as the right piece
of equipment is the treatment protocol.
To cure your TMJ problems use the right
equipment, follow the correct protocol,
and have appropriate expectations.
TREATMENT LENGTH
Treatment will consist of nightly use for
60-90+ days. Treatment length will vary
between patients. Factors that affect
treatment length include how long you have had
TMJ, your specific TMJ symptoms, and how
quickly you respond to behavior modification.
Consistent nightly use will promote rapid
Treatment progress. Skipping nights will
slow your progress.
SYMPTOM RELIEF
Symptomatic relief may start as quickly
as the first night of use. Typically
patients receive symptom relief somewhere
between the 2nd and 6th week of use.
At the end of week 6 additional TMJ
treatment for remaining symptoms is
recommended, Step 3.
One of the important lessons learned is
that once symptom relief has been
obtained you MUST continue use an
additional 4-6 weeks. The additional 4-6
weeks provides the long-term benefit so
symptoms do not return. Patients that DO
NOT go the additional 4-6 weeks will
return to prior condition within 2 weeks.
Nighttime use is all that is required.
The nighttime retraining cares over into
the day. You will catch yourself and be
able to control any daytime habit.
Be sure to do the extra 4-6 weeks after
symptom relief.
Effort Required
Changing bruxing habits will take effort
and determination by the user. The first
week will be the most difficult. Start
off slowly and build until you can use
the equipment throughout the night.
Don't be discouraged, keep going, and
don't quit.
PAIN AND SYMPTOM FREE
At the end of the 4-step program you
should be pain and symptom free.
JUST THE FACTS
FACT: In-office biofeedback training does
not work for TMJ symptoms caused by
nocturnal bruxism.
FACT: Nighttime use of biofeedback is
required to modify nocturnal clenching
and grinding habits (bruxism).
FACT: Nighttime biofeedback training will
last at least 6-12 weeks.
FACT: Continued use, 4-6 weeks beyond
symptomatic relief is required to obtain
long term benefits.
FACT: Patient who have had, in office
relaxation training respond quicker to
nighttime biofeedback use.
FACT: Biofeedback retraining to break the
bruxing habit takes effort and commitment.
FACT: Biofeedback will cost more money.
FACT: Patients quickly learn to respond to
the biofeedback alarm without being awakened.
FACT: Patients report better sleep, and
being more rested while using biofeedback
alarm to control bruxism.
FACT: Once bruxism is under control
additional care may be required to
eliminate remaining TMJ symptoms.
Get serious about the Four-Step Program.
Do Not skip steps.
Effort and expense will be
required to start over and get it right.
To cure TMJ you must follow each step in
order. Some steps may require repeating
prior treatment that was not performed in
the correct order.
Four-Step Program
Step 1- Exam/Evaluation
Step 2- Control Clenching & Grinding
Step 3- Secondary Treatment
Step 4- Invasive care
FACT: Getting better may mean starting
all over again.
Where patients -
Become Their Own Solution
kata
06-12-2003, 10:12 PM
Does anyone take anything at night - like valium or sleeping pill that they find helps their grinding?
Just wondering - because I just went back on xanax at night and my husband said "he doesnt hear me as loud" - very flattering I know.
My grinding goes in spurts - either terrible or just bad.
I tried zoloft but that made me wired and really increased it.
Just wondering - because I just went back on xanax at night and my husband said "he doesnt hear me as loud" - very flattering I know.
My grinding goes in spurts - either terrible or just bad.
I tried zoloft but that made me wired and really increased it.
CherylLynn24
06-12-2003, 10:55 PM
Good Heavens!!!!
After a full week of NO SLEEP, due to this alarm, I'd probably go into a fit of rage and destroy the thing!!!! LOL
Cheryl
After a full week of NO SLEEP, due to this alarm, I'd probably go into a fit of rage and destroy the thing!!!! LOL
Cheryl
PINKYPRISCILLA
06-13-2003, 01:58 PM
there are acredited "specialists" who do exist.
CherylLynn24
12-29-2003, 10:18 PM
bump for Michelle W.
Here's the thread where this was discussed in the past....I think that this is what you're referring to. ??
Here's the thread where this was discussed in the past....I think that this is what you're referring to. ??
Arleen
12-29-2003, 11:09 PM
Hi:
Often, grinding is caused by malocclusion - the teeth are trying to find the proper bite. So, while this device might wake you up at night and momentarily stop you from grinding, the real problem isn't being addressed. I realize malocclusion isn't a problem for everyone. I'm speaking from my personal experience.
Take care,
Arleen
Often, grinding is caused by malocclusion - the teeth are trying to find the proper bite. So, while this device might wake you up at night and momentarily stop you from grinding, the real problem isn't being addressed. I realize malocclusion isn't a problem for everyone. I'm speaking from my personal experience.
Take care,
Arleen
sunshine123
12-29-2003, 11:13 PM
Does anyone take anything at night - like valium or sleeping pill that they find helps their grinding?
Just wondering - because I just went back on xanax at night and my husband said "he doesnt hear me as loud" - very flattering I know.
My grinding goes in spurts - either terrible or just bad.
I tried zoloft but that made me wired and really increased it.
Hi kata: I take a low dose of Xanax before bed, but my bite is really bad so I still manage to clench and grind on my splint. I recently started taking Flexeril at night too. I had tried Valium, but it didn't relax me at all. Sue
Just wondering - because I just went back on xanax at night and my husband said "he doesnt hear me as loud" - very flattering I know.
My grinding goes in spurts - either terrible or just bad.
I tried zoloft but that made me wired and really increased it.
Hi kata: I take a low dose of Xanax before bed, but my bite is really bad so I still manage to clench and grind on my splint. I recently started taking Flexeril at night too. I had tried Valium, but it didn't relax me at all. Sue
Michelle W
12-31-2003, 01:36 AM
Has anyone tried this?
saaraah
12-31-2003, 11:26 AM
Thanks for posting that article. It's really interesting. I was wondering too (I'm still learning!) if the splints aren't supposed to stop the bruxism, what do they do?
Heidi
as with all things TMJD related, there's controversy over the efficacy of splints. even if the nighttime splint doesnt stop the bruxing, it at least protects the teeth from damage by the clenching and grinding - the teeth will be protected from being ground down or chipping.
- saaraah.
Heidi
as with all things TMJD related, there's controversy over the efficacy of splints. even if the nighttime splint doesnt stop the bruxing, it at least protects the teeth from damage by the clenching and grinding - the teeth will be protected from being ground down or chipping.
- saaraah.
GenDen
12-31-2003, 02:05 PM
I would like to know if anyone has had success using biofeedback to control bruxing. Four years ago, with the assistance of a physical therapist, I paid $600 for a biofeedback device. I put the electrode pads on my masseter muscle and wore it to bed. When there was electrical activity in the muscle, the device beeped. At first, it kept me awake most of the night. Every time I turned over or moved my mouth it beeped. After a while I slept through the beep, but it didn't keep me from bruxing. Stress reduction and correcting my bite has been more successful, but sometimes I do brux. I have been doing well until during the holidays--guess too much stress. If anyone has the solution to bruxing, I would really like to know.
DianeTMJ
12-31-2003, 02:32 PM
Good morning -
Thank you so much for feedback on your experience with this device. I have been curious about this device, wondering if anyone had tried it out. I had a funny feeling that it would do just that.
Thanks Genden
HOpe you have a safe Happy New Year
Diane
Thank you so much for feedback on your experience with this device. I have been curious about this device, wondering if anyone had tried it out. I had a funny feeling that it would do just that.
Thanks Genden
HOpe you have a safe Happy New Year
Diane