nightguard - TMJ Disorder -TemporoMandibular Joint Message Board

s cubed · 07-03-2007, 08:25 AM

Any one buy an otc nightguard and had success with it? I was just looking them up on line and they all say do not use if you have been diagnosed with tmj. Doesn't make sense to me unless they want you to see a specialist and spend oodles of money. It says use if grinding , clicking ect. which is tmj. Right? confused.

Thelma-Louise · 07-03-2007, 12:52 PM

The OTC guards are basically used to protect teeth from the affects of grinding and clenching - they prevent the teeth ridges from becoming rounded or flattened so you maintain proper occlusion which helps keep the upper and lower jaws aligned . Although they may help ease some of the more milder symptoms of tmj they do not correct a tmj related problem if one eixsts which is why they say they are not meant for tmj sufferers. I believe they are meant to be worn by those who know they grind or clench their teeth or occasionally hear clicking but have no other tmj related symptoms.

holly1975 · 07-05-2007, 11:04 AM

Been there, done that! I bought 2 very nice football type mouthguards that you boil to fit in your mouth. All that did was trigger a flare up from all the flexing and strong sucking motion you have to make. I am going to have a dentist make mine.

zeal5827 · 07-10-2007, 10:22 PM

I have TMJ triggered mostly by stress, and I have tried several OTC nightguard products for grinding and also noticed the warnings. I did some research and this is an FDA thing because they are not specific for TMJ; however grinding and clenching can cause tension in the jaw as well as headaches. I found that most of these are simple use, but some have multiple sizes etc, and it is hard to decide which is right to use and can be a pain, however I did notice at a store the other day, maybe CVS or Wal Mart, the other day that there is a one size fits all now, which I am going to try next time...