"Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disease and temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) are interchangeable. TMJ can be caused by stress produced emotionally or physically through trauma, a damaged or diseased joint or disc, or by abnormal growth. One or a combination of physical and psychological therapies may work to alleviate the condition.

TMJ is somewhat self-limiting and often is alleviated with time, and adjusting an occlusion (a patient's bite) has no scientific support to show that it is effective. However, while I have no scientific proof that 'splint therapy' works, I can tell you that my clinical experience has been that using a mandibular orthopedic repositioning appliance (splint) has been helpful to nearly every patient. The splint reduces muscle spasms caused by muscle strain generated by chewing with a less than desirable bite, spasms that are worsened by psychological stress.

If you have any questions about TMJ/TMD, please call. I would be happy to discuss any aspect of it with you."