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TMJ Splint Therapy

If you have pain in your jaw muscles that makes it hard to eat or speak, you might have a TMJ disorder. Think of it like having bad posture. When you have bad posture, it can cause shoulder and back pain that won't go away until you strengthen your muscles and learn to sit up straight. 


With TMJ disorders, poor alignment of your jaws can cause painful symptoms that will keep coming back until the underlying cause is handled, such as:

  • Stiffness
  • Headaches
  • Ear pain
  • Jaw pain
  • Trouble chewing
  • Locked jaw

There are effective nonsurgical treatment options to relieve your jaw pain, two of which are splint therapy and the Vivos DNA appliance. But what are these treatments, and what is the difference between them? Keep reading to find out more and learn how these two treatments can improve your TMJ symptoms.

What Are TMJ Disorders?

Your temporomandibular joints (TMJs) are the joints that connect your jaw to your skull. You have two of these joints, one located in front of each of your ears on either side of your jaw. They extend from about your temple to your mandible (your lower jaw). These joints are important for proper jaw function, such as chewing your food or speaking. But sometimes you can develop problems with your TMJ that can impact your quality of life.


Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMDs) are conditions where one or both of your TMJs have been strained or injured. These conditions can be caused by many different factors, and they often happen when something puts repeated stress on your joints, such as:

  • Arthritis
  • Jaw injury
  • Stress in life
  • Teeth grinding (bruxism)
  • Clenching your jaw
  • Improper jaw alignment

TMJ dysfunction is characterized by painful symptoms that can disrupt your daily life, such as: 


  • Limited jaw movement
  • Pain that radiates through your face, jaw, or neck
  • Headaches
  • Pain in or around your ear
  • Muscle tension
  • Locking of the jaw
  • Difficulty or pain when chewing


There are several different treatments for temporomandibular joint problems, including medication, physical therapy, and surgery. There are also two trusted, noninvasive treatment options that can help relieve your TMJ pain. These treatment options are splint therapy and the Vivos DNA appliance. 

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What Is Splint Therapy?

A splint for treating temporomandibular joint dysfunction is a removable oral appliance that looks similar to a mouthguard. It is custom-made to fit the shape of your upper or lower teeth. Different types of splints help to relieve TMJ symptoms in different ways. Splint therapy is when you use a splint as directed by your dentist in order to relieve temporomandibular joint dysfunction.

  • A Stabilization Splint

    will help to reduce tooth grinding (or reduce both tooth grinding and clenching, depending on the specific splint you use). This can allow your jaw muscles and temporomandibular joint to relax, which helps relieve the pain. Stabilization splints are usually worn at night while you sleep. 

  • A Repositioning splint

    will adjust the alignment of your jaws to reduce the strain on your TMJ, reduce the muscle tension, and relieve your symptoms. It is typically worn all day.

  • Occlusal Splints

    can both reduce teeth grinding and support the temporomandibular joints to provide pain relief for TMJ disorders.

Depending on the specific splint you use, and for what purpose, it may cover all of your teeth or a select few of your teeth in order to manage your TMJ symptoms. 


However, TMJ splint therapy is not a long-term cure for the dysfunctions causing your pain. While dental splints are a good tool for managing your symptoms, they will only work for as long as they are being used. When you stop using your splint, the TMJ pain will likely come back. 

What Is the Vivos DNA Appliance?

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The Vivos Daytime-Nighttime Appliance (DNA) is a removable oral appliance that looks similar to a retainer. It is custom-made to fit the shape of your teeth, and it is designed to move your lower jaw into proper alignment with your upper jaw. When you wear it as prescribed, the DNA appliance will reduce the tension and stress on your TMJ and relieve your painful symptoms. 


Unlike splint therapy, the Vivos DNA appliance can actually encourage your jaw to grow forward and widen your hard palate. These changes, though small, are enough to ensure your TMJs rest in the correct position. When your TMJs and jaw are in proper alignment, daily activities like eating and speaking put less stress on the joints. This relieves the painful symptoms of TMJ dysfunction.  


Treatment with a DNA appliance is also temporary, but has a permanent solution. You will wear the appliance as directed for 12–24 months. When your treatment is complete, your jaw will be properly aligned and you will no longer need to wear the appliance. This is because the DNA appliance treats the underlying cause instead of just managing the symptoms. 

The Difference Between DNA Appliance Theraphy and Occlusional Splint Therapy

While DNA appliances and occlusal splints sound similar, there are key differences between them that you should consider if you have TMJ pain:

DNA Appliance Therapy

  • Treats the cause
  • Looks like a retainer
  • Discreet
  • Treatment with finite end
  • Permanent solution

Occlusal Splint Therapy

  • Treats the symptoms
  • Looks like a mouth guard
  • Noticeable
  • Indefinite treatment time
  • Temporary fix

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Which Treatment Does Dr. Maryam Seifi Recommend?

Dr. Maryam Seifi at Breath of Life Dental has experience with both splint therapy and Vivos DNA appliance therapy. While splint therapy can be a good tool for relieving acute TMJ pain, Dr. Seifi generally prefers to use DNA appliance therapy for her patients with TMJ disorders. 


  • The design of the DNA appliance is lightweight and more discreet.
  • Most patients finish their treatment within 12–24 months.
  • DNA appliance therapy addresses the causes of TMJ pain.
  • It is a noninvasive, nonsurgical solution to TMJ disorders.
  • It works in patients of all ages, even children.
  • It's a permanent solution that's easy to use.


Dr. Seifi has seen countless patients achieve life changing results with Vivos DNA appliance therapy. She is dedicated to helping the people in our community be freed from TMJ pain, and she will work with you to ensure you get the most out of your treatment.

Treatment for TMJ Dysfunction in North Bethesda, MD

You don't have to power through TMJ pain! Breath of Life Dental in North Bethesda has simple, effective treatment options available to relieve your symptoms and improve your quality of life. Our team is ready to help you handle your TMJ pain for good. 


The first step of your journey to better oral health is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Maryam Seifi for Vivos DNA appliance therapy. Your pain relief awaits!


Call our office at (301) 818-2653 to schedule your consultation today!

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