Splint Therapy

Service Description

Splint Therapy is completed over a period of months and is similar to "physical therapy" for the jaws. Splint therapy involves wearing a custom-made splint to relax muscles and correct jaw position. Dr. Vondrak personally designs and fabricates all splints in her office with the goal of stabilizing the oral system and eliminating pain. Splints are designed to meet the needs of your specific diagnosis. For example, if you have a displaced disc an ARS (Anterior Repositioning Splint) may be recommended to re-position your jaw in an attempt to re-position your displaced disc. If your diagnosis is muscle related, a "stress reducing splint" may be recommended to decrease the forces on your muscles allowing relaxation and pain relief. Types of Splints that may be recommended include: ARS (Anterior Repositioning Splints), MAGO (Maxillary Anterior Guidance Orthotic), Flat plane splints, Tanner appliances, Thermoflex protective guards, NTI-like splints, or a combination of the above. Many patients wear splints 24 hours a day during active TMJ therapy for the purpose of stabilizing the jaws in a "healing position." Once splint therapy is complete, patients often wear a nighttime appliance only like a retainer to maintain the health of their TMJs. The length of Splint therapy is usually 4-6 months. Dr. Stephanie Vondrak will review the details of your diagnosis and treatment length depending on your specific needs. During your splint visits, we will assess the following: the fit and effectiveness of your splint(s), improvements in ROM (range of motion), improvements in muscle health, and a decrease in overall symptoms. Adjunct therapies like spray and stretch or lidocaine trigger point injections may be completed as well. Dr. Stephanie Vondrak may ask you to complete a diet or exercise log if she feels this will help you achieve a better long-term result. Additionally, you may be given home exercises designed to improve posture and range of motion. HEAT THERAPY AND RELAXATION TECHNIQUES At Vondrak Dental, we provide a comfortable quiet atmosphere to allow you to relax and concentrate on feeling better. We understand the stresses of daily life and how stress is a contributing factor to headaches, and jaw pain. Through heat therapy and relaxation techniques, we can help you feel better and progress through your splint therapy with excellent results. Adjunct treatments to ease muscle pain are also provided.

Contact Details

• 1048 North 204th Avenue , Omaha, Nebraska 68022, USA

  + (402) 289-2313

  info@drvondrak.com