TMJ Splint in Denver, CO

Many people slip into the habit of saying “I have TMJ” when their jaw feels tight, sore, or uncooperative. It is an easy phrase, but technically, it only means you have a joint that every person uses countless times a day. The problem is not its existence, but how it functions. When the joint loses its smooth rhythm or the surrounding muscles stay tense, the entire system starts to work against you instead of with you. Dr. Donald Rice evaluates how your jaw moves, identifies where the imbalance begins, and offers solutions that support healthier function. When the joint and its supporting muscles stop working in harmony, symptoms start to surface. A TMJ splint often helps calm this system by reducing stress on the joint and giving it the support it needs to work smoothly again.

TMJ vs. TMD: Understanding the Difference

TMJ Splint in Denver, CO | Treatment for TMD Symptoms

Everyone has a temporomandibular joint on each side of the jaw. You rely on these joints every time you speak, chew, or move your jaw from side to side. They work as a hinge-and-glide system that connects your lower jaw to your skull. Its structure gives you an impressive range of motion.

The temporomandibular joint is one of the most active and complex joints in the body because it coordinates with muscles, ligaments, and nerves throughout the face and head. When everything functions smoothly, the joint moves without stiffness or discomfort. When something disrupts this balance, though, symptoms can begin to show.

That is where the distinction between the joint itself and a disorder becomes important. A “TMJ disorder,” often shortened to TMD, describes a set of conditions that interfere with the joint’s normal function.

Signs and Symptoms of TMD

TMD affects the way the jaw joint and nearby muscles work together. When this system strains or slips out of balance, the signs often show up in how your jaw feels, moves, and responds throughout the day. These changes can surface gradually or become more pronounced when you are stressed, clenching your teeth, or putting extra strain on your jaw

Common symptoms and effects of TMD include:

  • Pain or soreness in the jaw during chewing, speaking, or opening your mouth
  • Discomfort around the ear, cheek, or temples
  • Clicking or popping sounds when the jaw moves
  • A sensation of the jaw catching, sticking, or locking during movement
  • Headaches that concentrate in the temples or eye region
  • Tension or aching in the neck or shoulders
  • A shift in how your teeth meet when you bite

Making Your TMJ Splint

A TMJ splint must fit your bite accurately, so the process starts with a careful look at how your jaw moves. Dr. Rice evaluates your jaw position, checks for muscle tension, and identifies the type of splint that will support healthier function. His goal is to guide your jaw into a position that reduces strain and promotes smoother movement.

To gather the information needed, Dr. Rice takes impressions of your upper and lower teeth. These records are turned into physical or digital models that show the exact shape of your bite. This step helps him plan a splint that supports the way your jaw naturally opens, closes, and shifts.

Once the models are ready, fabrication begins. A sheet of acrylic or thermoplastic material is heated until it softens, then molded over the model of your teeth using controlled pressure. This technique helps the material adapt to the contours of your bite. The splint is then trimmed, polished, and smoothed so it feels comfortable when you place it in your mouth.

When the device is finished, you return to the office for a fitting. Dr. Rice checks how your teeth contact the splint and adjusts the surface so your jaw can move evenly without unnecessary strain.

Choosing the Right TMJ Splint

TMJ splints come in several forms, each with a specific purpose. The most common option is the stabilization splint, often called a flat-plane splint or night guard. It covers either the upper or lower teeth and provides a stable surface for the jaw to rest on. This type of splint helps your muscles relax, limits teeth grinding, and reduces strain on the temporomandibular joint while you sleep.

Another category includes repositioning splints, which guide the lower jaw into a different position. These are typically used when Dr. Rice needs to help recapture a clicking disc or create a more functional jaw relationship. Because these devices influence how the jaw sits, they require careful monitoring and short-term use.

Across all these options, the purpose remains consistent. Each splint works by supporting or modifying how your jaw fits together so the joint and surrounding muscles can work with less strain. Some splints stabilize, some reposition, and others help the muscles relax. Even though their designs differ, they share the same goal: to improve joint function and reduce TMD symptoms through mechanical support and better alignment.

Explore Comfortable Solutions for TMD Symptoms

TMD symptoms can interfere with your daily comfort, from the way you chew to how your jaw feels when you wake up. A custom TMJ splint can relieve pressure, improve function, and help restore balance to your bite. Book a free consultation to learn more about how personalized splint therapy can support your jaw health and ease your symptoms.