TMJ/TMD Treatment in North Royalton | Broadview | Heights | Strongsville, OH

Once diagnosed with TMD, treatment consists of 3 steps:

Step 1

Dr. Stephen Sala can relieve muscle spasms and pain without medication or surgery with the use of ultra-low frequency TENS, providing a temporary TMD splint, as well as Photobiomodulation with (LLLT) Low-level Laser Therapy.

Step 2

Stabilize your bite with dental orthopedics. An orthotic is a clear, precisely fitted device that sits on your lower teeth. This allows for easy adjustments to the material without adjusting the teeth until the bite has been stabilized. The MORA is worn full-time, day and night, and also when eating. It is only removed for routine oral hygiene to allow for complete healing to occur. This process can typically take anywhere between 6-12 months before it is prudent to proceed to Phase Two of TMD Therapy.

Step 3

Physical Therapy may be required in conjunction with your Step 2 treatment to correct any underlying structural issues that might prohibit alleviation from overt symptomology.

Once symptoms are relieved and the bite has been stabilized, it’s crucial to move to phase 2 treatments so that you don’t have to wear an appliance long-term or potentially ‘for the rest of your life.’ 

There are 3 ways we can provide TMD services:

Orthodontics (Braces)

When you have healthy teeth, they may be moved to the optimal position using braces. Treatment with traditional braces (not clear aligners) will prevent any healthy tooth structure from needing to be removed. Dr. Sala can prepare a comprehensive treatment plan to help you achieve the best results and give you a healthy, beautiful smile.

Removable Overlay Partials

In contrast to the temporary orthotics in the phase 1 treatment, these are permanent orthotics that usually fit over the back teeth and are designed to maintain an aligned bite. They are a reversible and relatively inexpensive treatment for severely worn teeth made like a partial denture with a metal framework and plastic teeth.

Reconstruction

If your bite has changed from broken or damaged teeth, this approach involves making the teeth taller/higher by adding porcelain or composite to the biting surfaces of the teeth, allowing your teeth to touch in a more comfortable position. This permanently realigns the bite and provides structural support for the jaw.