TMD Questions

My previous dentist made a bite guard for me that did not work. Can you improve on it?

We find the majority of orthotic bite splint therapy (bite guards) made today for treating TMD problems are poorly designed or not well adjusted. They fail to encourage optimal muscle relaxation and inflammation reduction.

A bite guard’s design, how well adjusted it is to minimize stress on teeth and muscles, and the frequency of use over time are all critical to success for your treatment.

If you currently have a bite guard made by someone else which is not helpful, please bring it with you so that Dr. Raymond can assess its design. It may not be that the orthotic is “not working for me”. Another design may work better.

Can I buy an athletic mouthguard at a store and treat this problem myself?

That could make the problem worse. Your mouthguard needs to be precisely designed for your individual bite. That is the secret of an effective mouthguard.

What other treatments are there for TMJ problems besides mouth guards?

Each case is unique, and a thorough examination and accurate diagnosis are the initial requirements for effective treatment. The goal is to reposition the jaw joints to their correct and healthy position for the long term, and Dr. Raymond will design all your dental treatment to work in harmony with that proper alignment.

Some people need nothing beyond bite guard therapy. Others require us to access the function of the person’s natural bite and perhaps make improvements to it one way or another. People who have “unstable” or “dysfunctional” natural bites often experience recurrence of TMD problems, if they stop bite guard therapy. Improvement of an individual’s natural bite may be the most predictable way to achieve this goal. We will discuss the possibility of improving the function of your natural bite, if it appears to be an appropriate choice for you.

Will treatment for TMJ problems be covered under my insurance?

In some cases, medical insurance plans may cover some of the costs of treatment for TMJ disorders. We will submit to your insurance carrier all of the diagnostic and treatment codes necessary for them to reimburse you, to the extent of your coverage.

If your medical insurance plan does not cover conservative TMD treatment strategies (orthotic bite splint therapy), then you may be able to file for limited coverage under your dental insurance plan.

In either case we will work with you to gain maximum reimbursement from your insurance. We believe in doing what is best for our patients. We will recommend what is in your best interest for excellent health, independent of what insurance will or will not pay. The total fee is the patient’s responsibility, independent of insurance coverage.

What happens to the 5% of patients who are not successfully treated via professionally designed and managed orthotic appliances?

We recommend further steps to help you, if you are not getting relief. This may involve other medical tests, imaging (MRI), physical therapy, or referrals to other specialists.

If you are suffering from symptoms of TMD in the Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota area, please contact us today to schedule your free initial consultation. We treat the cause of TMD, not just the symptoms. Relief can be just a phone call away.