Restorative

TMJ & Sports Guards

Custom-fitted guards to relieve TMJ pain and protect your smile during sports. We create comfortable, effective solutions for jaw disorders and athletic protection.

A dentist performing a thorough dental examination on an adult male patient in a clinic.

Relief from Jaw Pain and Protection for Your Smile

More than fifteen percent of American adults suffer from chronic facial pain. If you experience pain in or around your ear, tenderness in your jaw, clicking or popping noises when opening your mouth, or frequent headaches and neck aches, you may have a TMJ disorder.

Understanding TMJ Disorders

Two joints and several jaw muscles make it possible to open and close your mouth. These structures include muscles and ligaments, as well as the jaw bone and the mandible (lower jaw) with two joints—the TMJs. These TM joints work together to allow you to chew, speak, and open and close your mouth comfortably.

Any problem that prevents this complex system of muscles, ligaments, discs, and bones from working together properly may result in a painful TMJ disorder.

How We Can Help

We can help identify the source of your pain with a thorough exam and appropriate x-rays. Treatments may include stress-reducing exercises, muscle relaxants, or wearing a custom mouth protector to prevent teeth grinding (TMJ guard). These approaches have been successful for many of our patients, and we'll recommend which option is best for you.

Custom Sports Guards for Athletes

Sports guards are resilient plastic appliances designed to cover and encase your teeth, gums, and the bone that supports them. When worn during athletic activities, a guard helps protect both the hard tissues (teeth and jaw) and soft tissues (lips, cheeks, gums) of your mouth by absorbing and redistributing the forces generated by traumatic blows.

Using impressions of your teeth, we create a custom-fit sports guard to help prevent sports-related dental trauma. Our custom guards offer superior protection and comfort compared to over-the-counter options, and they come in an assortment of team colors so you can show your spirit while staying safe.

How it works

Comprehensive Examination

We perform a thorough exam and take appropriate x-rays to identify the source of your jaw pain or assess your need for athletic protection.

Custom Impressions

We take precise impressions of your teeth to ensure your guard fits comfortably and works effectively.

Guard Fabrication

Your custom TMJ or sports guard is carefully crafted to your exact specifications, with sports guards available in your choice of team colors.

Fitting & Adjustments

We ensure your guard fits properly and comfortably, making any necessary adjustments so you'll actually want to wear it.

Common questions

How do I know if I have a TMJ disorder?+

Common symptoms include pain in or around the ear, tenderness of the jaw, clicking or popping noises when opening your mouth, headaches, and neck aches. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, we can perform an exam to determine if TMJ disorder is the cause.

Why should I get a custom sports guard instead of buying one at the store?+

Custom sports guards created from impressions of your teeth offer superior fit, comfort, and protection compared to over-the-counter options. Because they fit precisely, you're more likely to wear them consistently, and they provide better protection for your teeth, gums, and jaw during impact.

Will a TMJ guard really help with my jaw pain?+

TMJ guards have been successful for many patients in relieving pain caused by teeth grinding and jaw clenching. During your exam, we'll determine if a guard is the right solution for your specific situation and may also recommend stress-reducing exercises or other treatments.

Get in touch — Somerset, NJ

Ready when you are — let's get you smiling.

New patients are always welcome. Give us a call, and we'll find a time that fits — gentle care, honest answers, no pressure.

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