TMJ and Night Grinding

I got TMJ about 2 years ago while playing football. I then started grinding my teeth. I have a night guard but my teeth tend to move (grind) laterly (like moving my mouth side to side i.e. left and right not up and down. This causes my ear to ring etc..

I think I need a mouth guard that can hold both my upper and lower teeth in place and keep them from moving. After reading your reviews it seems to me that the TMJ appliance may help do this. What are your thoughts? Would you recommend that night guard or the smart guard that you rated highest.

Thanks for all the info.

Sincerly,
Cesar Garza

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TMJ and Night Grinding

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by: Cesar Garza

Thank you for the advice..I will order the guard and let you know how it goes.

Thanks again,
Cesar
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starstarstarstarstar 		Grinding/moving teeth
by: Dr. Spainhower

Hello Cesar,

I would use the SmartGuard.

The reasons are because the TMJ Appliance is designed to reduce pain, that is does. But, it also promotes clenching. The TMJ Appliance does not "hold" your teeth snug. You will still grind side to side and the teeth will not be able to recover from moving.

The SmartGuard does not allow your back teeth to touch anything at all (opposing teeth or the guard). It is a front tooth Anterior deprogramming appliance, so only your front 6 upper teeth and the lower 6 teeth will only contact the guard, with the bottom teeth moving freely and are not fixed in one static position. The back teeth touch nothing, and nothing is good for TMJ/Grinders at night.

Hope this helps.

Dr. Spainhower

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