I have TMJ. I’ve heard that you can a store bought mouthpiece much cheaper than the one at the dentist’s office. Do they work?
Sarah B. – Oklahoma
Sarah,
If your need a mouthguard, the ones in the drug store will be better than nothing at all, but they do not work nearly as well as the one you get with your dentist.
The store bought one will give you three options in sizes: small, medium, large, and a one size fits all. The one your dentist will provide for you is custom fit to your mouth.
If you’re a tooth grinder, your likely to grind through them fairly quickly. It also won’t be able tip your lower jaw into position if your TMJ requires that type of treatment.
It boils down to what your TMJ needs. i’d at least speak with a TMJ dentist to determine the severity of your case and prescribe the correct treatment for it. The office can help you understand the cost of treatment and you can make a decision based on that.
This blog is brought to you by Grosse Pointe Woods Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Theodore Hadgis.