Help Your Patients Who Have TMJD With The Mora Appliance

Do patients tell you that the muscles that open and close your jaw often feel tight or painful? Upwards of 10 million Americans are estimated to suffer from temporomandibular joint and muscle disorders, (TMJD). The pain of TMJD has been known to cause lingering pain in the face, neck, and shoulders and to even trigger debilitating migraines.

While researchers are still struggling to understand exactly what causes TMJD, your dentist may be able to help relieve your pain. If your patient's TMJD is the result of misaligned teeth, the solution may be as simple as prescribing an oral device that can help shift the teeth back into alignment.

One oral appliance in particular that can address TMJD is the MORA appliance. The MORA appliance works kind of like a retainer, slipping an acrylic shield over the back teeth to help the molars align correctly.

The appliance itself is simple and elegant. It consists of clear acrylic bite pads covering the molars and bicuspids connected by a heavy, oval lingual bar. Usually the laboratory furnishes the basic appliance with minimal occlusal coverage and the operator establishes the correct neuromuscular and optimal condylar-fossae relationship directly on the patient using cold cure acrylic. Through use of a Verticulator and a very precise wax construction bite, it is possible to complete the entire appliance in the laboratory. Note - Besides being used to treat TMJ pain and dysfunction, there has been much interest of late in the use of the repositioning appliance to release or enhance strength in athletes.

Click here If you are interested in learning more about dental solutions would help your patients with TMJD pain using the MORA Appliance.