Splint Therapy for TMJ pain
Dr. Stephanie Vondrak is credentialed in TMJ Therapy and the treatment of head and neck pain. She has completed over 1,000 hours of advanced education in TMJ treatment and holds Fellowship Status with the American Academy of Craniofacial Pain. In addition, Dr. Vondrak has pursued advanced dental training focused on Temporomandibular Joint Disorders, occlusion (bite), Sleep Disordered Breathing, Orthodontics, and Dental Facial Orthopedics.
Understanding Your TMJ Symptoms
TMJ pain is different for each individual. Some people feel pain in their jaw joints but more commonly, individuals experience pain in their face, ears, shoulders or neck. Often TMJ pain causes headaches across the forehead, at the temples or in the occipital region (back of the head). Explaining the type of pain you are experiencing and the location of your pain or headaches will help Dr. Vondrak determine your diagnosis and treatment options.
Some patients do not qualify their symptoms as “painful.” These individuals usually describe feeling tension or tiredness in their jaws especially in the mornings, saying, “It is too much work to chew their food”. These symptoms are important to Dr. Stephanie Vondrak as well. Dr. Vondrak’s goal is to understand what you, the patient, is experiencing, how and when these symptoms occur and for how long they have been bothering you. With a detailed history, Dr. Vondrak will begin to assess your specific TMJ needs and the treatment options that are right for you.
Treatment Options for TMJ Pain
Botox/Xeomin Injections For TMJ Pain
Xeomin is a purified form of Botox. Botox and Xeomin are made of the same neurotoxin called Botulinum Toxin A. Xeomin/Botox prevents muscle contraction by inhibiting neurotransmitter release. When used to control pain, Xeomin is injected in hyperactive, sore muscles. The injected muscles then relax and feel better. This is called a therapeutic off-label use of Xeomin. Therapeutic Xeomin injections are effective in decreasing headaches and controlling pain in muscles of the face, head, neck and shoulders. At the same time muscles relax, wrinkles will disappear. How? By inhibiting muscle contraction, the skin will lay smooth achieving a nice esthetic result!
Custom Repositioning Splints
At Vondrak Dental, we understand that many of our patients have been looking for answers to their TMJ/head and neck pain for many years. We understand the desire to feel better quickly and to maintain health. With that in mind, all Repositioning Splints are made in-house by Dr. Vondrak and her team for accuracy and effective results, decreasing jaw tension, stabilizing the disc and jaw position, and increasing the range of motion of the jaws. Most patients report the severity of their symptoms are reduced by more than 50% in just 3 weeks of treatment. If you have been suffering with TMJ symptoms, a custom splint may be the right answer to help you feel better. Please call with any questions today.
Cold Laser Therapy
At Vondrak Dental, we offer MLS or Cold Laser therapy. MLS stands for Multiwave Locked System laser and it is used to reduce inflammation and trigger cellular healing responses—without heating or damaging tissue. The laser gently massages your sore facial muscles, muscles of mastication (chewing muscles) or neck and shoulder muscles to decrease inflammation, pain and soreness. These appointments are quick and easy. Please let us know if you are interested in Cold Laser Therapy today.
TMJ Splint Therapy
During active TMJ or TMD treatment, many patients wear their splint full time to help gently hold the jaw in a stable, healing position. After this phase is complete, most transition to wearing a nighttime appliance—similar to a retainer—to support ongoing joint health and maintain long-term comfort.
Our Promise to Our Patients
We are dedicated to providing compassionate, patient-focused care. Our goal is to guide you to lasting relief, ensuring you always feel heard and respected. We will explain each step and answer your questions, keeping you fully involved in your care plan.
- We take the time to clearly explain your treatment and listen to your concerns.
- We will adjust your therapy based on your feedback and progress.
- We want you to feel better without TMJ pain!
