Clenching Can Show Up Far From the Jaw
Marlene says she suffered for many years with jaw clenching, severe headaches, neck and shoulder aches, and locking of her jaw. She often woke up at night in discomfort.
She had mentioned it to her medical physician and her chiropractor, who tried a few things, but in her words nothing really helped until she brought it up with her dentist. He explained a custom splint he could make, and she decided to try it.
Clenching and grinding can strain the jaw joints and the muscles of the head, neck and shoulders, which is why jaw problems are often felt well beyond the mouth. A custom oral appliance is a non-invasive, reversible way to begin addressing it.
Marlene says she has worn her splint every night for at least six years, with a few adjustments along the way. She describes practically no pain anymore, and says that when she recently went without it for a few days, the jaw locking, headache and neck pain came right back. Results vary from person to person, and every case starts with an evaluation.
Marlene describes the process as non-invasive and easy: a mold of the mouth, a splint made to fit, and she puts it in each night. She says, "I miss it when I don't have it," and wanted to thank Dr. Fernandez again.