When Westchester TMJ dentist, Dr. Wanda Mejia, provides TMJ treatment, she does so in phases—two, to be exact. Every patient will not follow the exact same treatment plan. However, most TMJ sufferers move through similar treatment phases.

The severity of your TMJ determines how long you remain in each phase. Some patients progress faster, while others require additional time.

With Dr. Mejia’s extensive education, training, and experience, you know you’re in good hands when committing to TMJ treatment in Westchester. TMJ treatment with Dr. Mejia is highly effective, and many residents in and around Mohegan Lake have greatly improved their TMJ symptoms. Dr. Mejia and the TMJ treatment team at Westchester TMJ & Sleep look forward to helping you live a better life free of the painful symptoms of TMJ.

TMJ Treatment Phases

As we discuss the phases of TMJ treatment in Westchester, NY, remember that progress varies for every patient. Factors such as symptom severity, overall health, and commitment to treatment all influence when you move to Phase II.

Phase I TMJ Treatment

Phase I TMJ treatment provides the foundation for your entire care plan. It resets your jaw and bite into proper alignment. The first phase typically lasts several months, and you will start with two mouth splints (oral appliances). Each of these is worn for one week and acts as a base to prepare you for neuromuscular orthotics. You will wear the splints according to Dr. Mejia’s instructions.

After identifying the ideal jaw position, Dr. Mejia will create a custom orthotic designed specifically for you. At first, you may wear the orthotic all day, just taking it out for eating and cleaning your teeth (and orthotic).

Eventually, you will likely graduate to wearing the splint overnight.

Phase I TMJ treatment usually consists of four parts:

  • One week with the first splint
  • One week with a second splint
  • Approximately four months with 1st orthotic
  • Approximately four months with 2nd orthotic

Dr. Mejia and her team will use innovative TMJ technology to measure proper functional placement for your orthotic. You should expect this appointment to take two hours or so.

Phase II TMJ Treatment in Westchester, NY

Phase II TMJ treatment involves occlusal adjustments that refine your bite position. After approximately eight months with orthotics, you’ll enter Phase II. This phase will be custom designed for you, focusing on creating the proper functional bite position without an orthotic. Dr. Mejia adjusts your tooth position to replace the existing orthotic.

During your second orthotic phase, Dr. Mejia will discuss the treatment options available for Phase II. (over 3-4 visits). Phase II can last 10 to 18 months, depending on your progress.

This stage often involves dental procedures that reposition the jaw and stabilize your bite. It could require neuromuscular orthodontics, dental implants, dental bridges, porcelain veneers, and any other neuromuscular or restorative dentistry procedures. Dr. Mejia will clearly outline your Phase II TMJ treatment plan and answer all of your questions.

You can think of Phase I as a temporary solution and Phase II as a permanent solution to your TMJ dysfunction.

Dr. Mejia and her team will ensure you understand the length of time necessary to achieve your goals, and we will discuss the cost of both phases of your TMJ treatment in Westchester, NY.

Learn More About TMJ Treatment in Westchester, NY

If you’ve been diagnosed with TMJ and are suffering from the many painful symptoms of this complex disorder, please call Dr. Wanda Mejia at Westchester TMJ & Sleep (914) 594-6854. You may also fill out our online contact form, and one of our team members will reach out to answer questions or schedule an appointment.

Please schedule a new patient evaluation if you have not been diagnosed with TMJ but feel you have it. With so many advances in TMJ technology and TMJ treatment, there’s no reason to continue to live with this painful condition.

Dr. Mejia and her team will explain the phases of TMJ treatment after comprehensively evaluating your current situation. Using some of the most cutting-edge TMJ technology in the industry today, she will explain how carefully planned TMJ treatment will gradually move your jaw and bite into its optimal position, relieving the many painful symptoms of TMJ.