1st Appointment – What to expect when beginning treatment
Dr. Larsen believes it is very important for you to understand TMJ and the how it causes a myriad of problems. The first appointment is consultative in nature and is $124. Most insurance companies cover this first appointment. During this initial visit with Dr. Larsen, he will listen to the issues that you are experiencing, and perform a thorough exam. The purpose is to determine whether or not you have TMJ and it’s severity. If it is determined that you have TMJ, Dr. Larsen will explain how it likely developed, what your treatment options are, and your long term prognosis. If you are diagnosed with TMJ Dysfunction, treatment and the fees associated with it will be discussed. Dr. Larsen strongly believes in educating his patients about TMJ Dysfunction, making sure you understand the treatment process and costs, in addition to setting expectations that treatment will provide and what you can expect if you allow your TMJ Dysfunction to progress without treatment. TMJ Dysfunction is not only painful and uncomfortable, but it also has a significant impact on your oral health.
2nd Appointment – Finding your bite
The purpose of this appointment is to find your natural physiological rest position. TMJ dysfunction alters/forces your jaw and bite into an unnatural position, this is what causes the majority of your symptoms. A device called a Tens Unit is used to relax your jaw and facial muscles so that your “natural” rest position can be found. The Tens Unit is painless and enables Dr. Larsen to initiate the creation of an orthotic device. An orthotic device is a custom made acrylic appliance that resembles a mouth guard and is fabricated in a lab using molds created by Dr. Larsen. This is called a bite registration, and takes two to three weeks to be returned by the orthotic lab.
3rd Appointment – Delivery of orthotic
The lab will send back the orthotic to Dr. Larsen’s office after two to three weeks. The office staff will call you to come in for the third appointment. Dr. Larsen will place the orthotic in your mouth and ensure the best fit possible by trimming excess acrylic and ensuring that the mouth piece is held in place by your teeth. The device should be comfortable to wear: not too loose and not too tight. Initially, some people find the orthotic odd feeling, but it’s important to remember this device is positioning your teeth and tmj in your “true and natural” bite position. In time, wearing it will become second nature and the relief it provides very noticeable.