Oral Appliances
We appreciate your confidence in us at TMJ & Sleep Therapy Centre of Raleigh-Durham for your patient’s needs.
Over 70 Centres
Decades
Tens of Thousands
What are Oral Appliances?
Oral appliances are custom-fabricated devices designed to reposition the jaw, reduce joint strain, and stabilise neuromuscular function. They are widely used in the management of TMJ disorders and have been shown to reduce pain, clicking, and limited jaw motion. Evidence published in the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry supports the effectiveness of stabilisation splints in reducing TMJ-related symptoms.
These appliances work by minimising parafunctional habits such as clenching and grinding while promoting optimal joint alignment. Research in The Journal of Oral & Facial Pain and Headache confirms their role in conservative TMJ management. As stated in one review:
“Occlusal appliances remain a cornerstone in the non-invasive treatment of temporomandibular disorders.”
Each appliance is tailored for long-term comfort and function. Call today
When To Seek This Treatment
Daily Jaw Pain or Fatigue
Clicking, Popping, or Locking
Tension or migraine-style headaches linked to nighttime clenching.
Flattened, chipped, or sensitive teeth from bruxism (grinding).
Goals Of Treatment
Stabilize the Jaw
Reduce strain on the temporomandibular joints by guiding the bite into a healthier position.
Protect Teeth
Prevent wear, chipping, and sensitivity caused by clenching and grinding.
Relieve Muscle Tension
Calm overactive jaw muscles to reduce pain, headaches, and fatigue.
Support Comprehensive Care
Work alongside other therapies such as laser treatment or myofunctional therapy for lasting results.
Real Stories, Real Relief
At TMJ & Sleep Therapy Centre of Raleigh-Durham, we understand how life-changing it can be to finally find relief from TMJ pain and sleep-related issues. Our patients’ journeys are the true measure of our work, and their stories reflect the care, compassion, and lasting results we strive to provide every day.
Why Choose Us?
Why Traditional Methods Fail
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Symptom MaskingMedications reduce pain temporarily but don’t correct bite stress or joint loading
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Generic GuardsOver-the-counter trays protect teeth but rarely improve jaw position or muscle balance
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Inconsistent ReliefShort-term fixes don’t stabilize the TMJ, so clicking, headaches, and pain return
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Untargeted CareWithout a custom plan, clenching forces and inflammation continue unchecked
Our Non Surgical Approach
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Precision FitDigitally planned and custom fabricated for comfort, durability, and predictable results
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Jaw StabilizationOptimizes joint loading and reduces strain on ligaments and muscles
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Clenching ControlRedistributes bite forces to protect teeth and calm overactive muscles
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Comprehensive CarePaired with laser therapy, trigger point work, and habit coaching for lasting relief
Realign, Protect, and Relieve TMJ Pain
You don’t have to live with daily jaw pain or headaches. At the TMJ & Sleep Therapy Centre of Raleigh-Durham, custom oral appliances help restore healthy function and comfort—without surgery. Schedule your consultation today and start feeling better.
Daytime vs. Nighttime Appliances
Some patients benefit from a nighttime device to reduce bruxism and morning headaches; others need a daytime orthotic to support joint position during speaking and chewing. We’ll guide you to the option that best fits your symptoms and lifestyle.
Day Appliances
OD Acrylic Day
- All Acrylic with ball clasps and braided lingual wire support.
- Indicated for chronic disc-displacement or skeletal and muscular asymmetry.
- Functions as a positioning stent to correct vertical dimensions, rotation, cant and protrusive changes.
- Lingual Anatomical ridge guides disclusion and protects contralateral joint in working movements.
OD - Expansion
- Indicated for chronic disc-displacement or skeletal and muscular asymmetry.
- Patients with narrow arches and/or anterior crowding.
- Patient who require minimal lingual interference.
- If lingual wire is activated, tooth movement may occur.
connection
OD - (PMT) Thermoform
- Indicated for chronic disc-displacement or skeletal and muscular asymmetry.
- Patients with narrow arches.
- Inter-occlusal distances less than 1.5mm.
- Patients with allergies to metals or acrylics.
- Not recommended for patients with severe crowding or undercuts.
and comfortable
OD - Printed (Nylon)
- Indicated for chronic disc-displacement or skeletal and muscular asymmetry.
- Patients with narrow arches.
- Inter-occlusal distances less than 1.5mm.
- Patients with allergies to metals or acrylics.
- Long-term orthotic.
- No wear factor.
Sleep Appliances
![[ON - D] Decompressor Acrylic](https://www.raleightmjandsleep.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/decompresor-acrylic.jpg "[ON - D] Decompressor Acrylic")
[ON - D] Decompressor Acrylic
- Controls parafunctional activity.
- Reduces the forces of clenching and grinding from chronic pain conditions.
- Reduces inflammation (capsulitis).
- Indicated where there is no suspected Apnea.
- Designed Digitally and 3D printed in white biocompatible Nylon allowing for a thinner, more comfortable, more durable appliance.
- Digital fabrication allows for a new appliance to be made if lost.
- Upper and lower elements are disclosed with an anterior pad making crowded and worn teeth no longer a factor.
![[ON - P] Positioner (PMT)](https://www.raleightmjandsleep.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/positioner-pmt.jpg "[ON - P] Positioner (PMT)")
[ON - P] Positioner (PMT)
- Combines the design elements of the Deprogammer with an anterior ring to position the mandible whilst supine.
- Improves airway patency when made in the phonetic position.
- Indicated when there is suspected airway compromise or sleep disordered breathing.
- Design of the ring provides a space for the tongue to go at night.
- Promotes forward movement.
![[ON - P] Positioner Acrylic](https://www.raleightmjandsleep.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/ON-P-Positioner-Acrylic_NONasalDilators_HR-Large.jpeg "[ON - P] Positioner Acrylic")
[ON - P] Positioner Acrylic
- Combines the design elements of the Deprogammer with an anterior ring to position the mandible whilst supine.
- Improves airway patency when made in the phonetic position.
- Indicated when there is suspected airway compromise or sleep disordered breathing.
- Design of the ring provides a space for the tongue to go at night.
- Promotes forward movement.
![[ON - P] Positioner Printed](https://www.raleightmjandsleep.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/ON-P-Positioner-Printed_NONasalDilators_HR-Large.jpeg "[ON - P] Positioner Printed")
[ON - P] Positioner Printed
- Reduces inflammation (capsulitis).
- Prevent locking in supine position.
- Improve airway & nasal obstruction.
- Reduces clenching and grinding.
- Indicated when there is suspected airway compromise or sleep disordered breathing.
- Design of the ring provides a space for the tongue to go at night.
- Long-term use.
Frequently Asked Questions About Oral Appliances
Oral Appliances is one of the specialized services we provide at the TMJ & Sleep Therapy Centre of Raleigh-Durham. Our focus is on identifying the root causes behind your symptoms and delivering safe, non-surgical solutions that support long-term health and comfort.
balance muscles, and stabilize the TMJ—reducing pain, clicking, and headaches in addition to protecting teeth.
may need adjustments over several visits to fine-tune comfort and stability for long-term relief.
also benefit from a lightweight daytime orthotic. We’ll prescribe the schedule that fits your condition and lifestyle.
altering your natural teeth. Any orthodontic or restorative changes are discussed separately if needed for long-term stability.
and store in a ventilated case. Bring it to checkups so we can inspect fit, wear, and make any needed adjustments.
TMJ & Sleep Therapy Centre
Global Expertise
As proud members of TMJ International, we are part of a global team dedicated to advancing collaborative care in TMJ disorders and sleep therapy. Together, we bring innovation, expertise, and compassionate treatment to help patients find lasting relief and a healthier quality of life.
