Condylar Centering Orthotic (C2O) Therapy
If you have been diagnosed with an unstable bite/joint relationship that does include a dysfunction in your TMJ (Temporo-Mandibular Joint), you are a candidate for C2O Therapy.
We know that there is a direct correlation between the health of the joint and your occlusion (your bite, or the way the upper and lower teeth fit together) – the key to stabilizing the joint and relaxing the inflamed muscles is to keep the teeth apart and to center the TMJ into its most stable position. If this is not done the joint will continue to get worse over time. Other signs and symptoms of an unstable bite/joint are one or more of the following:
- Headaches
- Neck/shoulder pain
- Facial muscle pain
- Facial muscle tension
- Earaches/pain
- Tooth wear, gum recession
- Unexplained tooth or mouth pain
C2O (Condylar Centering Orthotic) therapy is a proven and predictable way to stabilize the TMJ, or jaw joint. The C2O is an acrylic horseshoe-shaped splint. It looks like a night guard, but it is NOT A NIGHT GUARD. The C2O must be worn 24/7 to stabilize the TMJ. It is best if you even wear it while eating. It should only be removed to brush and floss.
C2O Therapy allows us to stabilize the joint as we make calculated adjustments on the C2O every week, thereby allowing the TMJ to move back into a healthy position. Often our patients see a relief in discomfort within the first weeks of wearing a C2O. In many cases we achieve complete cessation of adverse and painful symptoms with C2O THERAPY.
While C2O Therapy is therapeutic, it is not a cure. Splint therapy has been recommended for you because either your teeth or your TMJ have signs and symptoms indicating instability between the teeth and jaw joint. Other symptoms that may or may not occur due to this instability are headaches, facial and muscle tension, pain in the joints, fractured or broken teeth (sometimes split or lost teeth), gum recession, bone loss around the teeth and even periodontal disease.
After C2O Therapy
Your bite will be re-evaluated for stability with the jaw joint properly centered in the jaw socket.
Additional treatment may be required, such as coronoplasty, orthodontics, and/or conservative restorative dentistry to stabilize your bite for long term health. Consultation as to what additional treatment is indicated and the fees for that treatment will be given after the splint therapy is completed.