Originally posted 04/11/2009:

One of the most expensive and time-intensive treatments for my tinnitus that I have tried this year is non-surgical TMJ disorder treatment at a TMJ specialty clinic.  For many years, I have had nighttime teeth grinding (bruxism) which I believed to have led to TMJ disorder.  Many reports have substantiated a link between TMJD and tinnitus. 

So late last year, I went to a TMJ clinic and completed a TMJD screening.  The x-rays and other testing showed that I had some damage to the TMJ joint and that my jaw bone was mis-aligned in the TMJ joint area.  Although I was somewhat skeptical, this was something that I felt needed to be tried.  Believe me when I say that I had to really work with my health insurance to get them to pay for this non-surgical treatment at the nearest TMJ clinic to me.  This involved getting the clinic listed as an approved out-of-network provider.  Also, this TMJ clinic is very familiar in dealing with health insurance plans and they knew exactly how to fight with them to get full payment.  Still, my out of pocket costs were a couple of thousand dollars!

The treatment involved use of orthotic mouthpieces worn 24 hours a day.  One mouthpiece is worn during the day and another one at night (see photos).  The goal is to re-align the mandible to improve the health of the TMJ joint.  Also, by limiting jaw movement, healing can take place.  The mouthpiece worn during the day is pain in the you-know-what.  It makes it hard to chew food and even causes some lisping of words.

Now after about three months of wearing these mouthpieces, I am at the tail end of the treatment.  I can say that I have seen about a 20% reduction in my tinnitus levels since starting this treatment.  This isn't much considering the cost and hassle of the treatment, but I guess that any improvement in the tinnitus cannot be frowned upon.  I plan on continuing the treatment process fully, but I don't foresee any greater help with my tinnitus as the treatment process is nearing an end.

I went through the same deal. Couple grand out of my pocket, many splints, etc.

I've come to the conclusion that for me, splints do not alleviate clenching which I *believe* is contributing to or causing my tinnitus. I don't know this for sure but I suspect it. These devices may work for some, but they haven't helped me.

My last two devices were NTIs, upper and lower. No improvement.