Frequently Asked
Questions
Aqualizer® Frequently Asked Questions – Causes of TMJ, TMJ Symptoms, and Treatments
The Aqualizer® splint is an innovative approach to the treatment of TMJ symptoms. As with any new advance in medicine, we expect patients and medical professionals to have questions about how the Aqualizer® works and what symptoms it is capable of alleviating. If your question is not answered here, do not hesitate to contact us to find out how Aqualizer® can improve patients’ health by restoring balanced occlusion.
What is the Aqualizer® TMJ disorder treatment’s purpose if it is not a long-term solution?
How do I integrate anti-bruxing bio feedback with the Aqualizer®?
Is the Aqualizer® scientifically proven to work?
Does the Aqualizer® ever lose its fluid?
Are there different sizes to choose from?
How long would I have to wear the Aqualizer®?
Where can I get the Aqualizer® ?
Q: Why is the Aqualizer® more effective than other splints at getting at the root causes of TMJ disorders?
A: What many do not realize is that TMJ splints may distort or disable the natural action of the muscles. In effect, they guess at what the occlusion should be, at times exacerbating TMJ disorder symptoms. The Aqualizer® on the other hand, does not impose any set hard-and-fast adjustment. By contrast, the Aqualizer®’s multi-functional water system “floats” the jaw to allow the body itself to decide where the jaw should be positioned. Without the Aqualizer®’s fluid system, it is almost impossible to be sure that the bite is in harmony with the rest of the body.
Q: What is the Aqualizer® TMJ disorder treatment’s purpose if it is not a long-term solution?
A: The Aqualizer® provides the indispensable road map for your future treatment by getting at the root causes of TMJ disorders. It is important to understand that the goal of TMD treatment is to minimize TMJ pain and symptoms and return the body to functional balance. The goal of the Aqualizer® is to ensure that the bite and body are balanced in a dynamic state. What the Aqualizer® relieves is stress on the TMJ area. The Aqualizer® helps the muscles and joints to heal, allowing the body to function without pain.
Q: How do I integrate antibruxing bio feedback with the Aqualizer®?
A: Insert the Aqualizer® and have the patient close with mild biting force, while asking them if it feels different to close with the Aqualizer® in. Almost all will tell you it does. Tell them to try to remember the different feel and position of their jaw while clenching on the Aqualizer®. Have the patient give themselves the auto suggestion that, whenever they feel themselves clenching, as above, even when they are sleeping, STOP IT! Just relax while swallowing into the support of the water system. Most patients report longer use life of the Aqualizer® using bio feedback and autosuggestion to reduce damaging nighttime activity. If you are a dental professional, please review our bite splint fitting instructions for diagnosing and treating TMJ disorder patients with the Aqualizer®.
Q: Is the Aqualizer® scientifically proven to work?
A: Yes! Extensive research and various tests have been performed on patients while they were wearing the Aqualizer®. The Aqualizer® relieves TMJ pain and symptoms associated with TMD.
Q: Why is it important for your dentist, physician, and physical therapist to work together in your TMD treatment?
A: When the bite is out of alignment, it affects all of the body’s systems. Everything from vision to posture is negatively affected when the bite and body are not in harmony. It is important for dentists and physical therapists to understand the causes and effects of TMJ disorders and work to lock the jaw into a bite that is supported after the body is optimized. It may be wise to have yourself reexamined while using the Aqualizer® to determine whether your bite has changed. Medical and chiropractic professionals may treat painful TMD symptoms, including chronic neck and shoulder pain and migraine headaches, with the Aqualizer®.
Q: Does the Aqualizer® ever lose its fluid?
A: Yes, during wear, the Aqualizer® will gradually lose its fluid. When there is not enough fluid to create the floating action, your symptoms may start to return. Switch to a new Aqualizer® when this occurs. In rare instances, an individual may habitually bite through the Aqualizer®. Such persons may either require having their bite adjusted by a dentist or possibly discontinuing use of the Aqualizer®.
Q: Are there different sizes to choose from?
A: Yes, there are three different thicknesses to choose from, depending on your own individual needs. We also offer two different models of Aqualizer®: Aqualizer® Mini and Aqualizer® Ultra. You should discuss which size and model Aqualizer® bite splint is best for you with your dentist or therapist.
Q: How long would I have to wear the Aqualizer®?
A: That depends on your symptoms. If you had your symptoms only for a short time, you may only have to wear Aqualizers® for a week or two. Symptoms that you’ve had for a long time, however, tend to come back after you’ve stopped wearing the Aqualizer®. In that case, you would have to wear a permanent mouthguard to prevent grinding teeth that is made by a dentist who is familiar with the Aqualizer® technique. For maximum comfort, this splint should incorporate the bite correction that the Aqualizer® has let your muscles show.
Q: Where can I get the Aqualizer®?
A: TMJ pain relief is still possible! Individual consumers may contact Dental Depot (www.dentaldepot.com) to find out how to get an Aqualizer®. Health care professionals, please contact us directly at 1-800-HELP-TMD (1-800-435-7863) or (928) 442-0038. You may also contact us with your questions or comments.
The Aqualizer® is not available over the counter.
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