An occlusal orthotic device, commonly referred to as a diagnostic splint, bite plane, or therapeutic nightguard, is a custom-fabricated, hard acrylic appliance worn over the upper or lower teeth to manage temporomandibular disorders (TMD). According to clinical parameters from the American Academy of Orofacial Pain (AAOP), these devices work by temporarily altering your bite alignment, reducing mechanical strain on the jaw joints, and decreasing the electrical activity of hyperactive chewing muscles. Unlike generic, soft store-bought mouthguards that can actually increase clenching behaviors, a precisely engineered clinical orthotic stabilizes the entire masticatory system to alleviate pain and protect joint structures from permanent wear.
Occlusal splints/orthotic device is part of TMJ Disorders at Virginia Dental Care. The visit is planned around your symptoms, exam findings, medical history, and the amount of time needed to explain safe next steps.
When to schedule occlusal splints/orthotic device care
- You have jaw pain, facial muscle soreness, headaches, clicking, popping, locking, or limited jaw opening.
- You clench or grind your teeth, wake with jaw tension, or notice worn or sensitive teeth.
- You have been looking for a TMJ dentist or orofacial pain evaluation in Arlington, VA.
What to expect at the visit
- The evaluation reviews pain history, jaw movement, muscle tenderness, bite strain, habits, and contributing medical or sleep factors.
- The team may discuss conservative options such as behavior changes, pain management, splints, orthotic devices, trigger point injections, or therapeutic Botox when appropriate.
- Recommendations are explained in stages so patients understand what is urgent, what is conservative, and what requires follow-up.
The goal is to make the visit understandable before treatment begins. Patients should leave knowing what was found, what matters first, and what choices are available.
Doctor expertise and local care
Dr. Vineetha Vijayakumar completed advanced orofacial pain training, including residency training at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, supporting focused care for TMJ and facial pain concerns.
The practice is in Arlington near Virginia Square and Ballston, making TMJ care accessible from Clarendon, Courthouse, Rosslyn, Falls Church, Alexandria, and McLean.
New patients and existing patients can request an appointment online or call (703) 276-1010. Office hours are Monday through Thursday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Before your appointment
A clear visit starts before you arrive. If you are a new patient, bring your current medication list, dental insurance information if applicable, and any recent dental records or X-rays you already have. If your concern is urgent, call the office before using online booking so the team can understand timing, symptoms, and whether same-day guidance is needed.
- Write down when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse.
- Tell the office about swelling, fever, trauma, sleep concerns, or jaw locking.
- Ask about financing, insurance support, or membership options before treatment begins.
Virginia Dental Care is not a hospital emergency room. For trouble breathing, uncontrolled bleeding, rapidly spreading swelling, or other life-threatening symptoms, call 911 or seek emergency medical care first.
For non-life-threatening dental concerns, the office location helps Arlington patients avoid long searches for care across Northern Virginia. Patients coming from Ballston, Clarendon, Rosslyn, Virginia Square, Courthouse, Falls Church, Alexandria, or McLean can use the map link, call before leaving, and confirm whether the visit should be scheduled as routine, soon, or urgent.
Occlusal splints/orthotic device FAQ
Do I need an appointment for occlusal splints/orthotic device in Arlington, VA?
Yes. Request an appointment so Virginia Dental Care can review your concern, confirm timing, and prepare the right visit for Occlusal splints/orthotic device.
What happens during a occlusal splints/orthotic device visit?
Occlusal splints/orthotic device is reviewed in the context of TMJ Disorders, your symptoms, your oral health history, and any needed diagnostic records. The team explains findings and next steps before treatment begins.
Where is Virginia Dental Care located?
Virginia Dental Care is located at 915 N Quincy St, Arlington, VA 22203, near Virginia Square, Ballston, Clarendon, Courthouse, and Rosslyn.
Related care
Nearby communities served
Virginia Dental Care serves patients from Arlington, Ballston, Clarendon, Virginia Square, Courthouse, Rosslyn, Shirlington, Crystal City, Pentagon City, Falls Church, Alexandria, and McLean and nearby Northern Virginia communities.
For urgent pain, swelling, trauma, or infection concerns, call the office directly so the team can triage timing and next steps.