Yes, we refer to the gentle jaw as "yoga for the jaw." Some of our favorite customer names for the jaw stretcher include: jaw stretcher, jaw stretchy thing, jaw stretcher thingy, mouth stretcher, mouth stretch device, miracle device, TMJ stretcher, and TMJ defeater. What do you think it should be called?

The gentle jaw was developed by Dr. Rich Hirschinger, a Board-certified orofacial pain specialist. In March 2020, orofacial pain became the 12th dental specialty recognized by the American Dental Association. Many doctors believe that most pain related to the jaw and the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is due to occlusion, meaning how the upper and lower teeth come together. If the occlusion, also referred to as “the bite,” is misaligned, it is hypothesized that this leads to pain.

However, in his orofacial pain residency, his experience treating patients, and in his experience as a lecturer at the UCLA Orofacial Pain and Dental Sleep Medicine residency, Dr. Hirschinger learned that the opposite is actually true — many people with a “bad bite” don’t have pain and many people with a good bite do have pain, which is usually caused by what Dr. Hirschinger refers to as  “excessive occlusion,” which is when the teeth are together too much.

If the teeth are in contact, the four muscles that close the jaw contract. Excessive, frequent muscle contraction is likely to result in pain. If a muscle is causing pain due to excessive contraction, the treatment usually includes regular stretching. The jaw muscle is no different, but until the creation of the gentle jaw, no one was educated to stretch their jaw muscles.

Evidence-based research on the benefits of jaw stretching is presented in this FAQ.

Fortunately, the gentle jaw does not require an exam or a prescription. However, if you are not able to stretch your jaw open to accommodate the middle “step” of the medium-sized gentle jaw after using it for 30 seconds every two hours for at least two weeks, then you should seek advice from a professional who is trained to treat issues related to the jaw muscles and temporomandibular joint (TMJ).

Yes, the gentle jaw is an FSA/HSA eligible purchase as of October 12, 2020. Simply enter your FSA or HSA spending account number at checkout, and the order will be processed.

Some studies report that 40-55 mm is considered normal, whereas others report that 40-60 mm is normal. Using either research, the jaw’s range of motion is wide. This means there is no magic number for a normal opening range. The large gentle jaw allows a maximum stretch of 54 mm.

The gentle jaw comes in three sizes: small, medium, and large. The small range is from 22 mm to 32 mm. The medium range is from 33 mm to 43 mm. The large range is from 44 mm to 54 mm. Since the normal range of jaw motion is 40-60 mm, some users will only need the medium size and will never use the large. Also, most people will never need the small size. However, we include all three sizes for your convenience since everyone has a different range of motion. We offer an extra-small size, ranging from 11 to 21 mm, available upon request via our Contact Us form. 

No! The goal is to feel a good stretch to increase your range of motion if it is limited by tight muscles. The normal range of motion is 40 to 60 mm, so if you are at the lower end of normal, you should be able to use the medium size within a couple of steps of the end, since the medium size range is 33 mm to 43 mm. The large size range is 44 mm to 54 mm, but some people will never be able to open wide enough to use the large gentle jaw, while others will. Those who can use the large might find the lower steps sufficient, while others may be able to stretch further. The key is not to overstretch. 

No. The maximum stretching range with the gentle jaw is 54 mm. This is the maximum anyone should stretch their jaw to on a consistent basis, since the normal range of motion for people is 40 mm to 55 mm, according to some research, and 40 mm to 60 mm, according to other research. Dr. Hirschinger never wants anyone to overstretch, which is why the largest gentle jaw has a maximum range of 54 mm. Beyond that, you can overstretch the ligaments, muscles, and retrodiscal tissues of the temporomandibular joint, and you can cause an open lock or subluxation of the jaw, which means you cannot close as depicted in the animation. 

If you cannot open past the middle of the medium gentle jaw after using the device several times a day for several days, and your opening is less than it used to be, you should see a healthcare professional trained in treating the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), since you likely have a mechanical issue with the joint as opposed to a muscle issue.

There are many studies showing the benefits of stretching skeletal muscles including the closing muscles of the jaw. Here are a few:

1. Bruxism: Is There an Indication for Muscle-Stretching Exercises? Simone Gouw, RPT, Anton de Wijer, PhD., Nico H.J. Creugers, DDS, PhD., Stanimira I. Kalaykova, DDS, PhD. Int J Prosthodont 2017;30:123–132. doi: 10.11607/ijp.5082

2.  Efficacy of a Dynamic Jaw Opening Device Michael D. Stubblefield, MD, Laura Manfield, MD, Elyn R. Riedel, MA, Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2010;91:1278-82.

3. Viscoelastic properties of muscle-tendon units. The biomechanical effects of stretching. Dean C. Taylor, MD, CPT, MC, USA, James D. Dalton, Jr, MD, Anthony V. Seaber, and William E. Garrett, Jr, MD, PhD The American Journal of Sports Medicine, Vol. 18, No. 3 1990

4. A Randomized Clinical Trial of a Tailored Comprehensive Care Treatment Program for Temporomandibular Disorders Dworkin et al, Journal of Orofacial Pain, Volume 16, Number 4, 2002

5. Mobilization regimens for the prevention of jaw hypomobility in the radiated patient: A comparison of three techniques. Daniel Buchbinder, DMD, Robert B. Currivan, DMD, Andrew J. Kaplan, DMD, Mark L. Urken, MD. Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Volume 51, Issue 8, August 1993, Pages 863-867

6. Treatment of myogenic temporomandibular disorder: a prospective randomized clinical trial, comparing a mechanical stretching device with standard physical therapy exercise. Sophie Kraaijenga, Lisette van der Molen, Harm van Tinteren, Frans Hilgers, Ludi Smeele. Cranio 2014 Jul;32(3):208-16

Yes and no. Let me explain. The gentle jaw will not help stop bruxism, which is defined as the clenching and/or grinding of teeth. However, bruxism often causes pain in the muscles that close the jaw, and the gentle jaw was specifically designed to help with that type of muscle pain. There is no cure for bruxism during sleep, so a nightguard is highly recommended to protect the teeth from wearing down against each other. You can tell if you grind your teeth by looking for wear facets. The canines, or cuspids, are usually pointy. If they look flattened on the edge, as shown in the image to the right, you grind your teeth, which usually occurs during sleep. During the day, people do not grind; they clench. That is why it is important to keep your teeth apart during the day and to stretch for 30 seconds with the gentle jaw every 2 hours.

No, the gentle jaw will only help with muscle pain, which is the source of 95% of the pain patients complain about, even when they think they have "TMJ." If your joint is clicking, stretching will not help reduce or eliminate the noise. Having said that, if you are having pain, the important question is, "Where is the pain?"  If the click is not painful but the pain is in your jaw, your temples, under your jaw, etc., then the gentle jaw will likely help. If you are not having pain with a clicking joint, then invasive treatment is most likely not indicated. Please visit Dr. Hirschinger's website to learn about clicking joints.

If you have been told that you have a closed lock by a healthcare professional, then the gentle jaw will not help. A closed lock, clinically known as anterior disc displacement without reduction, is a mechanical issue that cannot be resolved by stretching. A closed lock means that the neck of the jaw (the condyle) is blocked by the back part of the disc, preventing it from getting onto the disc. When the disc blocks the condyle, the opening is markedly reduced relative to the pre-locking state, and further opening does not permit the jaw to open further. When the condyle is on the disc, you may hear a click upon opening, and you should be able to open further after the click. However, the opening may still be limited due to sore or injured muscles resulting from overuse associated with clenching, grinding, chewing gum, stress, and related behaviors. If you feel that you are able to open but it hurts, then the issue is likely muscular, and the gentle jaw can help. If you feel that when you try to open it feels like it would be impossible to open even 1 mm more, and your opening is much less than normal, then it is likely a disc issue, and the gentle jaw will not help. In this case, you should see a dentist with specialty training on how to unlock the joint. 

Yes. The gentle jaw stretches the four muscles that close the jaw: the superficial masseter, deep masseter, temporalis, and medial pterygoid. The muscles become sore and painful due to daytime clenching, nighttime clenching, and/or grinding. Clenching and grinding are collectively referred to as bruxism. These jaw-closing muscles can also be sore from gum chewing, nail-biting, chewing ice, and chewing sticky, chewy foods. In addition to using the gentle jaw every two hours, it is important that you learn to keep your teeth apart during the day. You can do this by saying the letter "N." When you say "N," your tongue should be behind your upper front teeth, and your teeth should be apart. This is a natural resting position, with the muscles relaxed. 

In most cases, the answer is no, so please do not purchase the gentle jaw if your only symptom is tinnitus. However, several muscles that close the jaw, such as the deep masseter, can refer pain into the ear, and tinnitus can result. If your tinnitus is one-sided, a gentle jaw may help. 

This is a great question. What it comes down to is what is and what is not "TMJ." TMJ is not a diagnosis since it is a body part. However, in Dr. Hirschinger's private practice, many people claim, "I have TMJ." He then asks them to point with one finger to the site of pain; patients typically point to the superficial or deep masseter, which is on the side of the jaw. These are two of the four muscles that close the jaw. The other two muscles that close the jaw are the temporalis and the medial pterygoid. The point is that most people who think they have TMJ are experiencing muscle pain, which is called myalgia. The pain is due to nighttime clenching and/or grinding, daytime clenching, and/or clenching involving one, two, three, or all four jaw-closing muscles. When muscles are tight, they require stretching, and the gentle jaw stretches all four jaw-closing muscles. There are other muscles that can refer pain into the joint area, which you can learn about at https://www.beverlyhillstmjheadachepain.com/tmj-muscle/myofascial-pain/muscle-referral-patterns/muscles-that-refer-pain-into-the-tmj/ 

Yes, it can. Trismus is an inability to open the mouth or jaw due to acute muscle injury. When you cannot open wide due to trismus, it can interfere with many common activities such as talking, chewing, swallowing, and any activity that requires the mouth to be opened. Trismus may be caused by recent dental treatment, a dental infection, recent trauma or surgery, or other factors. Stretching with the gentle jaw is very beneficial to help return the range of motion to normal. 

The gentle jaw can be helpful as apart of a post-procedure recovery plan. Ask your healthcare professional for more information about the benefits of passive stretching in speeding recovery and reducing pain.

Yes, the gentle jaw is very effective for individuals who have undergone recent jaw surgery, including brain and oral surgery, as well as radiation therapy, since it helps restore the range of motion typically reduced during these procedures. The temporalis muscle is the muscle in the skull that is usually cut during brain surgery. It is one of the four muscles that the gentle jaw stretches, along with the superficial masseter, deep masseter, and the medial pterygoid. These are the four muscles that close the jaw; they tighten after surgery and/or radiation to the head. We recommend that you proceed slowly and avoid pushing yourself too quickly; however, you are in control of the amount you stretch. Please consult with your doctor before trying the gentle jaw.

Yes, the gentle jaw can be used if osteoarthritis is present in one or both temporomandibular joints (TMJs). More importantly, it should be used if you have arthritis. The Mayo Clinic defines arthritis as "the swelling and tenderness of one or more of your joints. The main symptoms of arthritis are joint pain and stiffness, which typically worsen with age. The most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis." The most common form of arthritis of the TMJ is osteoarthritis, which can result from clenching and/or grinding during sleep. The best way to maintain the range of motion of a joint is to stretch it, and that is one of the reasons the gentle jaw was developed.

No. The gentle jaw is never "worn" even during the day. It is used for 30 seconds approximately every two hours to stretch the muscles that close the jaw, which are tight from clenching, grinding, chewing gum, stress, and similar activities. The gentle jaw should only be used during waking hours. 

Yes! The gentle jaw is manufactured and packaged in certified clean rooms in Southern California so it is safe to use straight out of the box.

The gentle jaw is made from medical-grade nylon that is sourced from castor oil, a renewable and sustainable resource. The gentle jaw contains no plastic, BPA, or phthalates. The device is fabricated in certified cleanrooms in Southern California and is safe to use out of the box.

Yes, the gentle jaw is gluten-free. It is made from medical-grade nylon derived from castor oil. Gluten does not occur in petroleum-based or plant-oil-based synthetic polymers.

The gentle jaw is made from highly durable, medical-grade nylon sourced from a sustainable plant. It will not wear out or break from normal use.

Your gentle jaw devices may be cleaned with water and a brush. Do not use toothpaste. If small white spots appear on the device, it indicates you are not cleaning it thoroughly after each use. You can purchase retainer cleaner tablets, such as these, on Amazon to remove white spots caused by tartar buildup on your teeth. Drop one tablet into very warm water (not hot), enough to cover the gentle jaw. Place the gentle jaw into the effervescing solution. After five minutes or more, remove the gentle jaw, and brush and rinse the device thoroughly. Do not place the gentle jaw in a dishwasher.

Many people start to see results within a few days. It may take some people a few more days or weeks of using the gentle jaw as prescribed to achieve the desired pain relief and increased range of motion. Please remember that the gentle jaw should be used for 30 seconds every 2 hours. It does not work if it is not used, and it does not work if it is only used a couple of times a day.

When you have pain, the gentle jaw should be used for 30 seconds every two hours. You should also perform an additional 30-second stretch whenever you notice clenching your teeth during the day. If your pain resolves, we recommend using the gentle jaw for 30 seconds four times daily (before breakfast, before lunch, before dinner, and before bedtime). Two minutes a day keeps the pain away.

When you first start using the gentle jaw, you should feel a good stretch. Stretching a tight muscle can be sore, but this is a good soreness since it means the muscle is being stretched. As the muscles are stretched, you should see an increase in your range of motion and a decrease in your jaw pain.

Yes, the gentle jaw is safe to use after dental treatment on your front teeth. You should not apply excessive pressure to your teeth when using the gentle jaw. It should be safe to use with crowns, implants, and veneers. It should also be safe with most bonding agents, but if you have any doubts, please consult your dentist before using the gentle jaw if you have had any dental treatment on your front teeth. We are not liable for any damage done to teeth or dental restorations.

United States:

Free shipping is included within the United States, with delivery from 1 to 5 days. Orders placed by noon Pacific Time on weekdays usually ship the same day. You can upgrade to faster shipping at checkout at your expense.

Canada:

Canadian customers pay actual shipping costs. Shipping is usually via DHL. You might be charged a separate customs fee, which we are not responsible for. 

We do not profit from shipping costs or from customs fees.

We do not refund shipping costs for any customers.

Yes. We are so confident that the gentle jaw will help you that we offer a 30-day money-back guarantee from the date of receipt of your device. Returns must include the small, medium, and large gentle jaws, as well as the carrying case. Refunds include only the cost you paid for the kit. Refunds do not include shipping fees, the cost of returning the kit, or any additional fees incurred in your purchase. Refunds are processed the same business day the return is received. If you ship your return with a tracking number, you will have confirmation that we received it. Please email sales@gentlejaw.com to request a return or to ask any questions about your device. Only one refund per customer

What is the return policy for Buy with Prime orders?

For "Buy with Prime" purchases, please refer to the following: gentle jaw customers can initiate a return for a Buy with Prime order only from the order confirmation email they received.

Step 1 Open the order confirmation email and choose View Order.

Step 2 Choose Order Details to see the order details page.

Step 3 Choose Return on the order details page.Note: The Return button appears only after the order is delivered.

Step 4 Enter any additional information about the return, such as the reason for the return.

Step 5 Confirm the estimated refund amount and summary of the return details to create the return. When the return has been created, a return confirmation email is sent.

Step 6 From the return confirmation email, choose Print Return Label and attach the printed label to the package.

Step 7 Drop the return off at the location listed on the return label.