Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder affects nearly 35 million Americans. The temporomandibular joints are situated on either side of the face. Connecting the upper and lower jaws, these joints aid in movements used when eating and speaking. TMJ disorder can cause discomfort including chronic headaches and jaw pain as well as damage to your teeth.
There is no single known cause of TMJ disorder. However, there are several risk factors which contribute to the development of the condition. Oftentimes, TMJ issues are a direct result of an uneven bite. When the bite is unbalanced, it can place excessive pressure on the jaw joints. As your jaw muscles try to compensate for the problem, the joints become fatigued.
Living with TMJ disorder can be debilitating but in most cases, a custom oral appliance can provide relief.
TMJ disorder may also be caused by trauma, arthritis, or bruxism (teeth grinding). If not treated in a timely manner, this condition can lead to more serious oral health-related concerns.
The symptoms of TMJ disorder are vast and varied. Common signs of this condition include:
Untreated TMJ disorder can lead to chronic pain and jaw dysfunction. Over time, these symptoms can result in a substantial decrease in your overall quality of life. Early intervention can help you avoid invasive and costly treatments to correct serious side effects of TMJ disorder.
TMJ disorder may also be caused by trauma, arthritis, or bruxism (teeth grinding). If not treated in a timely manner, this condition can lead to more serious oral health-related concerns.
During your initial consultation with our dental team, we will assess your bite and evaluate the jaw joints. We may also take scans or x-rays to visualize the underlying structures. TMJ pain typically occurs when there is a discrepancy between the position of the jaw joints and the teeth. Because each patient is unique, our dental expert will create a personalized treatment plan based on their specific needs.
Oral appliance therapy can address most cases of TMJ disorder. This treatment involves the fabrication of a custom mouth guard, typically worn during sleep. The oral appliance is designed to slip snugly over the teeth for a streamlined, comfortable fit. In addition to separating the upper and lower teeth, the appliance also places the jaws in a more favorable position to alleviate stress and discomfort.
