TMJ disorder, also known as TMD, is a widespread oral health concern. Strain on the jaw joints can lead to uncomfortable symptoms and complications. But our team can help with a custom and comfortable solution. In today’s blog, your Pella, IA, dentist talks about treating TMJ disorder with custom oral appliances.
The Causes and Warning Signs of TMJ Disorder
What causes a disorder like TMJ disorder to form? Often, this is due to factors that upset the bite balance, such as missing teeth, malocclusion caused by misalignment, and injury to the face or jaw. Factors could also include issues with the growth of your jaw or the eruption of your teeth. When you develop TMD, this could mean issues fully opening and closing your mouth, and a host of uncomfortable symptoms. For example, pain in the face and jaw, headaches and migraines, aches in the neck and shoulders, and for many, a popping or cracking sensation in the jaw. Don’t ignore these potential symptoms, contact our team today for a diagnosis!
The Connection to Bruxism
The disorder could also be connected to bruxism. With bruxism, patients grind and clench their teeth on a nightly basis, which can wear down tooth structure and even crack or chip teeth. The damage then alters the appearance of the smile and increases the risk of tooth decay and dental infection. Untreated bruxism could lead to the onset of TMJ disorder, and the reverse is true as well. When you have the TMD-related symptoms we discussed above, as well as toothaches and sensitivity, you should contact our office right away.
Custom Oral Appliances
To alleviate symptoms and prevent further damage to your bite, we could offer care with an oral appliance. The device will be custom-fitted for your smile based on detailed digital images and impressions we take of your smile. The appliance will look like a mouthguard and is worn as you sleep at night. Once in place, the oral appliance will help shit your jaw to ease stress and strain, so you avoid TMD-related symptoms. For bruxism, this provides a soft barrier between the upper and lower teeth to prevent further damage to your smile. Our team can also discuss possible treatments for any dental damage that has occurred, restoring your smile with bonding or crowns.
If you have any questions about how we diagnose and treat TMJ disorder, then contact our team today to learn more. We want to help you smile with confidence!
Schedule An Appointment for TMD Treatment
We want to help improve the overall balance of your bite to alleviate jaw joint strain. Call Allen and Neumann Family Dentistry in Pella, IA, today at 641-628-1121 to learn more about boosting bite balance.