When you have pain in your jaw, or frequent headaches, these symptoms could indicate the presence of TMJ disorder, also known as TMD. Without treatment, the symptoms could grow worse and you could even have trouble fully opening and closing your mouth. In today’s blog, your Fort Worth, TX, orthodontist will explain how we treat TMJ-related discomfort.
The Causes of TMJ Dysfunction
The temporomandibular joints connect our jaw and skull, and provide the range of motion needed to eat and speak. However, when these joints experience serious strain, the result could be an array of uncomfortable symptoms as TMJ disorder develops. The strain could be due to missing teeth, damaged teeth, poor bite balance, misalignment, high levels of stress, untreated teeth grinding, or injury to the jaw. When we examine your smile, we will look for signs of wear and friction, and other indicators, to identify the presence of the disorder and recommend treatment.
Warning Signs of TMD
When should you see our team for an appointment? Warning signs vary, but could include popping or clicking in your jaw, headaches or migraines, jaw pain, and pain in the face, neck, or shoulders. If you also grind or clench your jaw, then tooth sensitivity and toothaches could develop as well. Do not ignore these warning signs, instead contact our team to set up a visit for an exam and consultation.
Therapy with a Custom-Made Appliance
For some, correcting the issue means fixing misalignment. To address the alignment of your teeth, we may suggest custom-made Invisalign® aligners, or barely-noticeable braces that employ ceramic tooth-colored brackets. However, the most common treatment option is to create an oral appliance that is worn as you sleep. We begin by using the iTero® digital scanning systems to take detailed digital impression in a matter of seconds. We then design and craft the appliance with accuracy and precision. Once complete, the device is worn like a mouthguard as you sleep. The appliance repositions the jaw to ease strain and help prevent symptoms related to TMD. If you also happen to grind your teeth, the device will also provide a barrier between the upper and lower sets of teeth to prevent further damage. If you have any questions about treating TMD or correcting misalignment, then contact our team today.
DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT TMJ THERAPY?
We create custom-made device’s with digital scanning technology to restore comfort and health to your smile, protecting your smile from worsening discomfort or complications for your smile. To learn more about treating issues with bite balance and jaw joint strain, then please call Lake Country Orthodontics in Fort Worth, TX at (817) 236-7846. Our office proudly serves patients who live in Azle, Saginaw, and all surrounding communities.
