TMJ disorder, sometimes referred to as TMD, is the result of serious strain and pressure on your jaw joints. The disorder is linked to headaches and jaw pain, and could eventually lead to complications like teeth grinding. Your Fort Worth, TX, orthodontist knows how to offer relief from TMD with our custom oral appliance therapy.
The Factors Behind TMJ Disorder
The joints connecting our jaw and skull allow us to eat and speak. However, when these joints become strained then TMJ disorder could develop. The disorder causes a host of uncomfortable symptoms, and could lead to difficulty opening and closing your mouth. Possible causes include factors that upset bite balance and strain the joints such as missing teeth, dental misalignment, teeth grinding, or injury to the face or jaw. As part of your exam, we will identify the factors behind your TMD, and assess the severity.
Warning Signs of Trouble
People with the disorder often report a host of uncomfortable symptoms. For example, headaches and migraines, and a popping or clicking sensation in the jaw are common. Neck and shoulder pain, and aches in the jaw and face are common too. If you also grind or clench your teeth, the damage could increase the risk of tooth decay and dental infection, so tooth sensitivity and toothaches are common too. If you experience one or more of these possible warning signs, then let our team now right away so we can find the most appropriate treatment option.
Orthodontics and Oral Appliances
For some, we could offer relief with orthodontics, which correct misalignment and improves bite balance. Using braces with tooth-colored brackets or Invisalign® aligners means a barely noticeable route to a straighter smile is possible. However, we often create an oral appliance. The device is crafted and custom-fitted for your smile based on detailed digital images and impressions we take with the iTero® system. This replaces the need for traditional physical impressions, and allows us to create appliances with greater precision. The device is worn like a mouthguard at night, and helps reposition the jaw to ease strain and prevent uncomfortable symptoms.
If you have any questions about how we approach treating TMJ disorder, or if you have an uneven smile and could like to discuss cosmetic orthodontics, then contact our team today.
DO YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT TREATING JAW JOINT STRAIN?
Our team knows how to ease the strain and misalignment in your smile to improve bite balance and overall oral health. To learn more about finding relief for those suffering from untreated TMJ disorder, then please call Lake Country Orthodontics in Fort Worth, TX at (817) 236-7846. Our office proudly serves patients who live in Springtown, Rome, and all surrounding communities.
