TMJ disorder, also known as TMD, means that there is an imbalance in your smile that has strained the jaw joints and is beginning to cause discomfort. To bring relief, your Fort Worth, TX, orthodontist could offer a solution with an oral appliance. In today’s blog, we’re going to talk about our approach to TMJ therapy.
The Dangers of TMJ Disorder
The disorder occurs when various factors upset the overall balance of your bite and place stress on your temporomandibular joints, which connects your jaw and skull. Examples include dental misalignment, injury to the face or jaw, bruxism (teeth grinding), tooth loss, and other factors that lead to bite imbalance. Unless treated, the disorder could lead to worsening discomfort and even trouble fully opening and closing your mouth.
Common Symptoms
People with the disorder may report a number of different warning signs, such as a popping or crackling sensation in your smile, headaches and migraines, and aches in the neck, shoulders, face, and jaw. If you also grinding your teeth, the pressure could damage outer enamel and lead to tooth sensitivity and even toothaches. If you begin to experience persistent pain in and around your smile, then please contact our team today. We will schedule a consultation so we can examine your smile with the latest digital imaging technology, identifying the factors behind your jaw joint strain and prescribing the best treatment options.
TMJ Therapy
For many patients, we will use the detailed digital images taken of the smile to design and fabricate an oral appliance, one that looks and fits much like a mouthguard and is worn as you sleep. The device then repositions the jaw to prevent strain and stress, so you avoid symptoms during the day and at night. The device also helps prevent damage from teeth grinding, as it acts like a barrier between the upper and lower sets of teeth. We may also help address the issue by correcting dental misalignment, using braces with tooth-colored brackets or Invisalign® aligners to provide a cosmetic route to a straighter smile.
If you have any questions about the causes and warning signs of TMJ disorder, or if you would like to schedule an exam to see if you need treatment, then please contact our team today. We’re also here to address misalignment in patients of all ages, from children to seniors!
DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT TMJ DISORDER?
We want to help you enjoy a healthy comfortable smile by treating your TMD with oral appliance therapy. To learn more about our team tackles issues like TMD or bruxism, 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.
