When you have pain in your jaw, or have frequent headaches without explanation, then you could be suffering from TMJ disorder. Also known as TMD, this impacts millions of smiles in the United States. Fortunately, your Fort Worth, TX, orthodontist can provide relief with an oral appliance!
The Warning Signs of TMD
How do you know if you need to seek treatment for an issue like TMJ disorder? The issue occurs when the temporomandibular joints undergo excess strain. Since these connect your jaw and skull, this could complicate how you eat and speak, as opening and closing your mouth becomes difficult. People may experience soreness in the face and jaw, popping or cracking in the jaw, headaches and migraines, and pain in the neck and shoulders. Factors behind the strain include tooth loss, malocclusion, injury to the face or jaw, teeth grinding, and misalignment. If teeth grinding develops, this could also mean toothaches and sensitivity. If one or more of these symptoms applies to you, then contact our team to discuss a solution.
Creating an Oral Appliance
To offer relief, we could recommend an oral appliance. This device will look like a mouthguard, and will be worn as you sleep. Each one is custom-made for our patients, and involves gathering a series of digital images with the iTero scanning system. These images will be combined to create a detailed 3D model of the smile, one that blows us to design and craft the appliance.
TMJ Therapy
The oral appliance is then worn each night, repositioning the jaw to ease strain and bring relief, so you avoid worsening pain and complications. If you also grind your teeth, the appliance places a barrier between the upper and lower sets of teeth to prevent further damage. For some patients, we could use orthodontics like braces or Invisalign aligners to correct misalignment, restoring bite balance and easing jaw joint strains. If you have any questions about our approach to TMJ therapy, or if you would like to discuss treatment for the pain in your smile or your misalignment, then contact our team today to learn more. Let’s make 2022 the year you enjoy an even smile and a smile without discomfort!
SCHEDULE YOUR NEXT APPOINTMENT TODAY
We would love to help bring balance and comfort to your smile once again with the creation of a custom oral appliance, one that fits your smile comfortably. If you have any questions about oral appliance therapy or about our orthodontics treatments, or if you would like to schedule an appointment, 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.
