When you have aches in your jaw and face, or chronic headaches, this could be related to TMJ disorder, an oral health issue that impacts millions of people. In today’s blog, your Fort Worth, TX, orthodontist talks about our custom treatments for TMJ disorder, from cosmetic orthodontics or a custom oral appliance.
The Onset of TMJ Disorder
Also known as TMD, this disorder develops when the jaw joints are strained, often due to factors that upset bite balance. Eventually, this could make opening and closing the mouth fully a difficult process, and could lead to a host of uncomfortable symptoms. Causes include tooth loss, malocclusion, injury of the face or jaw, or untreated bruxism (teeth grinding). Warning signs include pain in the face and jaw, headaches and migraines, and even neck and shoulder pain. A popping or clicking in the jaw could be experienced, and if you also grind your teeth, tooth sensitivity and toothaches. When you encounter similar symptoms as these, then please contact our team right away for treatment!
Creating a Custom Oral Appliance
In many cases, we can offer relief with an oral appliance. This device is similar to a mouthguard, and is worn as you sleep at night. The device is custom-made based on the detailed digital images we take of your smile with the iTero® system. We use the images and measurements to design and craft the appliance in a lab setting. You then wear this as you rest at night, the device repositions the jaw to ease strain on the joints. If you also happen to grind your teeth, we could use the device to act as a barrier between the upper and lower sets of teeth, preventing further damage.
Orthodontic Treatment
We could also help with orthodontics! Dental misalignment is sometimes a factor in the sonnet of TMD, so correcting your uneven smile could bring relief, as well as a straighter smile and better oral health. We have retainers and teeth spacers for young children, and braces and Invisalign® aligners for teens and adults. For a cosmetic approach, we could use tooth-colored brackets as part of our braces. If you have any questions about how we straighten uneven smiles or provide relief from TMJ disorder, then contact our team today to learn more. We want to help you enjoy better oral health!
Do You Need TMJ Therapy?
Our team wants to help restore the health and function of your smile with custom oral appliances. If you have any questions about treating jaw joint strain, or if you would like to schedule an appointment soon, please call Lake Country Orthodontics in Fort Worth, TX at (817) 236-7846. Our office proudly serves patients who live in Haslet, Azle, and all surrounding communities.
