When you have strained jaw joints, which could be caused by a number of factors, this may lead to a serious disorder known as TMD. Also referred to as TMJ disorder, this could cause painful symptoms and lead to problems like bruxism. But your Fort Worth, TX, orthodontist can help with TMJ therapy.
The Causes of TMJ Disorder
The disorder is brought on by factors that upset the balance of your bite. This imbalance then strains the joints that connect your jaw and skull, leading to uncomfortable symptoms and in some cases, difficulty fully opening and closing your mouth. These include malocclusion (dental misalignment), injury to the face or jaw, missing teeth, complications with the growth and development of the smile, untreated bruxism (teeth grinding), and even high levels of stress in your daily life. As part of your diagnosis, we will identify the factors behind your strain, and create a treatment plan that works for your smile.
Dangers for Your Smile
Without treatment, this could lead to worsening symptoms, trouble opening and closing your mouth fully, and if teeth grinding occurs as a result. Damaged teeth and the onset of decay and dental infection. Which is why when you experience symptoms, you need to see us right away. Common warning signs include headaches, jaw pain, migraines, facial aches, popping or clicking in the jaw, or aches in the neck and shoulders.
Oral Appliance Therapy
How do we treat such a disorder? For some, correcting misalignment could offer relief. We could use braces (with tooth-colored ceramic brackets) and clear Invisalign® aligners to correct malocclusion. However, for many cases we create a custom oral appliance to stop symptoms. We begin by taking detailed images of the smile with a digital camera and combine them to create a 3D computer model. The model enables us to design and craft an oral appliance. The device will look similar to a mouthguard and is worn as you sleep. The appliance then corrects the position of the jaw, moving it to restore balance in the smile and prevent worsening symptoms.
If you have any questions about how we diagnose and treat a disorder like TMD, or about any of our cosmetic orthodontic treatment options, then contact our team today to learn more.
Ready to Stop TMD-Related Dysfunction?
Our team wants to help people avoid the painful symptoms of TMJ disorder and bruxism, and enjoy a more comfortable smile. If you have any questions about addressing jaw joint strain and restoring the balance of your smile, 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 Springtown, Rome, and all surrounding communities.
