When you have chronic pain in your jaw joints, this could mean the presence of TMJ disorder, also known as TMD. To treat the smile and prevent worsening pain and discomfort, we could offer TMJ therapy with an oral appliance. In today’s blog, your Fort Worth, TX, orthodontist talks about our oral appliances.
The Causes of TMJ Disorder
Our jaws are connected to the skull via the temporomandibular joints, which allow the movement necessary to eat and drink. However, when these same joints undergo excessive strain, this could cause a disorder like TMD to develop. The disorder could eventually cause a host of uncomfortable symptoms, and even complicate how fully you can open and close your mouth. Causes could include missing teeth, malocclusion, injury to the fee or jaw, or complication with the growth and development of the jaw and certain oral structures. We will assess the exact cause before we offer treatment!
Warning Signs of Trouble
People with the disorder may report a popping or clicking sensation in their jaw, as well as headaches, migraines, jaw pain, facial aches, or discomfort in the neck and shoulders. The strain could also cause teeth grinding to develop, and this in turn could damage teeth and increase the risk of tooth sensitivity and toothaches. When you experience one or more of these common symptoms, then contact our team today for an exam. We will use advanced imaging systems to diagnose the presence of TMJ dysfunction, and then create the most appropriate treatment plan.
TMJ Therapy
For some, we could use braces or Invisalign® to shift the teeth and correct misalignment, easing strain on the jaw joints. However, we could also offer a custom oral appliance to bring relief. The device will be crafted based on the detailed images we take of your smile with the iTero® system. The oral appliance will be custom-fitted to your smile and worn as you sleep. Once in place, this shifts the jaw to ease strain and pressure, helping you avoid symptoms during waking hours. You then enjoy better oral health too! If you also happen to grind your teeth, this helps prevent further damage by putting a barrier between the upper and lower sets of teeth.
If you have any questions about how we approach TMJ therapy, or about any of our orthodontics treatment options, then contact our team today.
Ready to Correct Jaw Joint Strain?
Our team wants to help you enjoy a healthy and comfortable smile. If you have any questions about treating strained jaw joints and bite imbalance, 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.
