TMJ Disorder: Why It Might Be Happening

When you come to our Cleveland, TX practice to learn why you’re dealing with TMJ disorder and what to do about it, one thing you will learn is that we cannot always uncover the exact reason behind the issue. Then again, there are some very obvious factors that often come into play, which will become exceptionally obvious once we begin asking you questions. So, to start with a bit of detective work into why your TMJs aren’t feeling too wonderful these days (followed by how to handle the issue), we’re here to help!

You Need To Fix Your Dental Work

First, if you are dealing with TMJ disorder, it is very possible that you have an issue with your bite balance due to old dental work that requires fixing (or simply due to damaged work). Let’s talk about what this might mean: If you have a crown that no longer fits, if your filling fell out, if you have a bridge that’s not fitting correctly, etc., then your bite balance shifts. Then, you may stress TMJs as they work to provide motion to new poses and movements (which you make in order to compensate for balance concerns).

You Have Missing Teeth

Again, if you have missing teeth, this will throw off your bite’s natural balance. Since your TMJ disorder may be caused by (or worsened by) poor balance in your smile, this can contribute in a significant way to jaw joint stress.

You’re A Grinder Or Clencher

Do you already suffer from bruxism disorder? If so, we remind patients that grinding can exhaust jaw joints, while clenching can place a tremendous amount of pressure and stress on them. In both cases, bruxism may lead to or exacerbate TMJ issues.

It’s Time To See Us

As you have likely already guessed, one of the major suggestions when it comes to addressing your TMJ disorder is to come see us. Once we have a better idea of what is wrong, we can offer not only the TMJ treatment you need for relief but we may also offer any additional care you may need. Perhaps you require Invisalign to align your smile. Maybe you need help with restorative care that’s old and needs to be updated. Perhaps you need to replace missing teeth. We can help! All it takes is scheduling a visit with us to get started.

Promote Better TMJ Health With Our Help

Get your smile health on track by meeting with us to discuss your TMJ disorder. When you come in for a checkup, we can provide you with a personalized care plan that will help you achieve relief and improvement. Call our Cleveland Family Dentistry office in Cleveland, TX, today at (281) 592-1234. We proudly serve patients and their families from Cleveland, Kingwood, New Caney, Conroe, Livingston, Huffman, and all surrounding communities.