TMJ Treatment Helps Improve Smile Function
When you have an imbalance in your smile, this could strain the jaw joints and lead to a serious complication. TMJ disorder, also known as TMD, could mean major trouble with your smile and uncomfortable symptoms. In today’s blog, your Cleveland, TX, dentist talks about our TMJ treatment.
The Dangers of TMD
The temporomandibular joints connect our jaw to the skull, and control the actions needed to eat and speak. When the joints become stressed, this could cause TMJ disorder. With this disorder comes trouble fully opening and closing the mouth, and a host of uncomfortable symptoms. This could lead to related disorders, like bruxism, which actually damage the teeth. When you experience the symptoms we discuss in the next section, we urge you to come see us for an exam. We can find out if you need treatment and offer relief!
Warning Signs and Causes
People with the disorder may report headaches and migraines, neck and facial pain, and pain in the shoulders and face. A popping or clicking sensation in the jaw is common too, as are toothaches and tooth sensitivity if you also grind or clench your teeth. The causes are usually factors that upset overall bite balance, such as injury to the face or jaw, complications with the growth and development of the smile, tooth loss, malocclusion, and untreated teeth grinding. When we examine your smile, we will look closely to identify the factors and create a treatment plan that works for your unique case, and brings relief to your smile too.
Treatment Options
For some, we could offer relief with orthodontics, which correct uneven teeth and restore balance. The placement of a crown, or the use of bonding and contouring, could also improve overall bite balance and function. But in most cases, we will recommend an oral appliance. The completed device will look and fit much like a mouthguard, and is worn as we sleep at night. The device then repositions the jaw to ease tension, and for those who grind their teeth, places a barrier between the upper and lower sets of teeth to prevent further damage. If you have any questions about treating an issue like TMJ disorder, or about your next checkup and cleaning visit, then contact our team today to learn more.
Ready to Improve Your Smile’s Health and Function?
Our team wants to help address serious issues with our TMJ treatment options. If you have any questions about correcting the balance of your smile, or if you would like to schedule a consultation today, please contact Cleveland Family Dentistry in Cleveland, TX, at (281) 592-1234. You can also find our practice at 205 E. Houston St. Cleveland, TX 77327.