TMJ disorder, also referred to as TMD, is a common oral health issue that impacts many people in our community. Unless treated, this could lead to pain in our jaws and face, as well as a greater risk of teeth grinding and damaged teeth. To relieve the discomfort related to TMD, your Astoria, NY, dentist may suggest a single oral appliance!
TMJ Disorder
The disorder occurs when our temporomandibular joints undergo excessive stress and strain. These joints connect our jaw and skull and without them, the movements needed to eat and speak would be impossible. Common causes of strain could include teeth grinding, tooth loss, dental misalignment, or bite imbalance. You could also have high levels of anxiety in your daily life, consume too many caffeinated products, or could have sustained an injury to the face or jaw. When we examine your smile, we will identify the causes of your strain, which helps us offer the most appropriate treatment option.
Warning Signs and Complications
Common warning signs may include soreness in the face or jaw, or a popping or crackling sensation in the jaw. You could also experience aches in the neck and shoulders. If your grind your teeth, you could experience tooth sensitivity and toothaches. Over time, you could also encounter difficulties opening and closing your mouth fully or your teeth could become damaged and develop everything from cavities to infections. Don’t ignore these possible warning signs, instead let us know as soon as possible so we can offer treatment. You may be surprised to find that addressing these issues doesn’t require surgery, but could instead mean a simple oral appliance!
Treatment Options
For some, treatment may include orthodontics, such as clear aligners, to correct misalignment and improve your smile’s balance. You could also receive a new restoration, such as a crown, or replace your missing teeth with dental bridges or implant dentistry. However, the most common solution is actually a device that looks and fits much like a mouthguard. The appliance is created based on impressions and measurements we take of your smile. We use this information to create a device that when worn, repositions the jaw to ease strain and help you avoid common symptoms of untreated TMD. If you have any questions about identifying and treating TMJ disorder, then please contact our team today. Don’t live with avoidable discomfort any longer!
Do You Have Questions About Preventive Dentistry?
Our team can help identify and treat issues like TMD and bruxism. Instead of extensive or intensive treatment options, often something as simple as a unique and comfortable oral appliance can restore balance and comfort to your smile. For more information on preventive dental care and our custom-made oral appliances, then schedule a consultation, call Jeffrey Leibowitz, DDS, in Astoria, NY, today at 718-728-8320.
