Many people don’t realize that strain on the jaw joints, a disorder often referred to as TMJ disorder or TMD, could be responsible for daily headaches or regular migraines. Fortunately, we have a comfortable and convenient solution to this serious oral health issue, one that can stop discomfort and prevent complications. In today’s blog, your Astoria, NY, dentist talks about stopping TMD headaches!
Jaw Joint Strain and TMD
Your jaw and skull are connected by the temporomandibular joints. These make the actions needed to eat and speak possible! However, when your jaw undergoes excessive strain, this could cause difficulty eating and speaking, and lead to serious discomfort. Causes of TMJ disorder include bite imbalance, tooth loss, dental misalignment, injury to the face or jaw, or bruxism (teeth grinding). When we examine your smile, we will identify the factors behind your stress, and assess the severity, to recommend the most appropriate treatment plan.
Warning Signs to Watch For
People with the disorder often report chronic headaches and migraines, as well as jaw pain and aches in the face, neck, and shoulders. You may also experience popping or clicking sensations in the jaw. The pressure from teeth grinding could also wear away enamel, or even crack or chip a tooth. As a result, tooth sensitivity and toothaches, which follows the onset of tooth decay, could arise. If you experience one or more of these potential warning signs, then contact our team today. Don’t let your symptoms grow more severe and impact your quality of life and oral health!
Oral Splints and Other Solutions
We could address the issue with orthodontics, using ClearCorrect aligners to move the teeth into optimal positions, easing strain on the jaw joints. We could also help improve the balance of your bite by creating and placing a custom-made dental crown. However, the most common solution is typically an oral splint. We take detailed impressions and measurements of your smile, which enables us to design a mouthguard-like device that is worn as you sleep. The device repoints the jaw to ease strain and prevent further symptoms. If you have bruxism, this also helps by placing a barrier between the upper and lower sets of teeth, preventing further damage! If you have any questions about our approach to TMJ therapy, or about any of our other preventive treatment options, then contact our team today.
Do You Have Questions About Stopping TMD?
We’re ready to tackle your poor bite balance and address your TMD. We want to ensure you enjoy a comfortable smile, and avoid the onset of serious oral health complications. To learn more about treating TMJ disorder, then schedule a consultation by calling Jeffrey Leibowitz, DDS, in Astoria, NY, today at 718-728-8320.
