TMJ disorder, also referred to as TMD, is a common but serious oral health issue. Without treatment, this could lead to strained joints and a painful disorder, one that could even damage teeth. In today’s blog, your Astoria, NY, dentist talks about why you shouldn’t ignore the warning signs of TMD.
The Warning Signs
What are the most common signs of trouble? People may experience frequent headaches or migraines, as well as jaw and facial pain. Aches in the neck and shoulder could develop as well. Some report a popping or crackling sensation in the jaw, and if they happen to grind their teeth as well, a toothache or persistent tooth sensitivity. When you experience one or more of these common warning signs, we recommend scheduling an appointment so we can examine your smile with advanced digital imaging and decide on an appropriate treatment plan.
The Causes and Complications of TMD
The disorder occurs when the jaw joints, which connect your jaw and skull and control the movements needed to eat and speak, become strained. This could be caused by missing teeth, malocclusion, injury to the face or jaw, untreated bruxism (teeth grinding), or issues with the growth and development of certain oral structures. Without treatment, this could lead to problems opening and closing your mouth fully. You could also develop the uncomfortable symptoms we discussed in the above section.
Potential Treatment Options
How do we treat the issue and bring relief? For some, we could suggest orthodontics, using ClearCorrect aligners to shift the position of the teeth and improve bite balance. Our team could also recommend crowns or even contouring to improve overall bite balance too. But the most common solution is an oral appliance. This device is crafted based on the detailed digital images we take of your smile, allowing us to create an oral appliance that looks and fits like a mouthguard. When worn at night, this device actually repositions the jaw to ease pressure and tension, helping you avoid painful symptoms during waking hours. If you grind your teeth, the device also puts a barrier between the upper and lower sets of teeth to prevent further damage to your teeth.
If you have any questions about how we diagnose and treat an issue like TMD, or if you’re ready to schedule a checkup and cleaning soon, then contact our team today to learn more.
Your Astoria, NY, Dentist Offers Better Bite Balance
Our team wants to help correct the strain and pressure that could cause TMD. To learn more about improving the balance and health of the smile with an oral appliance, then schedule a consultation by calling Jeffrey Leibowitz, DDS, in Astoria, NY, today at 718-728-8320.
