TMJ disorder, also known as TMD, is a common disorder related to your jaw joints. Without treatment, the strain could mean worsening symptoms and even major complications. In today’s blog, your Astoria, NY, dentist talks about how we treat the causes of TMD, and how we bring relief with an oral appliance.
The Causes of TMD
How do we develop a disorder like TMD? The problem occurs when the temporomandibular joints, which connect your head and skull, become strained. This stress could lead to the disorder, and without treatment, problems fully opening and closing the mouth. Factors include tooth loss, misalignment, injury to the face or jaw, untreated teeth grinding, or issues with the growth and development of the jaw and oral structures. Without treatment, this could mean worsening discomfort and complications with your oral health!
Common Warning Signs
You should give our office a call once you experience the common symptoms of the disorder, which include a popping or crackling sensation in the jaw, headaches or migraines, jaw and facial aches, and if you happen to grind your teeth as well, tooth sensitivity and toothaches. When you encounter pain in and around your smile, let us know right away. With advanced digital x-rays and intraoral camera technology, our team will be able to diagnose and treat the issue with precision and accuracy!
Treatment with an Oral Appliance
Treating the disorder could involve the use of clear orthodontics aligners to correct the position of the teeth, or possibly the use of crowns or bonding/contouring to help improve overall bite balance and ease jaw joint strain. We could also address tooth loss by replacing missing teeth with bridges, dentures, or even dental implants.
But the most common solution is an oral appliance, one custom-made and fitted based on detailed digital images we take of your smile. The finished product will look similar to a mouthguard and will fit comfortably. You wear it as you sleep, the device repositioning the jaw to ease strain on the joint and bring relief. If you happen to grind your teeth, this also puts a barrier between the upper and lower sets of teeth to prevent damaged teeth. If you have any questions about how to treat the disorder, or about scheduling a visit to use your dental benefits before they expire at the end of December, let us know. Now is a great time to undergo treatment, before the holiday season makes your schedule too hectic.
Do You Have Questions About Easing Strain?
Our team is eager to help smile with confidence and comfort! If you would like to learn more about how our team can tackle the discomfort in your smile, then schedule a consultation by calling Jeffrey Leibowitz, DDS, in Astoria, NY, today at 718-728-8320.
