Our team knows that TMJ disorder and bruxism (chronic teeth grinding) can lead to issues like headaches and tooth pain, but this could also damage your teeth! Which is why we want to offer relief, and we are proud to do so in a comfortable and noninvasive way. In today’s blog, Jeffrey Leibowitz, DDS talks about a noninvasive way to treat TMJ disorder and bruxism in Astoria, NY, with an oral appliance.
The Risks of TMJ Disorder and Bruxism
TMJ disorder arises when the joints connecting your jaw and school undergo excessive strain, which then upsets bite balance and can lead to issues opening and closing your mouth, as well as a host of uncomfortable symptoms. The pressure could be due to tooth loss, untreated misalignment, problems with the growth of the jaw or eruption of the teeth, or even the arrival of wisdom teeth.
Bruxism, or chronic teeth grinding, can occur for many different reasons, as well as high stress levels in your daily life. Untreated TMJ can lead to painful symptoms and imbalance. With bruxism, the constant grinding and clenching of your teeth at night can wear down and damage your smile, leaving you vulnerable to tooth decay and infection down the road.
Treatment with an Oral Appliance
When you begin to develop pain in your teeth, face, head, or jaw, then talk to our team. With detailed imaging technology, we can make a diagnosis with precision and accuracy. If we find TMJ disorder and/or bruxism, then we can offer relief with an oral appliance. The device is custom-fitted for your smile and will look and fit much like a mouthguard. Worn at night, this will reposition the jaw to ease strain and stress, bringing relief from TMJ symptoms. The same device also puts a soft barrier between the upper and lower sets of teeth to prevent further damage to them from grinding or clenching episodes. The appliance is easy to use and clean!
Repairing Damaged Teeth
What if grinding and/or clenching has damaged your teeth? For minor injuries, we could offer repair with composite resin in a bonding procedure, which takes only one visit. For more substantial injuries, we can place a custom dental crown to repair the tooth and prevent further problems.
If you have any questions about how we design and treat issues like TMJ disorder and teeth grinding, then contact our team today to learn more and get started. You deserve good oral health and a smile that makes you feel confident!
Schedule Your Appointment for a Custom Oral Appliance
Our team wants to help improve your oral health and protect teeth from discomfort and injury. To schedule your next appointment with our office, contact Jeffrey Leibowitz, DDS in Astoria, NY by calling 718-728-8320 today.
