TMJ disorder, also known as TMD, is a jaw joint disorder that leads to serious discomfort and could even cause people to begin grinding their teeth. In order to relieve these headaches, your Astoria, NY, dentist may recommend treating the issue with a custom-made oral appliance. How do we use these appliances to treat TMD and relieve your headaches?
The Painful Symptoms of TMD
The disorder occurs when serious stress is placed on the jaw joints, which control the movements needed to eat and speak. Over time, once TMJ disorder develops, people may report difficulty opening and closing their mouth fully. Symptoms include migraine and headaches, as well as jaw pain or a popping or clicking sensation in the jaw. Aches in the face, neck, and shoulders could occur as well. Causes of the strain could vary, but are often related to tooth loss, bite imbalance, dental misalignment, teeth grinding, or an injury to the face or jaw. If you experience one or more of these potential warning signs then please contact our team today to discuss possible solutions.
Identifying and Treating TMJ Disorder
Our team will use advanced technology to carefully examine your smile and assess any strain on your jaw joints. We will also look at the teeth for signs of wear and friction, as teeth grinding is often linked to untreated TMD. Once we identify the presence of the disorder, we will choose the most optimal treatments. For many, we can correct misalignment to ease strain on the jaw joints, or possibly use a custom-made restoration, such as a crown, that improves overall bite balance. We also suggest avoiding hard or chewy foods, which could exacerbate the issue, and to use a warm compress to help ease tension in the face and jaw joints. But the most common option is typically an oral appliance.
Oral Appliance Therapy
First, we need to gather detailed measurements and impressions of your smile, which are vital in the design and fabrication of your oral appliance. The device will look and fit much like a mouthguard, and will be worn at night as you sleep. The device is designed to reposition the jaw and ease pressure on the joints, limiting the risk of further symptoms and helping you avoid complications. If you have any questions about treating TMJ disorder, or if you think you need a diagnosis for this disorder, then contact our team today. We’re here to help you enjoy better oral health and avoid uncomfortable symptoms!
Do You Have Frequent Headaches?
Migraines are often warning signs of TMJ disorder. For more information on treating these common oral health problems, then schedule a consultation, call Jeffrey Leibowitz, DDS, in Astoria, NY, today at 718-728-8320.
