When you have an imbalanced bite, this could lead to the onset of TMJ disorder, also known as TMD. To avoid discomfort, then our team could recommend a comfortable and noninvasive solution. In today’s blog, your Newhall, CA, dentist will explain how we improve bite function and balance with TMJ treatment.
The Causes of TMJ Disorder
How does a disorder like TMD develop? The problem starts when the jaw joints, which connect your jaw and skull and control the movements necessary to eat or speak, undergo excessive strain. This could happen due to bite imbalance brought on by issues with the growth of the oral structures or the eruption of the teeth, or due to tooth loss or possibly injury to the face or jaw. Tooth loss or untreated teeth grinding could also be possible factors too. Our team will carefully examine your smile to assess the cause and extent, so we can offer the most appropriate treatment option.
Possible Complications
Warning signs vary, but could include pain when you bite down or chew, aches in the jaw, face, and neck, and a popping or clicking sensation in your jaw. Without treatment, this could make fully opening and closing your mouth difficult. The disorder is also linked to the onset of bruxism, or chronic teeth grinding. Without treatment, this wears down tooth structure to alter your smile’s appearance and increase the risk of tooth decay and dental infection.
Treatment with Oral Appliances
Treatment could return comfort to your smile. For some, this includes correcting malocclusion and misalignment with braces to clear aligners. We could also help correct bite imbalance with the placement of a crown or by altering tooth shape using dental bonding. However, the most common solution is an oral appliance.
The device will be crafted based on detailed images we gather of your smile. We use them to design and craft the oral appliance, which looks like a mouthguard and is custom-fitted for your smile. The device will be worn at night as you sleep, repositioning the jaw to ease strain and restore balance. If you grind your teeth, this also puts a strong barrier between the upper and lower sets of teeth, a barrier that helps prevent damage to your smile. If you have any questions about how we diagnose and treat issues like TMD, or if you have pain in and around your smile, then contact our team today to learn more.
Talk To Your Newhall, CA Dentist About Treating TMD
We would like to help you enjoy better oral health with a solution for TMD. If you would like to find out more about our treatments for TMJ disorder, contact your Newhall, CA, dentist, Dr. Tajik, by calling (661) 259-7760. When you see us now, you can beat the hectic holiday season and use your remaining benefits before they expire!