The Causes and Risks of TMJ Disorder
When the joints that connect your jaw and skull become strained, this could lead to serious pressure on your smile and cause the onset of TMJ disorder. This disorder is widespread and, over time, could lead to issues fully opening and closing your mouth. The presence of untreated TMJ disorder is also linked to the onset of bruxism, or chronic teeth grinding, which can damage and wear down tooth structure to increase the risk of issues like tooth decay and dental infection. You may need an orthodontic approach to obtain relief from the symptoms of TMD!
Signs You Need TMJ Therapy
How do you know when to seek treatment? Warning signs vary from patient to patient, but often include issues like jaw pain, facial aches, headaches and migraines, and a popping or clicking sensation in the jaw. You could also experience aches in the neck and shoulders. When these symptoms start to occur and don’t subside after a day or two, then you should consider an examination, so we can see if you need treatment to address your TMJ dysfunction and bring relief.
Oral Appliances
One common treatment option is the oral appliance, a device that is custom-fitted for your smile based on digital images we take of your smile from multiple angles. The appliance fits like a mouthguard and is worn as you sleep, gently repositioning the jaw to improve bite function and ease stress. The appliance is easy to use and clean, and can travel with you too. If you have bruxism, this also places a barrier between your upper and lower sets of teeth to prevent further damage.
Orthodontics
Our team could also offer help with orthodontics, correcting your misalignment to ease the strain on your jaw joints. We can help with traditional braces, which can be used to correct more severe cases of misalignment. For a more cosmetic approach, we can offer Invisalign® aligners, which are completely clear and help shift the smile in as little as one year. With CandidPro clear aligners, you send digital scans of your smile to us every 14 days, so we can monitor your progress and limit how often you need to visit our office in person.
Schedule a Visit with Your Crosspointe Dental & Orthodontics Team In Mansfield, TX
Our team wants to help you enjoy a better night’s rest with clear airways, and a more comfortable bite with better balance. To find out more about improving bite balance and airway blockage, give us a call at Crosspointe Dental & Orthodontics in Mansfield, TX at (817) 592-8475 today!
