Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) causes many kinds of symptoms. This term describes a group of problems related to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and nearby facial, neck, and head muscles. That is part of the reason why it is oftentimes difficult to correctly diagnose. You may have headaches, tooth pain, or muscle aches.
TMJ / TMD problems include tight muscles, joint inflammation, joint damage, or teeth grinding or clenching. They are often accompanied by joint noise and sometimes clicking, popping, or even locking of the jaw. If the latter occurs, an MRI may be recommended so our orthodontists can accurately diagnose any joint discrepancies.
Sometimes the upper and lower jaws are out of alignment, teeth are out of line, tipped, crowded, or spaced too far apart.
Dr. Cetta or Dr. Guloy can align the teeth with braces and other devices— this helps provide a more comfortable bite.
Another way our orthodontists can help manage TMJ / TMD problems is with a splint. A dynamic splint is an appliance made out of hard acrylic that fits in the mouth over the lower teeth (picture shown right). There are different types of splints for different types of needs. A splint can keep the upper and lower teeth apart, provide palliative relief, and simultaneously assist in a definitive diagnosis and resulting management of TMJ / TMD symptoms.
At the initial examination, our doctors will be able to determine a working diagnosis and assess various treatment regimens. He will also decide whether or not an MRI will be necessary.
If you haven’t scheduled your complimentary consultation yet, get started today. You have nothing to lose, only confidence to gain!
If you have any questions about TMJ symptoms, alleviating your TMJ pain, or TMJ treatment options, please give us a call or submit a message!
Additional resources are also available from the website of the TMJ Association at https://tmj.org/.
