Did you know that persistent pain in your head or jaw could mean you suffer from disorders like TMD, also known as TMJ disorder, or bruxism? Without treatment, these issues not only cause uncomfortable symptoms, but could lead to damaged teeth and major oral health complications. In today’s blog, your Allen, TX, dentist looks at how we treat these issues with an oral appliance.
TMJ Disorder
First, we’re going to talk about these two disorders, highlighting their differences and their connections. TMJ disorder means that the temporomandibular joints that connect your jaw and skull have become very strained and stressed, leading to painful symptoms and trouble opening and closing your mouth. Factors behind the strain include imbalance in the bite, misalignment, missing teeth, or an injury to the face or jaw. Untreated bruxism could be a factor as well. Symptoms could include a popping or clicking sensation in your jaw, headaches, migraines, and soreness in the face and jaw. If you experience one or more of these potential symptoms, then contact our team today learn more.
Bruxism
Bruxism refers to chronic teeth grinding and clenching, which happens as you sleep at night. Untreated TMD could be a factor, as could bite imbalance injury to your smile, issues with the growth and position of oral structures and the teeth, and high levels of stress in your daily life. The symptoms include jaw pain, facial discomfort, tooth sensitivity, toothaches, and even headaches and migraines. The pressure from grinding and clenching could wear down enamel and expose sensitive inner tissues, damaging teeth and leading to cavities and even dental infection that threatens your smile’s stability.
Oral Appliance Therapy
When we see you, our team will carefully examine your smile with advanced digital technology, so we can make a diagnose with accuracy and precision. For some, we could correct the issue with orthodontics to correct misalignment, or a custom restoration like a crown to restore bite balance. However, an oral appliance is often recommended for one or both disorders. The appliance will look and fit like a mouthguard, supporting your oral structures and moving your jaw to ease strain. The device is custom-made based on detailed images we take of your smile, so it fits comfortably and offers treatment with precision. For those who grind their teeth, the device also places a barrier between the upper and lower teeth to prevent further damage. If you have any questions, then give us a call!
Do You Have Questions About Preventive Dentistry?
Our team wants to help you enjoy a strong and functional smile again by targeting jaw joint strain and bite imbalance. To learn more about our preventive and general treatment options, then contact Allen Family Dental in Allen, TX today by calling 469-342-6644.
