TMJ disorder is more than just an inconvenience; patients who suffer from TMJ issues are at risk of developing a number of additional oral health issues down the road as a result.
Our Elmhurst TMJ dentists offer treatment for this condition, with the goals of minimizing day to day discomfort and preventing long-term TMJ-related oral health problems. The treatments that we use are simple, effective, and patient-friendly.
But, before we get into discussing treatment options, let’s quickly review the mechanics of TMJ disorder. Your temporomandibular joints are the joints that connect your lower jaw to your skull. As you’d imagine, you want to keep these joints healthy so that you can eat, speak, and emote comfortably.
Temporomandibular joint problems can pop up for a number of different reasons. Sometimes, the patient’s TMJs are damaged due to accident or trauma: a bike accident, or sport’s injury, for example. However, it is more common for TMJ problems to arise because the underlying structure of the patient’s smile is uneven. When a patient’s top and bottom teeth do not come together evenly and naturally, this can cause the TMJs to slip out of alignment and become irritated. People who suffer from bruxism, or chronic dental grinding, can also experience TMJ problems as a result.
The key to successful TMJ treatment is tailoring the treatment to fit the patient’s specific needs. If your TMJ disorder is caused by a misaligned bite, for example, then orthodontic treatment or strategically placed dental bonding can take the pressure off of your jaw. Other patients will benefit from wearing a TMJ oral appliance, which helps to keep the jaw in a healthy position while protecting the patient’s teeth.
If you’re dealing with TMJ problems, our Elmhurst TMJ dentists encourage you to reach out for treatment before more damage is done. Give us a call to get started with a consultation!