You wake up one morning and you notice that your jaw feels really stiff and sore. Or you go to take a big bite out of juicy burger and your jaw joint “locks up”—you can fully open your mouth! What is going on?
Well, it could be TMJ dysfunction. Your TMJs (temporomandibular joints) are the joints on either side of your head that connect your lower jaw to your skull. When these joints are healthy you can move your lower jaw easily and comfortably in order to speak, chew, and express yourself.
However, when these joints are damaged, you might find that it becomes difficult to complete even the simplest and most commonplace daily tasks.
Many people, when they first experience TMJ problems, start to take over the counter painkillers in order to find relief. They may also use hot and cold compresses to alternately relax and numb their jaw joints. These solutions are fine for a day, but for the sake of your health, you really need to go beyond these surface treatments to find real and lasting relief from TMJ problems.
When you simply treat the superficial symptoms of TMJ disorder—without working to correct the root imbalance/damage in your TMJ—you leave yourself susceptible to further and worsening jaw damage.
That is why our Elmhurst TMJ dentists recommend that TMJ sufferers be fitted for customized oral appliances that address TMJ imbalances. These comfortable and discreet oral appliances help to keep your jaw in an optimal and healthy alignment. Wearing these dental devices, patients not only find relief from day to day symptoms; they are also able to minimize further jaw deterioration down the road.
To learn more about how our Elmhurst TMJ dentists address TMJ disorder, please give our office a call. We look forward to speaking with you!