Ideally, your jaw joints will stay in good alignment when you bite and chew, and while you are in a relaxed state. By maintaining good alignment and avoiding problems that put more stress on your joint and muscles, you can avoid difficulties with pain and stiffness, lower your risk for developing problems with teeth grinding, and even have fewer headaches. Unfortunately, different issues like stress, poor bite movement, and others can lead to difficulties often referred to as TMJ disorder. If your dentist observes problems with your jaw alignment or movement, they can recommend starting TMJ therapy to help improve your bite and deal with ongoing pain and stiffness. One approach we can take is to design a custom oral appliance which you can use to correct problems with poor alignment and improve your bite.
TMJ Disorder Can Create Several Problems For You
There are multiple problems that people may experience when they are dealing with untreated TMJ problems. You can start to experience pain when you move your jaw, or find that your movements are affected by feelings of stiffness or sensitivity. Teeth grinding is a problem often linked to TMJ disorder. More frequent headaches are also an issue for people who have problems with stress or poor joint alignment.
Using An Oral Appliance To Resolve Problems With Your Jaw
Oral appliances can help people struggling with jaw pain and stiffness. The appliances we provide are custom-made to address issues with bite imbalances or poor joint alignment. When worn during the night, it encourages you to change your jaw position and reduce stress on your joints and muscles.
Dealing With The Effects Of Bruxism
Bruxism is often linked to TMJ disorder. With that said, it can be a problem that arises after TMJ problems develop, or a habit that leads to difficulties with jaw pain and stiffness. If we observe symptoms of teeth grinding and clenching during a routine dental checkup like wear and tear on enamel, or if a patient comes to us describing symptoms of habitual teeth grinding, we can provide an oral appliance for protection. The appliance, worn while you sleep, will protect you against unconscious grinding and clenching that leads to damage. We can also discuss possible restorative dental work or cosmetic dental work, depending on the condition of your teeth.
Talk To Sunny Smiles About Starting TMJ Therapy
By bringing up problems like TMJ disorder with your dentist, you can learn about different treatments that help you address ongoing pain and sensitivity, as well as difficulties with dental damage caused by teeth grinding and clenching. To find out more, or to learn more about other services we offer, contact Sunny Smiles at our Dyer St location in El Paso, TX by calling 915-859-7000.