TMJ disorder, sometimes referred to as TMD, occurs when the jaw joints are strained, which could lead to jaw pain and headaches, and a host of complications in your daily life. Our team knows how to treat this disorder with a comfortable and noninvasive solution. Our Southlake, TX, dental office can create a custom-made and effective oral appliance!
The Warning Signs of TMD
You should be aware of the warning signs of TMJ disorder so you know when to seek treatment, avoiding complications and damage to your smile down the road. Warning signs vary, but could include headaches, migraines, jaw and facial pain, or discomfort in the neck and shoulders. You could experience a popping or clicking sensation in your jaw too, and discomfort when you eat and bite down. If you also grind your teeth due to a related disorder like bruxism, then toothaches and tooth sensitivity, as well as changes to tooth structure could occur too. When you experience one or more of these potential warning signs, then please reach out to our team right away!
Causes and Complications
TMD occurs when the jaw joints, which control the movements needed to eat and speak, become strained. This could be due to issues like stress, injury, misalignment, tooth loss, or even complications with the strength of your smile and the eruption of your teeth. Without treatment, the disorder could impact how you open and close your mouth. If you develop bruxism, then the grinding and clenching could crack or chip teeth or wear them down to increase the risk of tooth decay and infection. You need to seek treatment to avoid discomfort and preserve your smile!
Oral Appliance Therapy
Our team will create a custom TMJ appliance to bring relief and safeguard your smile. The appliance is crafted and custom-fitted based on detailed digital images and measurements we take of your smile from multiple angles. We combine these to create a 3D impression, which is used in a dental lab setting to design and craft the finished product. The device is soft and pliable, and fits like a simple mouthguard. When at night, it gently repositions the smile to ease stress and strain, so you avoid discomfort. If you grind your teeth. The device also puts a barrier between the upper and lower teeth to fight bruxism episodes and prevent damage to your smile.
If you have any questions about treating TMJ disorder, then contact our team today.
Talk To Your Southlake, TX Dentist About TMD Treatment
We want to help you enjoy good oral health and avoid discomfort in your face, head, and jaw. If you would like to learn more about addressing TMJ disorder, call our Southlake, TX dental office at (817) 481-6364.