TMJ disorder and bruxism are two different disorders that can cause a series of uncomfortable symptoms, but are often related. To offer treatment for both, we can take a comfortable and convenient approach with an oral appliance. In today’s blog, your Prairie Village, KS, dentist talks about how we treat TMJ disorder and bruxism.
The Causes of Jaw Joint Strain
TMJ disorder could occur due to stress on the jaw joints, which could occur due to missing teeth, misalignment, injury to the face or jaw, or issues with the growth of the jaw or the eruption of the teeth. When this disorder occurs, this could lead to discomfort and eventually issues opening and closing your mouth. Bruxism could occur due to similar factors, as well as a high level of stress in your daily life. The disorder causes you to grind and clench your teeth on a regular basis, which can strain the jaw and also damage teeth, leading to painful symptoms and complications.
The Warning Signs of Trouble
How do you know if you need to see us? With both disorders, you could experience toothaches, tooth sensitivity, popping or clicking in the bite, headaches and migraines, and pain in the face or jaw. Your significant other could also alert you to any teeth grinding episodes that occur in the night. Don’t ignore persistent pain in and around your face, instead schedule a consultation so we can examine your smile and see if you need treatment with a custom oral appliance.
Help with an Oral Appliance
Our team will take detailed digital images and measurements of your smile from multiple angles, and then use them in a lab setting to design and craft an oral appliance. This is a comfortable and noninvasive solution to issues like TMJ disorder and bruxism. The appliance will look similar to a mouthguard. And is worn as you sleep. When in place, this helps reposition the smile to ease stress and strain, fighting TMJ symptoms and bringing relief. This can help limit teeth grinding episodes and at the same time, provide a barrier between the upper and lower sets of teeth to prevent further damage to the teeth. The device is easy to use and clean, and can travel with you too!
If you have any questions about how we treat jaw joint concerns with a custom oral appliance, or if you would like to schedule a visit, then contact our team today.
Schedule Your TMD Consultation With Dr. Browne, D.D.S.
Our team can help offer relief from discomfort with a custom and noninvasive oral appliance. To find out more about easing the stress and strain on your smile, then call Dr. Browne in Prairie Village, KS, at 913-901-8585.
