Dental discomfort can take the form of more than just a toothache. If you often wake up with dental sensitivity and soreness, a tight or uncomfortable feeling in your jaw, and facial discomfort, it could be due to an issue with unconscious teeth grinding, something often referred to as bruxism. Discomforts like these that persist throughout the day, more frequent headaches, and even pain in your neck and shoulder can point to a problem with TMJ disorder, an issue with the alignment of the jaw joints.
Our practice is prepared to help diagnose both during a routine dental exam, and we can provide the appropriate care to put these issues behind you! If your teeth grinding has caused damage to your tooth structure, we can discuss the benefits of restorative dentistry or cosmetic dentistry based on your needs.
Treating Disorders That Affect Your Jaw Alignment And Movement
Bruxism and TMJ disorder are two separate conditions, but many are affected by both. This is because leaving one untreated makes it more likely you will experience the other. We work carefully with patients who are struggling with disordered jaw movement and/or alignment to provide a long-term solution. In both cases, a specially designed mouthguard can often prove effective at providing care.
Those who struggle with unconscious teeth grinding may have visible signs of wear and tear on their enamel, as well as chips and cracks in teeth that must be addressed. Conservative cosmetic work can make corrections while minimizing changes to tooth structure. For teeth that require more than just esthetic improvement, we can provide restorative treatment.
Dr. Browne Is Ready To Help With Bruxism And TMJ Disorder
Bruxism and TMJ disorder are problems that can take a serious toll on your quality of life and your smile. In addition to checking for signs of both during dental visits, Dr. Browne is prepared to help patients impacted by one or both conditions. To find out how we can help you take on painful problems with your jaw alignment as well as with unconscious teeth grinding, reach out to our Prairie Village, KS dental office at 913-901-8585.
