The Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) is the joint of the jaw. There are two TMJs, one on each side of the jaw, and they work in unison to open and close your mouth, allowing you to chew and talk. TMJ Disorder (or TMD) is a chronic degenerative condition that can take years to develop and have serious consequences to your health and quality of life. When your jaw is misaligned, it can cause other symptoms (some of which you might not expect) such as:
When you come in for your appointment, Dr. Gray and his team will assess your teeth and mouth for any visible signs of wear. If there is an issue, we will use a few different methods to get to the root of the problem and develop a treatment plan. Some of the methods we use to determine if you have a bite issue include:
In many cases, TMD symptoms can be resolved with orthodontic treatment. We offer Invisalign clear aligners as an effective remedy for TMD in adults.
Invisalign clear aligners are made of clear plastic that is molded to fit your teeth perfectly. Each set of trays moves your teeth slightly, much like traditional braces, until your teeth are in the ideal position for better jaw alignment.
Each set of aligners is customized to your teeth for maximum comfort and precise results. There are now wires or metal parts to poke your cheeks or irritate your gums, and the aligners are designed to move your teeth gently.
You will not be inconvenienced, because you can take your aligners out any time you need to eat or drink and when you want to brush and floss. You can also take them out for short periods, for instance when you have an important event or when you’re having your picture taken
They are virtually invisible in your mouth. You’ll know you’re wearing them, but others may not even notice them at all. You can go about your day without worrying that your smile is standing out for the wrong reasons.
TMD pain can really disrupt your life, and if you don’t do something about it, you’ll only suffer more as time goes on. Invisalign clear aligners can make your TMD symptoms disappear for good. Contact us for more information about how Invisalign clear aligners can relieve your pain.
Depending on your situation, there are generally 2 ways to correct TMJ disorder:
Most TMJ problems are the result of epigenetics. This is where the environment does not allow the full expression of the genes. (It is important to note that TMJ disorder can be treated at any age). Environmental factors include diet, breastfeeding, mouth breathing, among other things. TMJ problems can also be the result of a traumatic injury. Because the TMJ is a joint, it will continue to wear down (like a knee joint), and symptoms will likely develop as you age.
Depending on your situation, there are generally 2 ways to correct TMJ disorder:
Most TMJ problems are the result of epigenetics. This is where the environment does not allow the full expression of the genes. (It is important to note that TMJ disorder can be treated at any age). Environmental factors include diet, breastfeeding, mouth breathing, among other things. TMJ problems can also be the result of a traumatic injury. Because the TMJ is a joint, it will continue to wear down (like a knee joint), and symptoms will likely develop as you age.
It is always a good idea to treat early. The best time is in childhood in order to prevent future problems. In general, if you have a TMJ problem (whether you have symptoms or not), we always recommend treating as early as possible — because you will be working with healthier (less compromised) structures — rather than waiting for things to degenerate further.
If you have any follow-up questions or you want to come in for an assessment, please contact our Newmarket dental office at (289) 272-8142
