TMJ disorder and bruxism are both unique but often related oral health issues that can form in our smiles. Without treatment, this could lead to damaged teeth and major discomfort. But your Seattle, WA, dentist can offer help with a custom oral appliance.
TMJ Disorder
TMJ disorder, sometimes referred to as TMD, occurs when the joints connecting your jaw and skull undergo excessive strain. The stress due to imbalance could mean issues down the road fully opening and closing your mouth, as well as a host of uncomfortable symptoms. The disorder could be caused by issues like injury to the face or jaw, tooth loss, misalignment, untreated bruxism, or issues with the growth and development of your jaw, or the arrival of wisdom teeth. You may experience painful symptoms like jaw and facial pain, neck and shoulder aches, headaches and migraines, and a popping or clicking sensation in your jaw.
Bruxism
With bruxism, you grind and clench your teeth on a nightly basis. This pressure could wear down and damage your teeth, leading them to appear short, develop cracks or chips, and become more vulnerable to complications like tooth decay, dental infection, as well as tooth loss! Factors behind it include high stress levels in your daily life, untreated TMJ disorder, tooth loss, malocclusion, or issues with the growth and development of your jaw and teeth. You may experience toothaches, tooth sensitivity, jaw and facial pain, and headaches and migraines.
Oral Appliance Therapy
Don’t ignore the symptoms we’ve discussed above, instead see our team for treatment. This could include orthodontics, restorations, or in most cases, an oral appliance. We will take detailed digital images and measurements of your smile from multiple angles. We then use them to design and craft an oral appliance. The device will look and fit like a mouthguard, and is worn while you rest at night. Once in place, the device repositions the joints to ease stress and strain, and places a barrier between the upper and lower teeth to prevent bruxism-related damage. The die is easy to use, clean, and store, and it can travel with you too. If you have damaged teeth, we could offer repair in one visit with dental bonding, or place a custom crown.
If you have any questions about how we diagnose and treat issues like TMJ disorder and bruxism with an oral appliance, then contact our team today to learn more.
Schedule a Visit with Our Team Today
Our team is eager to help address the cause of your jaw joint strain. Schedule a consultation with Ballard Neighborhood Dentist in Seattle, WA at (206)789-2555 to learn more about our oral appliances. We want to ensure your smile is comfortable, healthy, and free of complications like tooth decay and dental infection.
