Tmj appliance and treatment in Norfolk, va.
What is a Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ)?
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a complex joint that connects the lower jawbone (mandible) to the temporal bone of the skull on each side of your head. It allows you to move your jaw up and down and from side to side, enabling you to chew, speak, and yawn.
Sometimes problems with the muscles of your jaw, the temporomandibular joint, or both can cause pain and dysfunction. This is called TMD (temporomandibular disorder). Common symptoms include pain in your face, headaches, earaches, difficulty with chewing and clicking/popping sounds coming from your TMJ.
Causes of TMJ Disorder
Can include arthritis, misalignment of the teeth or jaw, trauma to the jaw or muscles of the face and neck, and stress. Treatment for TMD can range from simple lifestyle changes like eating softer foods and avoiding gum chewing, to physical therapy, medications or in some cases surgery.
Symptoms of TMJ Disorder
Include pain or tenderness in the jaw and face, difficulty opening and closing your mouth, painful clicking or popping sound when you open your mouth, locking of the joint so it cannot move beyond a certain point, headaches, and neck aches.
Oral Appliance Therapy
Oral appliance therapy is a treatment option for TMJ disorder that involves the use of custom-made mouthpieces. These mouthpieces are designed to realign your jaw and reduce pressure on your TMJ, alleviating TMD symptoms such as pain, headaches, and clicking/popping sounds.
Book your dental consultation today!
If you think you may be suffering from TMJ disorder, contact us to schedule a consultation and find out how we can help!