Difficulties with biting and chewing can build over time. If your jaw movement is compromised, uneven, or unusual in some other way, tension on your joints and muscles can lead to pain and sensitivity. You also have to worry about the alignment of your joints being negatively affected. These problems, along with teeth grinding issues, can build to problems with TMJ disorder. TMJ disorder refers to difficulties with jaw alignment or movement. It can be linked to several issues, and it can create real problems for your quality of life. At our Sheridan, WY dentist’s office, difficulties with TMJ disorder can be addressed through the use of a custom oral appliance that gently holds your jaw in a more beneficial position.
Acknowledging And Addressing The Signs Of TMJ Disorder
During a routine dental visit, your dentist can look out for any signs that TMJ disorder has started to affect your quality of life. You may have difficulty moving your jaw without some pain, or you may have movement that is uneven or stiff. We can also look for signs of dental wear and tear, as teeth grinding and this condition are often linked. If you let these problems go unaddressed, it can lead to more pain, chipped or cracked teeth, and even issues with chronic headaches!
Using Oral Appliance Therapy To Resolve Your Jaw Problems
Through the use of oral appliance therapy, we can correct problems with poor joint alignment that have affected your quality of life. The appliance you receive will be designed just for you. When you wear it, the change it makes to your bite can reduce tension on your joints and muscles, bringing down the stress they are under. Its use can also encourage a more comfortable and sustainable bite motion, which can further help you move past this problem.
TMJ Disorder And Poor Dental Health
If you are not comfortable biting and chewing because you have teeth that are in poor health, or because your smile is not complete, we can help. Tooth loss can force changes in your bite, as you have to work around a smile gap. Through the use of a dental bridge, or a dental implant-held prosthetic tooth, we can make you more comfortable with a natural bite function. If your issue is with sore or sensitive teeth, we can determine if the placement of a dental crown is appropriate. Sometimes, patients develop problems with their bite because of poor smile alignment. In this situation, we can talk about the potential benefits of straightening teeth with Invisalign aligners.
Grinnell Street Dental Is Ready To Help With Your TMJ Disorder
At Grinnell Street Dental, patients who show signs of struggling with TMJ disorder can receive long-term support in the form of a custom appliance that eases tension and makes biting and chewing easier. If you wish to find out more, you can reach our dental office in Sheridan, WY by calling 307-672-7567.
