TMJ Disorders
Temporal Mandibular Joint Disorder more commonly referred to as TMJ Disorder, is very prevalent in the population. Often this issue can manifest itself in different ways such as clicking and popping upon opening, cracking sound by the ear, or pain in the Joint itself. Symptoms such as these can occur from clenching or grinding. Evidence of this can be seen from wear or divots on the teeth.
While TMJ disorder is a condition that does involve pain and improper function of the muscles and joints of the jaw, another issue which can cause similar pain is Bruxism. If you often wake up with jaw pain, earaches, or headaches, or if you find yourself clenching or grinding your teeth, you may have this common condition.
Bruxism – Several factors may be involved in the development of bruxism a condition where patients grind, gnash or clench their teeth unconsciously. Stressful situations at home, school, or work, problems in sleeping, an abnormal bite, and crooked or missing teeth may contribute to the condition. Many people do not even know that they grind their teeth, as it often occurs when one is sleeping although it can also occur when one is awake. If not corrected, bruxism can lead to broken teeth, cracked teeth, damaged restorations, or even tooth loss.
There is an easy, non-invasive treatment for bruxism – nightguards. Nightguards are an easy way to prevent the wear and damage that teeth-grinding cause over time. Custom-made by your dentist from hard material to fit your teeth, a nightguard is inserted over your top or bottom arch and prevents contact with the opposing teeth.
Our office fabricates custom-made nightguards. Comfortable and well fitted for your mouth, easy to keep clean, and does not prevent you from breathing properly. A hard nightguard, with full-function protects your teeth for excessive wear and helps decrease muscle pain from excessive grinding.
