Did you know that strain in your jaw joints could lead to chronic headaches and other symptoms? With TMJ treatment, we can offer relief and do so without surgical or other intensive options for people with TMJ disorder, also known as TMD! In today’s blog, Dr. Stewart, DDS, PC, talks about how we stop headaches with TMJ treatment.
Headaches and Bite Imbalance
If you have chronic headaches and migraines, this could potentially be related to a jaw joint disorder. TMD occurs when there is pressure on your jaw joints, which can upset balance and lead to issues opening and closing your mouth. The presence of TMD could mean pain in the head, as well as aches in the face, jaw, neck, and shoulders. In addition, this could also cause popping or crackling in your bite. What are the factors behind TMJ disorder? These could include tooth loss, injury to the face or jaw, misalignment, or even issues with the growth of your jaw or how your teeth erupt, including wisdom tooth eruption.
The Link to Grinding Teeth
Treating TMJ disorder not only protects your smile from jaw joint strain, but helps prevent the onset of teeth grinding. Many of the same factors that cause TMJ disorder could also lead to bruxism (teeth grinding) and vice-versa. With bruxism, the constant pressure on your teeth at night from grinding and clenching can wear down tooth structure and crack or chip the teeth, which leaves the smile in pain and vulnerable to tooth decay and infection, leading to discomfort and even risking the overall stability of your smile! Fortunately, we can help with the same treatment we use for TMD, an oral appliance custom-fitted for your bite.
A Comfortable Oral Appliance
An oral appliance provides a comfortable and effective way to treat TMJ disorder, one without surgery or other intensive solutions. Instead, we will take images and impressions of your tie, and use these to design and craft an appliance that will fit like a mouthguard. The appliance will be worn while you sleep and help reposition the bite to ease the strain behind your TMD symptoms, so you enjoy relief. If you also grind your teeth, this puts a very soft barrier between the upper and lower sets of teeth to help prevent further injuries to your smile. The appliance is easy to use, simple to clean, and when you leave for your summer vacation, it can come with you so you stay comfortable on the road!
If you have any questions about TMJ treatment, then contact our team today.
Schedule Your TMD Visit With Dr. Stewart, DDS
We are ready to take on common issues like TMD and even bruxism. To learn more about addressing the source of your bite imbalance and discomfort, call Dr. Stewart, D.D.S., P.C. in Livonia, MI at 734-425-4400.