TMJ Disorder Treatment
Understanding TMJ Disorders
Temporomandibular Joint
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is another name for the jaw joint. It is one of the most complicated joints in the entire body, given the different movements needed to eat, speak, and make facial expressions.
What Is a TMJ Disorder?
A TMJ disorder (TMD) occurs when the jaw joint and any surrounding tissues are dysfunctional. It may result from problems that affect the bone, cartilage, nerves, or muscles around the mandible or cranium.
TMJ Disorder Symptoms
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- Pain around the jaw joint
- Clicking or popping of the jaw
- Lockjaw and limited jaw movement
- Recurring headaches or earaches
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Pain of the neck or shoulders
- Soreness of the teeth
- Changes in tooth alignment
How Common Are TMJ Disorders?
What Causes TMD?
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While causes can vary, temporomandibular disorders are most commonly associated with poor dental alignment (malocclusion), teeth grinding (bruxism), different types of arthritis, and previous injuries to the jaw joint.
Why You Should Consider TMJ Treatment
There are many advantages to getting your temporomandibular joint treated as soon as possible. We encourage you to contact our Westfield, MA, office to schedule a TMD visit.
Treat Your Current Symptoms
You don't have to live with pain or soreness of the jaw and surrounding structures. Treating TMD will help you experience relief from your current TMJ symptoms.Long-Term Relief From Jaw Pain and Disorders
TMJ dysfunction can get worse if it's not identified and treated. Treating TMD as soon as you notice symptoms means that your overall quality of life will be improved for years to come.Save Money by Avoiding Invasive Dental Work
Serious TMJ issues may arise without early treatment. Treating severe TMJ dysfunction can be expensive. Early detection and treatment are less invasive and more affordable.TMD Risk Factors
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TMJ issues are more common in people between the ages of 20 and 40. TMJ dysfunction is also more common in women than men, and among people who suffer from high stress levels. When examining your TMJ, we'll note your symptoms as well as the presence of any of these risk factors.
Do You Think You Have a TMJ Problem? Schedule an Appointment to Get Relief From TMD
If you suffer from temporomandibular joint disorder symptoms, Kasperowski Family Dentistry can help. Our team of dedicated dental health professionals can perform a thorough exam of your jaw and determine an ideal course of action. With more than 50 years of combined practice, our dentists can develop a custom treatment plan that enhances your oral health for years to come.
To learn more about treating temporomandibular disorders and providing long-term relief, contact our team of dentists online. You can also reach our dental office in Westfield, MA, by phone.
Call Our Office Today
(413) 562-5494
Our Dentists Are Here to Help You Satisfied Patients in Hampden County, MA
Michelle Cretella
2021
Meghan Kelley is the best dentist I have ever had! Very professional, personable, and cares about your comfort and concerns. Takes the time to explain everything and answer all questions asked thoroughly. Highly recommend!!
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John Lambert
2020
Everyone is attentive-- from the time you walk in the door, throughout the appointment, and back out the door. The office staff is courteous and friendly, the Drs and dental staff are extremely professional. Excellent experience.
View On GoogleDiagnosing a TMJ Disorder Professional TMJ Evaluation
When you visit our Westfield, MA, office for a consultation, we'll discuss your symptoms and concerns. This includes talking about facial pain, toothaches, headaches, your sleeping habits, your dental health. We'll perform a full examination of your mouth and take X-rays of the temporomandibular joint and surrounding structures.
This combination of direct communication and state-of-the-art diagnostics will help us get a better understanding of the causes of your TMJ dysfunction. From there, we will develop a custom treatment plan that addresses your temporomandibular disorder.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to TMJ treatment. Our goal is to use non-invasive and minimally invasive procedures in addition to at-home therapies and lifestyle changes to provide lasting relief.
Night Guards for TMD Easing Pressure on the Temporomandibular Joint
Bruxism and TMD
Many people clench their teeth at night because their upper and lower teeth aren't properly aligned. This leads to the jaw shifting to find a comfortable resting position. Constant movement of the temporomandibular joint puts strain on the cartilage, bone, and muscles. The team at our Westfield, MA, practice may recommend a night guard to help people who clench their teeth during sleep.
How Night Guards Work
Also known as a bite guard, a night guard is a simple mouthpiece that patients wear during sleep. The oral appliance prevents direct contact between the upper and lower teeth. When a patient grinds or clenches at night, there is less pressure and strain on the teeth, jaw joint, and jaw muscles. This helps relieve pain and other symptoms affecting the temporomandibular joint.
Occlusal Equilibration for TMD Improving the Position of Your Teeth and TMJ
How Your Teeth Fit
Sometimes bruxism occurs because of an uneven bite surface due to asymmetrical teeth. A person will clench and grind their teeth because there is no comfortable resting position. By addressing the improper fit of your teeth, we can potentially treat bruxism as well as TMJ dysfunction. This is where occlusal equilibration comes into play.
The Basics of Treatment
Also known as full mouth equilibration, occlusal equilibration involves slightly reshaping your teeth. By precisely removing just a little bit of tooth structure, we can improve your bite and reduce the occurrence of teeth grinding. This leads to less damage to your teeth and less stress on your TMJs.
Invisalign for TMD Treating Malocclusion to Address TMJ Imbalance
Orthodontics for TMD
Poor dental alignment can cause people to grind or clench their teeth. That's why orthodontic care is a common treatment for temporomandibular disorders. Rather than getting braces, however, you may be able to find relief with Invisalign®. It's an option that many adults at our Westfield, MA, office can benefit from.
How Invisalign Works
Invisalign is an alternative to traditional orthodontic treatment. Instead of using brackets and wires, Invisalign relies on clear plastic aligners that patients can remove. By improving the alignment of your teeth, your temporomandibular joint can achieve a comfortable, relaxed position. It's a great option for adults who suffer from TMD because of crooked teeth.
Dentists Who Will Put Your Needs First Helping Patients All Over Pioneer Valley, MA
Harold Kershaw
2019
Always extremely personable professional dental care over the past 32 years.
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Judy Constant
2020
Best experience at a dental office visit. This was my first appointment there. I will continue my dental treatment there.
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