If you experience the discomfort and pain of TMD, Nuera Dental Center is here to help! We are pleased to offer TMJ/TMD therapy options to help alleviate the associated pain and discomfort and help you attain optimal oral health.
Your Downtown Calgary Choice for TMJ/TMD Therapy!
What is TMJ?
The temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, is the “hinge” that connects our lower jaw to your skull on either side of your head. It is responsible for the ability to open and close your mouth, as well as moving your jaw from side to side. The TMJ works well most of the time, but there are times where problems occur with the TMJ, which causes severe pain.
What is TMD?
Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) refer to problems associated with jaw movement and pain in and around the jaw. For some people, the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) becomes stressed or overworked, which can lead to TMD. Bruxism, which is characterized by grinding or clenching of the teeth, is a common form of TMD.
Causes of TMD
While the exact cause of TMD is hard to pinpoint, there are certain things that can lead to it, including:
- Bruxism (a condition in which you grind, gnash, or clench your teeth)
- Facial trauma
- Misaligned teeth or jaw
- Poor dental work
- Osteoarthritis
- Stress
Symptoms of TMD
- Facial pain
- Jaw pain
- Pain while eating
- Popping, clicking, or grinding sensation when you move your jaw
- Earaches
- Difficulty chewing
- Frequent migraines or headaches
- Difficulty opening or closing your mouth. Your jaw may even lock, preventing any motion at all
Treatment for TMD
If you are diagnosed with TMD, Nuera Dental Center will come up with a customized treatment plan, making sure to discuss with you all your options, and help you choose the best course of action based on your specific situation. The most common treatment option for TMD and its associated problems is a custom fitted Night Guard.
What is a Night Guard?
A Night Guard is a custom made plastic dental device that is worn over the upper and lower teeth in order to realign the jaw and help ease the pain associated with any misalignment. The aim is that by realigning the jaw and preventing the jaw from clicking, it will help alleviate any symptoms. The Night Guard can also help protect your teeth from the premature wear and tear of your teeth that results from teeth grinding (Bruxism). While the phenomenon of teeth grinding can happen during the daytime, especially when you are under stress and anxiety, grinding the teeth occurs with more regularity during sleep. A Night Guard treats bruxism before permanent severe damage to the teeth results, so that you bite against the Night Guard instead of wearing down your teeth. The Night Guard also helps with the associated symptoms of Bruxism which includes headaches, pain in the face, cranial, neck, shoulder, arms, and back regions. A night guard can decrease these symptoms by shutting the muscle activity off allowing the overworked muscles to relax.
While it is possible to purchase over the counter Mouth Guards, the fit is not always perfect and may cause more damage to the jaw joint or increase the grinding activity. In such a case, we recommend you purchase custom-fit mouth guards. Custom-fit mouth guards are made from thermoplastic material and are based on a detailed mould of your mouth and teeth so that they are designed to specifically fit your upper and lower teeth perfectly and will not only protect the teeth from the wear and tear resulting from the grinding, but support the joints and muscles for healthy function for a lifetime.
Over time your Night Guard will wear down since the material is softer than your teeth. Due to this, your Night Guard will need to be replaced from time to time. A Night Guard can be one of the best investments you can make in the lifelong health of your mouth. Contact us today!
Nuera Dental Center is here to help you deal with your TMD, so you can get back to your normal life. If you are experiencing jaw pain, accompanied by any other symptoms of TMD, a Night Guard might be the solution for you. If you have any questions about TMD, or you would like to find out more about possible treatment options for TMD, Call Nuera Dental Center at (403) 228-3088 and we will be happy to help.
