Orthodontic TMJ Treatment in Atlanta.
Aching, clicking jaw, making it hard to eat and sleep comfortably? You may have TMJ—a common condition that affects as many as 10 million Americans. At Atlanta Orthodontic Specialists, we offer several different treatments for TMJ that help reduce pain, realign the jaw, and protect the delicate functioning of the temporomandibular joint.
What Is TMJ?
TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, which joins the skull to the jaw, facilitating essential jaw movements like chewing and talking. The term TMJ is commonly used to describe disorders related to this joint, known as temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD). TMD can manifest in various ways, causing discomfort and pain in the jaw joint and the muscles controlling jaw movement.
Symptoms Of TMJ.
Originating in the joint where the skull attaches to the jaw, TMJ can cause a long list of symptoms in addition to jaw pain. People with TMJ often suffer from associated problems such as:
- Pain and tenderness of the jaw
- Pain and tenderness in one or both temporomandibular joints
- Aching pain around the ear
- Locking of the jaw joint makes it difficult or impossible to open the mouth
- Uneven movement of the jaw
- Clicking or grinding sensation when chewing
- Difficulty sleeping because of jaw discomfort
- A clicking sound when chewing
Causes Of TMJ.
Cartilage in the temporomandibular joint keeps the hinge-and-slide action of the joint moving smoothly. A disc between the bones of the joint acts as a shock absorber to assist with movement. When that cartilage or disc becomes damaged or inflamed, TMJ symptoms can result.
Common causes of TMJ include:
- Erosion of the shock-absorbing disc
- The disc moves out of alignment
- The cartilage is damaged by arthritis
- The joint is damaged by impact or trauma
- Chronic grinding or clenching of teeth
- Connective tissue disorders that damage tissues in the joint
Orthodontic Treatments for TMJ.
Occlusal Guards
Sometimes called bite guards or night guards, occlusal guards are thin, custom-shaped guards that you can wear either on your top or bottom teeth. An occlusal guard protects your teeth from clenching and grinding by providing a shock absorber between the upper and lower teeth. This shock-absorbing treatment reduces the pressure put on the jaw when clenching and grinding and therefore can reduce TMJ symptoms.
Splints
A splint is similar to a guard, but it is worn all the time. An orthodontic splint is designed to fit either the upper or lower teeth. A splint’s job is to stabilize the teeth or jaw to alleviate discomfort.
Braces
Many times, TMJ is caused by misalignment of the teeth or bite. For this reason, braces are considered one of the most effective treatments for TMJ.
Multi-disciplinary treatment
TMJ issues can be complex, and our oral surgeons work with our orthodontists to create custom TMJ treatment plans for our patients. In addition to the TMJ treatments listed above, we may also include therapies such as muscle relaxants and physical therapy to help our patients reduce the pain of TMJ, preserve their teeth, and restore healthy function of the jaw.
Our TMJ Treatment Process.
If you think you may have TMJ, don’t wait to book an appointment with us—and get on the road to feeling better today!
Book a Consultation
Call us to share your concerns and schedule an appointment with our orthodontic experts.
TMJ Evaluation & Diagnosis
We’ll listen to your symptoms, do an oral examination and provide our expert diagnosis.
TMJ Treatment Plan
If our doctors determine you have TMJ, we’ll develop a custom treatment plan to help you find relief and protect against further damage.
Get Your Free Consultation.
Start the journey toward a straighter smile today!