Your teeth and jawbone are durable, but abnormally high amounts of pressure can create a strain that leads to jaw pain and other unpleasant symptoms. If this pressure continues without treatment, it can develop into temporomandibular joint disorders, also known as TMJ.
TMJ does not often resolve on its own, but your dentist can develop a treatment plan to alleviate this uncomfortable condition. Dr. Ali Sarkarzadeh, a dentist practicing in Rockville, MD, describes three dental treatments that can help you relieve symptoms associated with TMJ.
Dental Treatments for TMJ Disorders
Stress Relief Exercises
High levels of stress can initiate or exacerbate poor oral habits like grinding or clenching your teeth, which dentists refer to as bruxism. This behavior grates top teeth against bottom teeth and creates pressure that can ultimately lead to TMJ disorders.
Your dentist may recommend stress relief activities, such as yoga, to lower the tension that can feed into teeth grinding habits. They can also suggest exercises for the face and jaw muscles that can release tension and alleviate pain and tightness caused by TMJ. A dental professional can provide specialized tips that suit your unique case when you schedule a consultation appointment.
Customized Oral Appliances
To treat bruxism and TMJ disorders, your dentist may provide you with an oral appliance to be worn as you sleep. This custom-made mouthguard is designed to fit comfortably to your unique smile so that it will not slip out of place.
The oral appliance will protect your teeth and jaw from grinding and clenching that may occur subconsciously during sleep. It can keep your jaw in a position that is more relaxing to the affected muscles so that tension cannot accumulate and create jaw function issues. This reduction in pressure can alleviate uncomfortable TMJ symptoms.
Orthodontic Solutions
Crooked teeth or a misaligned bite can cause teeth grinding and other types of pressure that can lead to TMJ disorders. If the causation of this issue is a malocclusion, your dentist may recommend orthodontics to straighten your smile and correct your bite. With your smile aligned, you can relieve pressure and therefore get rid of TMJ symptoms.
Your dentist can evaluate the structure of your teeth and jaw to determine if you need orthodontic treatment using x-ray imaging. Several types of orthodontic solutions can help you straighten your smile, depending on your unique needs. They may suggest braces, Invisalign, or another appliance.
TMJ Treatment Available in Rockville, MD
Congressional Dental Care offers treatment for TMJ disorders and other dental concerns in patients in Rockville, MD. Dr. Sarkarzadeh specializes in general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry, including tooth replacement solutions, for patients of all ages. We also provide excellent preventative dentistry to keep your smile looking and feeling its best before dental emergencies can arise. To schedule an appointment with our practice, contact our office by phone at 301.276.4694 or reach our staff online.