TMJ Treatment – Richardson, TX
An Effective Solution to Relieving Jaw Pain
Do you typically struggle with aching in your jaw? Do you often have trouble chewing certain foods accompanied by clicking or popping in the joints? Are you experiencing headaches or neck pain? If you said yes to any of these, then you might be experiencing TMJ disorder. Fortunately, our orthodontist in Richardson can help assess your situation and determine the best course of action for alleviating your symptoms. Keep reading to learn more about TMJ treatment or give us a call today to schedule your consultation.
Why Choose Richardson Orthodontics for TMJ Treatment?
- Completely Customized Treatment Plans
- Passionate & Friendly Team
- State-of-the-Art Technology & Oral Appliances
What Is TMJ Disorder?
Also known as TMJ dysfunction (or TMD), this condition is a disorder in the temporomandibular joint, which are the hinges that connect the mandible (lower jaw) to the skull. Your TMJ is essential for speaking and eating effectively, along with other oral functions. Whenever this joint becomes stressed, overworked, or injured, it can lead to certain symptoms that are typical indications of TMD.
Symptoms of TMJ Disorder
TMJ disorder can present a wide variety of symptoms. The most common ones you can identify involve:
- Tenderness and discomfort in the jaw and nearby facial muscles
- The sensation of lockjaw
- Clicking and popping in the jaw whenever you open and close your mouth
- Headaches
- Migraines
- Limited range of motion for your mouth
- Difficulty chewing, accompanied by pain
- Earaches
- Ringing in your ears (tinnitus)
- Changes in how the upper and lower teeth align
- Discomfort in the back and neck
Types of TMJ Treatment
Once you’ve scheduled an appointment with our orthodontists, they can evaluate your symptoms and detect the root of the issue, which could be due to a variety of factors, including stress, a misaligned bite, or some other complication. After their assessment, we can recommend the next best steps for relieving your discomfort. One effective way our team can provide TMJ treatment is with personalized stabilization splints.
Custom-Made Stabilization Splint
A stabilization splint usually appears similar to a mouthguard or nightguard. This oral appliance is simply designed to prevent you from clenching and grinding your teeth, allowing your TMJ and surrounding facial muscles to remain relaxed while you rest. By consistently wearing your custom stabilization splint, you can be sure to notice improvements in both your jaw and overall quality of life!
TMJ Treatment FAQs
The empathetic team at Richardson Orthodontics would like everyone to be free of the painful symptoms that come with TMJ disorder. Before you book a consultation with us, though, you may be eager to learn more about the road ahead. To assist you in your endeavor to gather information, we have put together the following list of FAQs, along with brief and easy-to-understand answers. If you do not see your specific questions addressed here, please reach out to us directly. We will be happy to speak with you.
Can TMJ Be Cured Permanently?
Even without professional treatment, you might discover that your symptoms subside on their own. However, if the underlying cause of the problem did not receive treatment, it is likely to recur again in the future.
Professional treatment aims to provide a long-term solution for TMD. Whether you use a stabilization splint, receive braces, or undergo other types of professional care, there is a chance that your therapy will provide long-lasting results. In fact, if no further injury occurs, you might even experience permanent TMD relief.
Can TMD Be Fixed with Braces?
In some cases, TMD is the result of misalignment of the upper and lower jaws. Crooked teeth can further exacerbate the problem. Therefore, many patients who receive braces find that their TMD symptoms go away as their oral structures gradually move into proper alignment.
Of course, braces cannot always fix TMD. When you come in for your consultation, we will evaluate your unique situation and recommend the treatment that we believe is best for you.
Is TMJ Treatment Safe?
TMJ treatment comes with very few risks. Most therapies for this condition are non-invasive and have almost no chance of worsening the problem or causing severe adverse side effects.
If your condition is particularly severe or complex, though, we might have to refer you for surgery. Surgery comes with some minor risks, but it is sometimes the best way for patients to address the underlying cause of their TMD.
How Long Does It Take for a Stabilization Splint to Work?
A stabilization splint can prevent teeth grinding and clenching right from the first time you wear it, so you may notice minor improvements right away. With consistent use, you might experience optimum results within six weeks or so. Your facial muscles will need some time to relax and get used to functioning properly.
As you are waiting to enjoy relief from your stabilization splint, you might achieve short-term benefits by using at-home remedies, such as stretches and exercises. Heat and cold therapy could also be helpful.