TMJ Dentistry
Modern dentistry expands its reach beyond your teeth, to your total health. Advances in the science of complete dentistry have taught us how to bring the jaw into a relaxed position to help alleviate years of pain and discomfort associated with TMJ.
What is it?
Temporomandibular joint disorder (also known as TMJ) is a chronic, degenerative disease that may take years to develop. People who suffer from TMJ have a structural imbalance in their jaw-to-skull relationship caused by a poor bite. This condition puts excessive pressure on the joints and surrounding tissues, twisting the jaw into an unnatural, tensed position. Often, a popping or clicking sound can actually be heard when a TMJ sufferer chews. Muscles in the face, back, neck and shoulders may also be affected, leading to symptoms that range from headaches to numbness in the hands.
Who is affected?
Temporomandibular joint disease (also known as TMD or TMJ) affects 75 million people. It is a chronic degenerative disease that may take years to develop. People who suffer from TMJ have a structural imbalance in their jaw-to-skull relationship, caused by a bad bite. This disease causes the following:
- Alteration of the position of the temporomandibular joint by placing excessive pressure on the joint and tissues around them.
- Twisting the jaw into a strained position. This further affects the muscles in the face, back, neck and shoulders.
Symptoms
You may be a candidate for neuromuscular dentistry if you experience any of the following symptoms regularly:
- Headaches or migraines
- Pain or soreness around the jaw joints
- Facial pain
- Neck, shoulder or back pain
- Numbness in your fingers and arms
- Congestion or stuffiness of the ears
- Worn, chipped or cracked teeth
- Cracking, chipping or breaking dental restorations
- Unexplained loose teeth
- Pain in teeth that seems to move around
- Clicking or grating sounds in the jaw joints
- Limited movement or locking jaw
Neuromuscular Treatment
Because the symptoms of TMJ are so varied, they were once often misdiagnosed. Luckily, this is no longer the case thanks to the advances of Neuromuscular Dentistry. This latest branch of dental care addresses the entire musculature of the face with special attention given to the alignment of the bite.
TMJ can now be easily and painlessly determined using a state-of-the-art electrical muscle stimulator or Tensing Unit. Your facial muscles will be exercised, built-up toxins will be released and your jaw's optimum relaxed position will be determined.
To correct TMJ, Dr. Wolfson will most likely use dental restorations to precisely raise or lower areas of your bite into a more natural position. In most cases, he can reposition your jaw without surgery or braces and complete the treatment in a few short weeks.
Results
Following treatment to correct TMJ, most patients experience a significant lessening to a complete cessation of symptoms. Imagine living headache free after enduring the pain for years! And as an added bonus, most patients also report positive aesthetic results—some are even asked if they've had a facelift. The reason for this is simple, once your muscles are no longer fighting to hold your jaw in an unnatural position, your face can relax. You may look years younger with features that seem sharper and more clearly defined.
Dr. Steven Wolfson - Providing services in cosmetic dentistry to the area of Houston, Texas (TX).
