What is the TMJ?
Do You Experience Any of These Symptoms?
- Jaw pain or swelling
- Jaw clicking and popping
- Chronic headaches or migraines
- Teeth grinding and clenching
- Earaches or ear ringing
- Limited jaw movement
- Pain in the temples
- Neck or back pain
- Lockjaw
What Causes TMJ Disorder?
TMJ pain can often be attributed to an overactive jaw or muscle. Many times, this occurs unbeknownst to the patient while they sleep when you grind and clench your teeth subconsciously. Not only will this cause a sore TMJ muscle, but it can damage your teeth as well! For other patients, oral trauma or an accident can damage the muscle and make it more difficult to use properly. Seeking timely TMJ treatment can get you back to a more natural quality of life, free of pain and discomfort.
Our Gentle Solution
Don’t live with jaw pain, as untreated TMJ disorder can lead to unbearable pain. Our dentists in Shelton, CT are experienced at diagnosing TMJ and developing minimally invasive solutions. Your first appointment always includes an in-depth and personalized consultation so we can examine your mouth, neck and head and identify how extreme your TMJ disorder may be. We often use our iTero® intraoral scanner or perform a cone beam CT scan to capture highly detailed images of your mouth, jaw and teeth, which we use to begin planning your custom mouthguard.
Our team will create a unique mouthguard that fits your bite snuggly and comfortably. This device will reposition your jaw to a proper and comfortable position while you wear it. We recommend you wear this mouthguard as often as possible, including while you sleep. Over time, your jaw will be retrained to rest in the proper position. This mouthguard also helps prevent grinding and clenching of your teeth while you sleep. The plastic material is soft, yet durable and can protect your teeth from damage during the night. Within a few months of TMJ treatment you’ll notice drastic changes in the way your mouth feels and functions.
