While you likely never think about your temporomandibular joints, you use them every day in a variety of ways! These joints connect the lower jaw to the skull and allow the jaw to function properly as you talk, chew, swallow food, and yawn.
When these joints are not properly aligned, often due to muscle strain or excessive clenching or grinding of the teeth (bruxism), you can suffer from temporomandibular joint disorders, which are commonly called TMJ. Keep reading to learn if your dentist can help with TMJ!
Does TMJ Require Treatment?
TMJ disorders cause discomfort or pain in the muscles of the face, jaw, neck, and shoulders. They can also cause headaches, including migraines, bite misalignment, and uncomfortable clicking or popping in the jaw.
If left untreated, TMJ disorders can lead to other health issues, like sleep apnea, the premature wearing down of teeth and gums, and pain severe enough to disrupt everyday activities. If you are experiencing the signs of TMJ, it is essential to seek out medical help.
How Can My Dentist Help With TMJ?
Your dentist is an excellent place to start when you are looking for relief from TMJ. Dentists have extensive knowledge of the structures of the face and neck, which can help them more accurately diagnose the source of your pain and offer effective treatment options.
Botox
One of the most effective ways your dentist can treat TMJ is with Botox. While many people associate Botox solely with its cosmetic uses, it can also be used to target and alleviate TMJ pain.
Botox relieves the symptoms of TMJ by relaxing the sore and overworked muscles attached to your TMJ. When these muscles can relax, it eases the strain and reduces the pain in your jaw, neck, and shoulders.
When administered by a professional like the dental care providers at Merry Dental, Botox can offer proven relief from TMJ discomfort. Botox is an ideal treatment for TMJ as it offers almost immediate pain relief that can last for many months.
Approved by the FDA, dentists and other healthcare providers have been using Botox to treat TMJ for many years. Patients who have received Botox treatment for TMJ report a high level of satisfaction and a noticeable improvement almost immediately.
At Merry Dental, we can provide Botox treatment right in our office. The treatment is quick and relatively painless, allowing you to return to your life immediately after your appointment!
If Botox is not an option for you, there are other ways your dentist can help with your TMJ.
Therapeutic Orthodontics
One of these ways is therapeutic orthodontics. Orthodontics can help realign your jaw and the temporomandibular joints, which reduces tension and strain. Correct alignment of your jaw not only relieves the pressure on the TMJ, it also prevents unhealthy wear on your teeth.
Invisalign
If you cringe at the idea of wearing traditional metal braces as an adult, you now have another option! Invisalign clear aligners are just as effective as metal braces, but because they are clear, often you are the only one who knows you are wearing them.
The Invisalign aligners are custom-made with a soft plastic to perfectly fit your mouth. They work to gently and gradually realign your jaw, permanently resolving your TMJ pain.
If you are suffering from TMJ, talk to your dentist! With advanced treatment options like Botox injections and custom orthodontic aligners, your dentist can help you find effective relief from your TMJ pain and discomfort!
Merry Dental is here to help you be TMJ pain-free!
Are you interested in getting relief from your TMJ symptoms? Schedule a TMJ treatment consultation at Merry Dental in Billerica, MA, today!