TMJ Treatment Virginia Beach
Lasting Relief from TMJ Disorder & Bruxism
Do you struggle with regular headaches or earaches? Do you frequently experience pain in your neck, back, or shoulders? These are all symptoms associated with two common neuromuscular conditions: bruxism and TMJ disorder (TMD). Both conditions are serious and can have a dramatic impact on your health and wellbeing if they are not effectively addressed. Fortunately, our Virginia Beach dental team is ready and eager to help you find lasting relief. Contact us today to learn more or to request an appointment.
What Is TMJ Disorder?
TMJ is an acronym that stands for temporomandibular joints. We each have two of these little joints, which are located in front of our ears. They exist to help us open and close our mouths easily. But some circumstances can cause them to become inflamed or damaged. When this happens, the nerve endings suffer irritation, and a range of symptoms manifest.
Some common causes of TMD include bruxism (teeth grinding and clenching), injuries, arthritis, and malocclusion (a bad bite).
Anyone of any age can develop TMJ disorder, but it is more common among women, individuals with a stressful lifestyle, and people with certain anatomical abnormalities in their teeth/jaws.
Symptoms of TMJ Disorder
TMD can cause dozens of different symptoms, which can affect various areas of the body. Here are some of the most common indications that you might have this condition:
- Tenderness and pain in the jaw and surrounding muscles.
- Facial pain and discomfort.
- Difficulty chewing, biting, and eating.
- Pain in your back and neck.
- Earaches or ringing in your ears.
- Back aches and poor posture.
- Limited jaw mobility or the sensation of lockjaw.
- Pain behind your eyes.
- Changes in the way your upper and lower teeth fit together.
- Headaches and migraines.
Oral Appliances for TMJ
A custom oral appliance is one of the simplest and most effective ways to address TMD. This device can gently reposition your lower jaw, which can stabilize it and help the surrounding muscles to relax. It can also help to minimize bruxism, which can be a major contributor to TMJ disorder.
Oral Appliances for Bruxism
Teeth grinding and clenching can place a lot of stress on your jaw joints, and it can be destructive for your tooth enamel. We may recommend that you wear a custom appliance to place a protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth. This can stop teeth grinding and promote improved health of your jaw joints and the surrounding tissues.