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If you have poor bite balance, then you may be more likely to develop TMJ disorder, known as TMD. A widespread oral health concern, TMD has been linked to headaches and an increased risk of other oral health concerns, such as bruxism. How do we stop TMD and correct bite balance? When should you talk to your Mansfield, TX, dentists about treatment?

TMJ Disorder and Bite Imbalance

When we have poor bite balance, this could place enormous pressure on the jaw joints. Our temporomandibular joints connect the skull and jaw and are crucial for eating and speaking. Causes of poor balance include tooth loss, misalignment, injury to the face or jaw, or teeth grinding. Eventually, the disorder could make fully opening and closing the mouth difficult, impacting your day-to-day life in negative ways.

Signs of Trouble

How do we know if we should see the dentist for treatment? Patients with TMJ disorder often report soreness in the jaw, aches in the face, and pain in the neck or shoulders. A popping or clicking sensation in the jaw is reported too, as well as frequent headaches or migraines. If you begin to experience pain in and around your face and jaw, then please let us know. Treatment can restore the function of your smile and prevent painful symptoms. Remember, don’t ignore persistent pain in and around your smile. From TMD and bruxism to cavities and infections, there is likely a reason for your discomfort, a reason that requires treatment from your Mansfield dentists!

Our Treatment Options

Restoring bite balance can be accomplished in a number of different ways. For example, orthodontic treatment, such as clear aligners or braces, could correct misalignment and help stop TMD. We may also need to create and place a custom-made crown as well. However, the most common option we prescribe is an oral appliance. Custom-made for your smile, the device will look and function much like a mouthguard. Patients wear the appliance as they sleep, and the device then repositions the jaw to ease tension on the joints. If you also grind your teeth, then the appliance places a barrier between the upper and lower sets of teeth to prevent further damage to the smile. If you have any questions about treating TMJ disorder, or if you have experienced one or more of the symptoms we’ve discussed in today’s blog, then please contact our team today.

Do You Have Headaches?

If you have regular headaches and discomfort in your jaw, then you may need treatment for a jaw joint disorder. To learn more about how we correct bite imbalance and other general and preventive treatment options, then schedule a consultation by calling our dentist’s office in Mansfield, TX, today at 817-473-6227.