Jaw pain can turn into a recurring problem for some patients, one that also involves problems with headaches, stiff or limited jaw movement, and even problems with teeth grinding. These issues are linked to a TMJ disorder, or TMD, a problem that can have a lasting negative effect on your quality of life. At our Mansfield, TX dentist’s office, we can work with patients suffering from TMD to determine how their issues can be resolved. Many people develop this issue because of a problem with the alignment of their bite. Corrective work with a custom oral appliance can retrain you to bite down in a less stressful way. This can lead to a reduction in tension linked to TMD. If necessary, we can discuss restorative dental work to improve your bite if your movement is affected by an undersized or sensitive tooth.
How Can I Tell If I Have Problems With TMD?
People who struggle with TMD can experience issues with the following:
- Painful, stiff, or limited jaw movement
- Chronic pain in the region of the face and jaw
- Difficulties with teeth grinding, particularly at night
- An increase in headaches
These and other symptoms can point to TMD, which suggests that there is an issue with your bite function that should be resolved. Dealing with this matter can lead to improvements in your bite movement, stress relief for your joints and muscles, and even an improvement in the alignment of your jaw joints.
How An Oral Appliance Encourages Better Jaw Alignment
A custom oral appliance, worn while you sleep, can gently change the position of your lower jaw in a way that reduces tension on your joints and muscles. This can effectively change the way your jaw is positioned so that your bite becomes more comfortable. The use of this oral appliance also helps positively change the way you apply and release pressure, which helps you evenly distribute the work of chewing and biting to your teeth. An imbalance in this pressure can lead to certain teeth wearing down sooner, which can make them more vulnerable to oral health issues.
You May Need Restorative Dental Work To Improve Your Bite
It may take restorative dental work to properly change your bite. If you have even one tooth that is too small, poorly shaped, or in poor health, it can force a change in your dental function that leads to TMD troubles. Resolving the problem properly may call for a dental crown. We can craft a custom crown that we can put in place to protect your tooth. If that tooth is in a prominent space, we can use materials that make the restoration a good cosmetic match for your smile.
Talk To Your Mansfield, TX Dentist About Jaw Pain
At our Mansfield, TX dentist’s office, patients who show symptoms of TMD can discuss treatment to put a stop to their discomfort and improve their bite function. To find out more, please reach out to Mansfield Dental Associates by calling 817-473-6227.
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