TMJ-D Treatment
TMJ is short for ‘temporomandibular joint’. This joint is located in the jaw, connecting the jaw bone to the skull. Your TMJ is essentially a hinge that allows your jaw to open, close, slide forward, backward and side to side.
With TMJ-D (TMJ disorder), the TMJ is not functioning properly and makes jaw movement difficult or even painful. If you experience TMJ disorder, Dr. Loeb can create a custom treatment plan to help relieve your discomfort.
Symptoms of TMJ disorder
Problems with the TMJ can cause:
- Jaw pain
- Jaw clicking or popping
- Jaw locking
- Nerve pain in the jaw, neck and head
- Facial muscle pain and soreness
- Difficulty chewing or biting
What causes TMJ disorder?
There are a number of factors and potential causes that play into TMJ dysfunction, making it difficult to pinpoint a single cause.
Overall, TMJ disorder results from a strain in the TMJ, which can occur when a disk in the jaw moves out of alignment or erodes due to wear and tear, or an impact damages the joint. Any of the following causes can lead to a compromised TMJ:
- Bruxism: clenching and grinding your teeth habitually
- Jaw or teeth misalignments that cause tension in the jaw
- Trauma that causes damage to the jaw or neck
- Stress
- Arthritis
Can braces fix TMJ disorder?
Yes, braces or Invisalign can be one of the most effective treatment solutions for TMJ disorder. If your case of TMJ dysfunction is caused by misalignments in the teeth or jaw bones, orthodontics can help relieve symptoms and prevent the disorder from progressing.
For cases that are treatable with braces or Invisalign, our highly-experienced orthodontist, Dr. Loeb, can create a custom treatment plan that aligns your jaw bones and repositions your teeth to establish an even, healthy alignment and a healthy overlap between the top and bottom teeth.
When you visit us for your complimentary consultation, Dr. Loeb will perform a thorough assessment to determine the best treatment route for your case.
Start smiling!
For over 50 years, we’ve provided personalized orthodontic care for families in Oakland, NJ. We’re known for going above and beyond to meet our patients’ needs, and we truly value the relationships we build along the way.
A lifetime of smiles starts here. Request your complimentary consultation today.