Having TMJ disorder is no fun. Named after your temporomandibular joints, or TMJs, that control your jaw movement, the disorder can make everything from biting and chewing your food to speaking uncomfortable and painful. At our Virginia Beach, VA, dental office, we can help you determine if you have TMJ disorder and if a custom TMJ appliance can help you find relief from its chronic symptoms.
1. Your minor symptoms won’t stay minor
TMJ disorder develops in a number of different ways and can describe a wide variety of specific conditions. What they share in common, however, is damage or misalignment to one or both of your jaw joints, which will only grow worse the longer it’s left untreated. Some of the most common early symptoms include pain and soreness in your jaw muscles, a popping sensation when you open and close your mouth, a tendency to grind your teeth, and much more. If you exhibit these or other signs, then you should seek TMJ treatment as soon as possible, even if they only seem minor for now.
2. Your disorder can affect more than you realize
While TMJ disorder develops in and mainly affects your jaw’s joints, it can have a devastating impact on much more than just your TMJs. For example, the more damaged the joints become, the more difficult it becomes for you to eat properly. This can have a detrimental effect on your overall health and nutrition. The disorder can also lead to oral health issues such as weakened and damaged teeth due to symptoms such as teeth-grinding and an uneven bite. In some cases, the damage TMJ causes can become severe enough to require extensive treatment to address.
3. You might be able to treat it with an appliance
Fortunately, many cases of TMJ disorder can be treated with minimally invasive treatment, such as a custom-designed oral appliance that you can wear while you sleep at night. The appliance can be designed to support your lower jaw in a way that relieves tension on your TMJs so they can rest properly and heal. After a comprehensive exam, we can help you determine if a custom appliance is the right solution for your condition.
Learn more about managing TMJ disorder
TMJ disorder can affect several aspects of your oral health, but with custom-designed treatment, we can help you minimize that effect. To learn more, schedule a consultation by calling the Absolute Dental Care office in Virginia Beach, VA, today at (757) 428-7440. We proudly welcome patients from Virginia Beach and all surrounding communities.
