What causes TMJ disorders?

​

TMJ disorders, also known as TMD, are relatively common conditions that cause damage or inflammation in your jaw joints. In some cases, the soft discs inside your joints can slip forward, resulting in pain and noise every time you open or close your jaw. In other instances, the muscles and ligaments around your joints may simply become inflamed. Often, TMJ disorders are the result of bruxism, or chronic clenching and grinding of your teeth. These unconscious, habitual actions can put significant strain on your jaw. In some cases, patients can develop bruxism because of the pain and discomfort of TMJ disorders. TMD may also develop because of uneven or missing teeth, which will affect the force and alignment of your bite.

​

What are the treatment options for TMJ disorders?

​

Treatment for your TMD will be completely tailored to your particular needs. Nightguards are one of the most common options. The custom-fit device will go over your teeth to retrain your facial muscles and prevent jaw clenching. Your dentist may also recommend lifestyle changes, often in conjunction with a nightguard. For example, you may want to eat a soft diet for a few weeks, giving your jaw a chance to rest and heal. It may also help to avoid chewing gum and improve your posture. Once the pain starts to subside, you can begin to reintroduce other foods. In addition, various restorative procedures on teeth will also improve the distribution of forces and improve the TMJ balance.

​

The major goal of Full Mouth Rehabilitation is to restore bite and ensure TMJ functions in harmony. These are important aspects and in such cases, it is mandatory to have proper Diagnosis and Treatment planning with the long-term results in mind.