Do you ever encounter a popping or cracking sensation in your jaw? In addition to minor discomfort, this could also indicate the presence of a very serious oral health problem. TMJ disorder, also known as TMD, could lead to a number of uncomfortable symptoms, including the onset of teeth grinding. How do we treat TMJ disorder in North Hollywood, CA?

The Warning Signs of TMJ Disorders

The disorder arises when the jaw joints undergo excessive strain, such as the kind caused by tooth loss, misalignment, bite imbalance, teeth grinding, injury to the face or jaw, and stress. People with the disorder often report the popping or cracking sensation in the jaw we mentioned above, as well as headaches, jaw strain, and aches in the neck or shoulders. If the patient also grinds his or her teeth, then the pressure could crack or chip teeth, leading to aches, decay, and infection. Don’t ignore these warning signs, please see us right away for a diagnosis.

The Dangers of TMD

For some, lack of treatment could mean the smile develops problems fully opening and closing the mouth, causing serious discomfort and impacting your ability to eat and speak comfortably. Since the issue could lead to teeth grinding, the risk of damaged teeth or oral health problems only increases.

Treating Your Jaw Joint Strain

Treatment begins with a diagnosis. We will examine the wear and friction on your teeth, and use digital technology to examine your jaw joints. From there, we can decide if you need treatment. For some, restoring bite balance and easing strain on the jaw joints means placing a restoration, or possibly orthodontic treatment to correct tooth alignment. However, in many cases we will create a custom-made oral appliance. The device will be designed with digital technology, as we will gather a series of detailed images and measurements of your smile. The completed device will be worn like a mouthguard at night. The appliance repositions the jaw to ease strain, helping you avoid the uncomfortable symptoms of TMD. If you also happen to grind your teeth, the device also places a barrier between the upper and lower sets of teeth, which prevents further damage to the smile. If you have any questions about identifying and treating TMJ disorder or bruxism, then please contact our team today.

Ready for TMD Solutions?

Don’t live with the uncomfortable strain of TMJ disorder, talk to our team about possible treatment options. For more information on treating TMD and bruxism with custom-made oral appliances, then schedule a consultation by calling Modern Smile in North Hollywood, CA, today at 818-763-9353. We also proudly serve patients who live in Burbank, Toluca Lake, and all surrounding communities.