TMJ/TMD/Headache Relief

What is TMJ/TMD?

TMJ

THEN WE MAYBE ABLE TO HELP YOU

Temporomandibular joint dysfuntion(TMD) also referred to as Myofascial Pain Dysfunction(MPD) or temporomandibular joint syndrom(TJS). This is a chronic illess that effects 75 million people at one time. There are many people who have no pain but still have occlusal disease (misaligned bite). Worn,chipped or broken teeth, broken fillings, changing position or shape of the smile are all indications that can benefit from treatment.

As a chronic degenerative disorder, it may take years to develop. We have new techniques that can help many that have been unable to find relief.

People who suffer from TMD have a structural imbalance in their jaw-to-skull relationship. This is caused by a bad bite (malocusslusion), which causes the following:
 

• Alteration of the position of the TMJ placing excessive pressure on the joint and tissues around them.
• Twisting the jaw into a strained position. This affects the muscles in the face, back, neck and shoulders.

To correct this, the jaw is bought back into a muscularly balanced position. In most cases, we can do this without surgery or braces

We invite you to talk with us about how the neuromuscular approach to your dentistry can enhance your life.

What is Neuromuscular Dentistry?

Neuromuscular Dentistry focuses on the healthy relationship among the teeth, jaw joints, and the muscles of the head and neck. The way that your upper and lower teeth come together is part of the neuromuscular system of teeth.

A Harmonious Bite
In a harmonious comfortable bite, the teeth, jaw joints, and muscles can work together without strain or tension. The biting surfaces of the upper and lower teeth fit together neatly, and the jaw joints work smoothly. The muscles on both sides of the face are relaxed when you are not chewing or swallowing, and when you chew or swallow, these muscles contract evenly to bring the teeth together.

A Problem Bite
When there is a problem with the bite, the upper and lower teeth dont come together correctly. This often exists when there are misaligned, missing or worn down teeth. In this situation, the muscles must use extra force, and the jaw joints often shift position in order to bring the teeth together. Your jaw muscles may not fully relax when you are not chewing, even though they feel normal to you.

Over time, this can cause muscles and joints to become sore, tired, and stiff. A bad bite, together with tense, strained muscles, can lead to a variety of problems, such as headaches, muscle pain, damage to the teeth or jaw joint, clicking, popping and other symptoms. It can shorten the life of crowns, veneers, and other dental restorations through excess wear.

Diagnosis and Treatment

When we are planning your dental treatment, we'll use specialized advanced equipment to identify problems in the muscles, jaw joints, and bite.

Transcutaneous Electrical Neural Stimulation (TENS)

TENS relaxes the facial muscles and is much like a massage. This is preferable to muscle relaxing medications because it specifically targets the appropriate muscles and therefore is not debilitating. This helps relieve your muscle spasms and ease the pain.

TENS also stimulates the production of endorphins, your body's natural pain killer.

 If we do find any problems, we may recommend treatments to stabilize your bite.

These may include : Wearing a custom bite splint, called an orthotic on which adjusting of bite is done.

Orthotic Appliance

Before any changes are made to the structure of the teeth, a temporary appliance helps to establish the proper bite, and greatly relieves symptoms. The appliance is worn for several months, and slowly and gently adjusts the way your jaw moves and meets the upper jaw.

As your jaw gradually modifies its movement, the appliance is also modified accordingly until your optimum bite is established. Once the TMJ pain is resolved with muscle spasms relieved and optimum bite established this position needs to be held with permanent adjustment for TMJ condition not to relapse.

Making the adjustment permanent

Re-shaping Teeth with TMJ Treatment

• Dr. Parmar will reshape your teeth to maintain your new bite. This could consist of:
• Reshaping enamel
• Fitting crowns or bridges
• Going through orthodontic work to re-align your teeth

With the techniques and technologies of neuromuscular dentistry, we can help you achieve a healthier bite, more comfortable muscles and jaw joints, and a beautiful Smile.

In fact, our expertise in this technology has enabled us to successfully treat patients with TMJ pain, headaches, dizziness, and other problems related to the neuromuscular system of the head, neck, face, and jaws.

Full Mouth Restoration

After the ideal bite is determined, full mouth restoration is individual restructuring of each and every tooth in the mouth. However, rather than doing it tooth by tooth over a long period of time, we are able to do it all at once to achieve ideal bite. It is done in two visits. During the preparation appointment all old restorations and any decay are removed, impressions are made of the underlying healthy tooth structure and beautiful temporary are made. These temporaries are worn until the seat appointment, approximately three weeks later. This appointment involves removing the temporaries and bonding on the final restorations. These final restorations look natural and beautiful - everyone leaves with an incredible smile on this seat day.