TMJ / Bruxism
Our oral structures are made up of many different components that work together to allow you to bite, chew, speak, and laugh.
Teeth, gums, bone, and joints are the essential components that make up your entire dental system. When malocclusion, or a misaligned bite, interferes with an ideal bite, bruxism and temporomandibular joint dysfunction are often the results.
What Causes Bruxism?
The underlying cause of bruxism, or clenching and grinding the teeth, can vary from patient to patient and may include:
- Stress and lifestyle
- Alcohol, medication, or caffeine
- Misaligned teeth
- Malocclusion
- Neurological dysfunction
In addition to causing damage to the teeth, such as fractures, uneven and premature wear, or sensitivity, bruxism can lead to ringing in the ears, chronic headache, and daytime fatigue.
Eliminating misaligned teeth with orthodontic and restorative treatments can alleviate common symptoms and reduce painful bruxism.
We also treat bruxism with additional treatment, such as a nightguard, which assists by creating a protective barrier between the upper and lower teeth to prevent cracks, fracture, and wear caused by teeth grinding and clenching.
The Role of Teeth Alignment in Jaw Health
Misaligned teeth can prevent the jaw from lining up correctly, resulting in jaw pain, facial swelling, and headaches, or migraines. When you open your mouth and close it slowly, your teeth should come together in unison without sliding to rest comfortably.
Orthodontics for jaw pain guides teeth into their correct alignment. It eliminates any extra force on specific teeth while chewing, reducing wear and sensitivity while supporting the healthy function of the jaw.
When jaws are forced to compensate for a misaligned bite, you may hear a grinding noise, popping, clicking, or even have jaw joints that lock open or closed. When left untreated, TMD causes a breakdown of the jaw joints, wearing down the condyles or discs, and requiring surgical intervention to improve function.
Diagnosing Bruxism or TMJ Dysfunction
At Wamego Dental Center, Dr. Paul Harris, Dr. Andrea Harris, and Dr. Kyung Ha Kim utilize the latest technology, such as 3-D panorama imaging to create a high-definition image of the jaw joints, underlying bone, teeth, and other biological structures.
They will then perform a visual exam, asking you to open and close your mouth while paying attention to your jaw joints and observing how the teeth come together as you bite down.
Treatment for TMD
Often a combination of orthodontics and a bite-balancing procedure called occlusal equilibration will be enough to restore the bite, so it aligns correctly. In some cases, however, severely worn teeth may benefit from restorative dentistry, such as dental crowns, to rebuild the bite.
Opting for highly-skilled dentists at Wamego Dental Center ensures that you achieve not only a beautiful smile but also one that supports perfect function and movement. Our diligent approach to treatment allows us to provide you with a satisfied smile. You will also be able to eat the foods they, an exercise that can dramatically enhance your quality of life.
We Welcome You to Contact Us
If you suspect or have been told you grind your teeth at night, or if you have jaw pain or popping, we encourage you to contact Wamego Dental Center to schedule an appointment. We look forward to seeing you!
