What Is TMJ Disorder?
Temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMJ Disorder, is a problem with the joints and muscles of the jaw. The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the hinge that connects your lower jaw to your skull. This lets us eat and talk with our mouths wide open. When an injury or stress causes this joint to become inflamed, the muscles and ligaments that support it tighten, which causes pain and other symptoms.
TMJ is a condition that can have many different causes. In other words, it can be caused by one thing or a number of things at once. These might be:
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- Genes – Misaligned bite/teeth
- Arthritis – Tired or weak muscles
- Injury/Trauma – muscles that work too hard
- Nerve/Neurological – Tooth Grinding
- Jaw Clenching – Skeletal Imbalance
What Are the Symptoms Of TMJ Disorder?
The following are some of the most common symptoms/signs of TMJ Disorder:
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- Jaws that occasionally lock in the open- or closed-mouth position
- Difficulty chewing
- Jaw Pain
- Frequent headaches
- Earaches
- Neck and shoulder pain
- Ringing in your ears (Tinnitus)
- Tooth pain
- Swelling on the side of your face
- Clicking/popping/grating sounds when you open and close your mouth
- A tired feeling in your face
Because the symptoms of TMJ Disorder can look like other conditions, it’s imperative to meet with Dr. Simmons or your doctor for an official diagnosis.
How Do You Treat TMJ Disorders?
At Kinetic Braces, we treat TMJ Disorder with removable appliances (such as splints or mouth guards), braces, and Shock Wave Therapy. Shock Wave Therapy is a noninvasive treatment that reduces inflammation and promotes healing in the affected region. Dr. Simmons provides a gentle shockwave pulse to the musculature, the joint itself, and the deep muscles behind the joint. This approach permits the growth of new blood vessels and collagen tissue so that the joint can begin to mend itself. This is a brief process that can be completed in ten to twelve minutes. We also employ the TruDenta system as one of our therapy options. The pricing, appointments, and treatment length will be based on your specific needs.
Your treatment may have only one approach, or it may have several approaches that work in different areas. In most cases, the cause is inflammation, so reducing inflammation is our main goal.
For some patients, we may also recommend lifestyle changes like stress management techniques, diet changes, or physical therapy. This helps reduce the symptoms of TMJ Disorder and make sure they don’t come back. If you think you might have TMJ Disorder, call us right away to make a complimentary consultation with Dr. Simmons so he can start making a plan for your care. We can talk about your symptoms and figure out the best way to make you feel better!