Do you have TMD?
Temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMD, describes a group of disorders affecting the temporomandibular joint, also known as the jaw joint. Problems in the muscles, tendons, bones, and ligaments of the jaw can manifest with symptoms like headaches, jaw pain, ringing in the ears, and even numbness of the hands and fingers. Something as minor as a misaligned crown can cause the bite to be uneven and put extra stress on the jaw muscles during chewing. What our TMD team does is identify the problem and apply personalized solutions to help TMD patients restore normal jaw function and eliminate pain.
- For more information on TMD, please read our blog entitled “Do You Have a ‘Bad Bite.’”
Customized Treatment Planning
At my dental practice in Boulder, we design personalized TMD treatment plans based on the origin of friction, or the pain generator causing the discomfort. The process of finding the source requires jaw mapping, a diagnostic tool that helps us understand where the stress point are within in the jaw muscles. Upon completion of an accurate TMJ diagnosis, we can begin to try solutions that will help you find relief from discomfort, often combining treatments for effective, long-term relief.
Options for TMD Relief
We offer several solutions to help TMD sufferers find relief from pain and restore a healthy bite. Our treatment program usually involves tiers, ranging from most conservative to least conservative. Here is an example of some of the TMD treatment methods being used today.
- Dental restoration (dental implants, fillings, crowns, etc.)
- Physical therapy
- Invisalign braces to realign the bite
- Acupuncture
- Stress management
- Medication therapy
- Jaw surgery
- Heat/cold therapy
- Mouthguards/appliances
A thorough analysis of factors like your body posture, oral habits, diet, stressors, and past dental work will help our team choose the ideal combination of solutions to restore a healthy jaw.
If you’d like a personalized TMJ evaluation, please schedule an appointment to meet with our skilled neuromuscular dentistry team.
Dr. Ania
Comprehensive & Cosmetic Dentistry
