Have you felt soreness in your jaw that will not go away? Do you hear a clicking sound in your jaw or notice a decline in oral function? These symptoms could point to temporomandibular joint disorders, also known as TMJ.
TMJ will require dental intervention to resolve, and treatment for this chronic condition will vary depending on the root cause of your symptoms. Schedule a consultation with your dentist to learn the best way to treat your unique case of TMJ. And read on to learn about three TMJ treatment options that will resolve jaw pain and other related discomforts.
Which TMJ Treatment Will Work for Me?
Completing Stress Relief Exercises
TMJ develops when tension held in the jaw irritates the muscles and tissue in the area, leading to inflammation that can cause chronic pain along with a decline in function in the jaw. This tension frequently stems from stress.
To alleviate TMJ symptoms caused by heightened stress, a dentist will recommend relieving tension. Examples of lowering your overall stress levels include deep breathing exercises or practicing physical activity routinely. Then with lower stress, you can reduce overall tension and therefore TMJ discomforts.
A dentist can also give you facial stretches that can loosen tight muscles within the jaw. Talk to your dentist to learn if these practices can address your TMJ.
Wearing a Custom-Made Night Guard
TMJ can also develop if you grind or clench your teeth. The grating of the top arch of teeth against the bottom arch generates pressure that can spread to your jaw joint and create discomfort over time. You might not always realize you have this habit, especially if it happens during sleep.
In these cases, your dentist might give you a custom-made night guard to wear as you sleep. This appliance will fit over your teeth, cushioning them against the pressure from clenching and grinding. Then you can feel less tension in your jaw and see relief from TMJ symptoms as a result.
Aligning Your Bite with Invisalign
Crooked or otherwise misaligned teeth might impact your ability to close your mouth properly. An uneven bite can spread pressure unequally on your teeth over time, which can ultimately hurt your jaw. So if you fix these bite problems, you should find relief from uncomfortable TMJ.
Severe malocclusions will need evaluation from an orthodontist. But smaller dental alignment issues can see improvement with Invisalign. This treatment involves custom-made trays that fit over your teeth, gradually shifting them to a straighter position as you wear them.
This will help you to bite evenly without generating abnormal pressure that will harm your jaw. Schedule an oral exam with your dentist to learn if bite problems cause your TMJ symptoms.
They can find the best TMJ treatment for your unique dental needs when you attend an appointment. Do not wait to seek this treatment or the condition could worsen and further impact your daily life.