Orthodontist are most commonly known to treat crooked teeth with braces, oral appliances, or ClearCorrect braces. Dr. Mark McKenna can also treat a very common disorder found in dental patients called TMJ or Temporal Mandibular Joint disorder.

What is TMJ?

TMJ or TMD is a condition of the jaw which causes misalignment of the jaw and teeth which can be painful. The lower jaw called the mandibular bone is made to glide and rotate when we speak or chew. TMJ is caused by many things such:

• Grinding of teeth
• Clenching the jaw
• Stress
• Wearing of the teeth, jaw bone, or joint wear
• Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis in the mandibular joint

Some of the physical symptoms associated with TMJ are:

• Jaw pain
• Headaches
• Clicking or popping of the joint
• Limited movement of the jaw joint
• Worn teeth
• Locking of the jaw
• Ringing in your ears
• Headaches
• Earaches

Orthodontic Treatment of TMJ

Many options are available to treat TMJ using orthodontics. These treatments will vary based on your health, medical history, severity of your TMD, and how tolerant you are of the oral appliances or medicines used to treat TMJ. Some common treatments of Temporal Mandibular Joint disorder are:

• Resting the jaw joints
• Stress management
• Pain medications
• Mouth exercises
• Heat and cold compresses
• Custom bite appliances
• Orthodontic mouth guards

Orthodontic Consultation

If you are suffering from this painful disorder and want to get pain free, come see us. Contact our office today to have your initial TMJ consultation appointment scheduled. The relief we can offer you from this painful disorder is worth the drive from where ever you are!

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