If you are looking for ways to optimize your smile, and protect your oral health for the long-term, you should definitely keep TMJ health in mind. Keep reading to learn more from our Novato TMJ dentists…
Your TMJs are your temporomandibular joints, and they connect your lower jaw bone to your skull. Temporomandibular joints allow you to chew, speak, and even yawn!
Unfortunately, there are a number of issues that can cause your TMJs to become damaged, inflamed, or out of alignment. When this happens, your whole smile can suffer as a result.
If you are suffering TMJ damage, you may notice:
- Clicking or popping noises/sensations when you move your jaw
- Jaw pain or stiffness
- Changes in bite alignment
- Chronic headaches
If TMJ issues are left untreated, they can contribute to a range of oral health issues, including:
- Prematurely weakened dental enamel (your teeth may also start to look dull or yellow as a result)
- Cracked teeth
- Bite dysfunction
- Bruxism (chronic dental grinding)
Depending on the underlying cause of your TMJ problems, our dental team may recommend you move forward with any number of treatment options. Here are some commonly used solutions to TMJ dysfunction:
- Orthodontic treatment to bring the top and bottom teeth into alignment
- New restorations to replace aging or failing ones
- Dental bonding treatment to build up specific dental surfaces
- Custom oral appliances to protect teeth from bruxism, especially when the patient is asleep
- Enamel shaping
If you notice any of the symptoms of TMJ dysfunction, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our Novato TMJ dentists for a comprehensive evaluation. We are here to help you make the right decisions for your smile today, so that you can enjoy optimal oral health well into the future. Give our office a call, or use the Contact Us page on our site to get started!