Posted: May 9, 2018
Many people suffer from TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder, also known as TMD) symptoms, but don’t necessarily think to visit a dentist for diagnosis and treatment. However, a dentist may be the best person to identify the source of your symptoms and help you find long term relief. TMJ most often arises from a misaligned bite, which a dentist is best equipped to address.
Dr. Kendra Schick of Evolution Dental has experience diagnosing and treating patients with TMJ. If you suffer from any of the symptoms listed below, don’t hesitate to call us at 403-208-9965 to schedule your consultation.
Common Signs of TMJ Disorder
TMJ symptoms can vary widely, and may affect your head, neck, and shoulders. Because of this variety in symptoms, it can be difficult to diagnose correctly. Common TMJ symptoms include:
- Chronic headaches or migraines
- Ear pain or tinnitus
- Stiffness, popping, or clicking of the jaw
- Jaw pain
- Neck and shoulder pain
- Pressure or pain in the eyes
If you suffer from one or more of these symptoms and haven’t been able to find an effective and lasting treatment, you should think about visiting Dr. Schick so she can check for TMJ disorder. If it turns out that you do have TMD, we can embark on a treatment plan to help realign your jaw and relieve your pain. Often, patients who are treated for TMD experience a rise in overall quality of life due to the relief of their chronic pain.
Treatment Options for TMD
Pain and discomfort from TMJ disorder can vary from mild to severe. Even if your pain is only a slight annoyance, it’s a good idea to get it checked out and have your bite corrected before the pain gets worse. TMJ can also cause long-term effects on posture and the spine if left untreated.
Treatment for TMJ disorder can include:
- Jaw splints: If your TMJ is caused by teeth grinding, a night guard can help. Oral appliances to keep the jaw in a better position can also be used.
- Restorative dental work: If your TMJ is caused by a misaligned bite resulting from missing teeth or other dental problems, we may recommend having restorative dental work done such as dental implants or crowns.
- Orthodontics: Sometimes, TMJ can be corrected through straightening misaligned teeth. We utilize full face orthodontics, where we take into consideration the positioning of the jaw as well as the teeth and create a fully custom plan. We use traditional braces, although we do offer clear brackets and tooth colored wires for a less obvious appearance. We do not recommend Invisalign, as it can cause TMJ or make it worse.
Dr. Schick uses sophisticated equipment to determine the ideal position of your jaw, and takes your lifestyle and individual needs into consideration when coming up with a treatment plan.
Schedule Your TMJ Consultation
If you have been suffering from TMJ symptoms without relief, don’t hesitate to contact Evolution Dental at 403-208-9965 to schedule your consultation today. We serve patients in greater Calgary, including Northwest and Downtown.
