TMJ Therapies

Temporal Mandibular Dysfunction

Are headaches a constant problem? Does chewing a steak or a bagel bring pain to the muscles in your jaw? Many people experience pain and discomfort associated with problems that arise from improper occlusion.

Temporomandibular Dysfunction ( TMD ), more commonly known as TMJ refers to the pain (headache, neck ache, jaw and/or neck pain) and the dental problems (loose, broken, worn teeth) that result from a disharmony between the biting surfaces of the teeth and the jaw joint.

Occlusion, or the way our teeth come together, needs to be balanced so that the forces of chewing are equally distributed. If the forces are not in balance an equilibration or slight reshaping of all tooth contacts can be preformed to correct the imbalance. Proper balance and jaw joint position relieve muscular spasms.

In some cases patients may need to use splint therapy in the form of a nightguard or TMD appliance to complete treatment. Proper balance of chewing forces are the key to long lasting dental restorations. A sign of imbalance is worn, chipped or broken teeth.