Temporal mandibular joint disorder, often abbreviated to TMJ, has a prevalence rate of between 5% and 12%. A painful condition that affects the temporomandibular joint in the jaw, it can cause significant discomfort and pain if left untreated. Capable of causing chronic jaw pain, headaches, difficulty chewing, and ear ringing, this is one condition that you shouldn’t just shrug off.
The causes of TMJ can include a misaligned bite pattern, frequent teeth grinding or clenching, arthritis, stress, or injury to the joint area. This means that there isn’t only one sure-fire way to acquire it. However, once you begin suffering from this condition, seeking TMJ treatments should be your number one priority.
Braces are one of the most effective ways that orthodontists can treat TMJ. Beginning with an orthodontic exam, your orthodontist will be able to identify the cause of your TMJ and create a plan of treatment. Early orthodontic exams are recommended so that you can stop the progression of TMJ before it gets worse. However, if your orthodontic exam shows that the problem has progressed beyond what braces or guards can help correct, surgery might be required to rectify the problem.
TMJ is a painful and serious condition and treatment isn’t something you should put off. The sooner you begin treating TMJ, the easier it will be to fix. If you are currently suffering from TMJ, contact David Ross Orthodontics today to set up a consultation to get started on taking back control of your dental health.
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