TMD Symptoms to Look For:
Frequent headaches or neck pain
Jaw pain and tired jaw muscles more prevalent in the morning or late afternoon
Clicking noise when you open or close your mouth
Difficultly opening and closing
Jaw pain when chewing or yawning; jaws have locked up
Earaches or ringing in the ears without infection or other cause
Clenching and grinding (increases with stress)
Sensitive, broken, or worn teeth when no dental problems exist
Teeth do not fit together
Treatment for TMJ Disorders:
Occlusal splint – allows joint to seat into proper position relaxing muscles
Occlusal equilibration – conservative procedure in which the teeth are reshaped to correct a mild malocclusion. By eliminating certain interferences, a more ideal fit of the teeth can be achieved.
Orthodontics – braces may be an option to permanently reposition teeth for a more stable bite.
Restorative procedures – crowns or bridges may be necessary to restore teeth that are worn and replace missing teeth for improved occlusion.
Joint surgery – in severe TMD cases, surgical correction may be required.
