Cosmetic dentistry may be needed to solve TMJ disorders
11/13/2007
By Dr Steven Goldy
TMJ describes a variety of conditions affecting the temperomandibular joint (the point where the jaw opens and closes) and affects the nerves related to chronic facial pain and even constant migraine headaches. It appears to affect women twice as much as men. November is TMJ month and this is not just a general dental issue –a well trained cosmetic dentist may be the best choice to resolve the condition.
The most common causes of TMJ are related to an improper bite, injury, arthritis, severe stress, or a combination of these factors. Clenching or grinding teeth at night due to stress can tire muscles and create spasms. But in some patients it’s caused by neglect – lack of regular dental care that leads to missing teeth and old dental work that has broken down.
When dental neglect causes the loss of teeth it can affect the jaw joints because of a lack of support. Many patients who lack back teeth end up with migraine headaches and other facial pain issues. The muscles continue to contract without tooth support, which places hundreds of pounds of pressure on the joints eventually fatiguing and injuring them.
If this is the case a cosmetic dentist is the place to start. However, it is imperative that he or she have a keen understanding of occlusion (the way teeth bite together.) The missing and degraded teeth need to be repaired and replaced. Composite mock ups and bonding can be used on appropriate teeth in order to help decompress the joints and align the jaw to jaw relationship.
Depending on how many are missing implants may be required to stabilize the jaw alignment.
Not only does a cosmetic dentistry approach to TMJ treatment handle the debilitating headaches and pain, it also gives the patient a beautiful smile once more.
Author Bio:
Dr. Steven Goldy, DDS is a cosmetic dentist practicing in Beverly Hills. His approach to cosmetic dentistry is founded in his belief that everyone deserves to have the best possible oral health and a beautiful smile. You can reach Dr. Goldy at 310 550 1511 or via his website at http://www.stevengoldydds.com His office is located at 416 N. Bedford Drive in Beverly Hills, California.
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