Posted: October 7, 2014
Your temporomandibular joint connects the jaw to the skull. Disorders affecting that joint which occur when the joint becomes misaligned are called TMJ. Symptoms associated with TMJ can range from mild discomfort to severe pain. Fortunately, Dr. Frank can address these issues by restoring proper alignment to your jaw.
The pain associated with TMJ can often be managed with over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or aspirin, or with muscle relaxants. Our first goal is to relieve your pain using medication of some kind.
Using the principles of neuromuscular dentistry, Dr. Frank will work to address the underlying cause of your TMJ pain, not just mask the symptoms. So when you work with Dr. Frank for your TMJ treatment, we’ll consider several options for long-term relief. These may include:
- A ComfortGuard mouth guard worn at night can offer daytime comfort by keeping your mouth in proper alignment while you sleep.
- A full-time neuromuscular orthotic device is worn around the clock to align your bite, though it can be removed for meals and for cleaning your teeth.
- A fixed orthotic device is worn all day and all night to reposition your jaw and reduce TMJ-related pain and discomfort.
- Orthodontic treatments like Invisalign or dental restoration options can reposition your bite if your teeth are causing the issue.
If a TMJ disorder is interfering with your life, relief may just be a phone call away. To learn about the many TMJ treatment options available to you, please contact The Practice at Maxwell Place, today to schedule an appointment in our Hoboken office.