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TMJ disorder is a jaw condition that affects the temporomandibular joints located on either side of the skull in front of the ears. These joints are what connect your lower jaw to your upper jaw and are responsible for basic daily tasks that involve opening and closing your mouth or moving it side to side. Without properly functioning TMJs, you would not be able to talk, eat, chew, open mouth laugh, scream, sing, and so much more! When they are inflamed, it can result in a variety of symptoms, including jaw pain, headaches, toothaches, and a popping sound when moving your jaw.

While the exact cause of TMJ disorder is unknown, it has been linked to:

• Sleep apnea
• Bruxism (teeth grinding and jaw clenching)
• Stress
• Anxiety
• Arthritis
• Dental misalignment and bite disorders
• Jaw trauma or injury

At Inspire Smiles Dental, we provide Dublin, CA TMJ therapy to reduce your pain and improve your quality of life. Read on to learn more about the treatments available or to schedule your consultation with Dr. Rassiwala by calling 925-833-9504.

Oral Splint Therapy

One of the first treatment methods is fitting you with a customized oral device. An oral splint is designed to fit comfortably over your top and bottom teeth. It is connected in such a way to alleviate pressure on your jaw. When worn at night, it keeps your jaw in a relaxed position, preventing your teeth from grinding or your jaw from continually clenching. As the device is worn, it allows your TMJs to heal and prevents long-term damage from occurring.

Dental Crowns

When teeth grinding is a cause of your TMJ disorder, it can result in cracked and damaged back molars. To correct and strengthen your teeth, Dr. Rassiwala will provide you with customized dental crowns. These restorations fit over the weakened teeth and are designed to protect teeth from further damage, as well as create a more balanced bite.

Lifestyle Adjustments and Physical Therapy

Certain activities can exasperate your already inflamed jaw. By making simple lifestyle adjustments, you can remove pressure from your jaw, giving it plenty of time to heal. Some modifications may include:

• Find fun, relaxing activities to do each day that help reduce unnecessary stress from your life. This may include implementing yoga, meditation, or exercise.
• Maintain a soft foods diet for about two to three weeks and avoid eating hard to chew foods.
• Stop chewing gum. Continual chewing can keep those jaw joints inflamed and sore.
• Reduce your intake of caffeine to minimize anxiety.
• Apply ice packs on your outer jaw in 20-minute intervals for about two weeks.
• Implement jaw exercises that can stretch and strengthen the muscles surrounding your jaw joints.
• Use over-the-counter pain medications to reduce inflammation and discomfort.

Invisalign®

If dental misalignment or a bite disorder is the cause of your TMJ disorder, Dr. Rassiwala may recommend orthodontic treatment. We offer Invisalign® clear aligners as a discreet way to correct your issues. Trays should be worn daily up to 22 hours a day. Treatment times vary, but in most case can correct misalignment in about 12 to 15 months. By realigning your teeth and jaw to a proper position, it eliminates the teeth grinding and jaw clenching that often leads to TMJ disorder.