Do you clench your jaw? Grind your teeth? Does your jaw sometimes “lock” or feel stuck? These are just a few of the symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ/TMD), in the hinge joint that connects your lower jaw to the bone just in front of your ears.
TMD in Austin may cause chronic headaches, swelling, problems chewing, or just feeling tired in your face. Because it can be hard to pinpoint the source of the pain, or even to know whether your symptoms are all related, you might think you just have to live with it.
Nothing could be further from the truth. In Austin at 12 Oaks Dental, we use advanced technology to first diagnose and assess the extent of the malocclusion, or misaligned bite, and treat it with gradual and gentle therapies to bring your bite back into proper alignment.
Some of your options for treating TMD/TMJ can include:
Custom-fit orthotic appliances that will reshape your bite in small stages
- Referral for physical therapy to help relieve the tension and stress of TMD
- Suggestions for dietary changes while treatment is ongoing
- Medications
Remember, there’s no reason to live with pain and muscle tension that takes energy and pleasure away from everyday life. Call our Austin dental office at 512.346.5196 for an assessment of your bite.
