Our team at All About Braces in Denver, Colorado celebrates TMJ Awareness Month every November to show our support for those with TMJ as well as anyone who has been treated for it. We know that jaw pain can cause a wide variety of other problems later, and that’s why we are here to help. But first, let’s talk about TMJ Disorder and how it affects people across the world. We can do work to help treat TMJ at our offices in Denver, Lakewood, and North Aurora.
TMJ: What All About Braces Needs You to Know
The Temporomandibular joint is a complex articulation of the movable lower jaw (mandible) and the base of the skull (temporal bone) which makes it possible to close your mouth. Located on both sides of a patient’s head, the TMJ is a ball and socket joint with an intervening disc. All these parts work together with supporting jaw muscles and ligaments that allow a person to chew, speak, and swallow.
TMJ disorder affects millions of Americans between ages 20 and 40. It causes significant jaw pain in the joint and along the muscles that control the jaw’s movement. It is sometimes difficult to identify the root cause. There are several different ways it can occur with no definitive way to prevent the disorder from occurring.
What Are the Symptoms of TMJ?
People who are suffering from temporomandibular disorder often report the following:
- Recurring headaches and neck aches
- Pain in the jaw, especially in the morning or late afternoon
- Pain in and around the ear
- Jaw pain when biting, yawning, or chewing
- Tender and sore jaw muscles
- Teeth sensitivity
- Difficulty opening and closing the mouth
- A clicking sound when the mouth is open or closed
TMJ disorder is twice as common in women as it is for men.
How All About Braces Can Treat TMJ Disorder in Denver, CO
There are three non-invasive treatments for TMJ disorder that are common. The first is a night guard patients wear to hold their teeth apart and prevent grinding. This works to ease the pressure exerted on the TMJ joint by enabling it to slide back into position and lessen the impact. The second treatment is a splint always worn, usually with braces. Orthodontic braces treat TMJ disorder most effectively, as TMJ disorder stems from issues with the bite which orthodontic braces treats. Braces are designed to get teeth into the proper alignment which also keeps TMJ pain at bay.
Schedule an Appointment at All About Braces Today
All About Braces has provided reliable treatment to the Denver, Colorado area for years. Our practice has three convenient locations in Denver, Lakewood, and North Aurora. We are aware of the pain caused by TMJ disorder and our goal is to help everyone achieve a pain-free lifestyle along with a perfect smile. To learn more about what we do, schedule an appointment with us on our website.