If you are experiencing jaw pain or find it difficult to open and close your mouth wide, you may have a condition known as Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD), otherwise known as TMJ. Many patients with TMD don’t realize it is a severe problem until they have issues related to their bite or develop a persistent teeth grinding habit. These conditions can cause a number of oral health problems and also prevent you from enjoying a pain-free lifestyle.
The primary causes of jaw pain and TMD are still unknown but experts believe symptoms are often the result of misalignment of the jaws, issues with the muscles of the head and jaw joint areas, as well as neck and postural concerns. Known causes include
Dr. Stephen Sala have extensive and vast experience with treating patients with TMD disorder. They typically recommend a combination of non-invasive treatments in their patient’s overall comprehensive customized treatment plan. Other TMD treatment options may include:
Once diagnosed with TMD, treatment consists of 3 steps:
Step 1
Dr. Stephen Sala can relieve muscle spasms and pain without medication or surgery with the use of ultra-low frequency TENS, providing a temporary TMD splint, as well as Photobiomodulation with (LLLT) Low-level Laser Therapy.
Step 2
Stabilize your bite with dental orthopedics. An orthotic is a clear, precisely fitted device that sits on your lower teeth. This allows for easy adjustments to the material without adjusting the teeth until the bite has been stabilized. The MORA is worn full-time, day and night and also when eating. It is only removed for routine oral hygiene to allow for complete healing to occur.
Step 3
Coronoplasty / Equilibration
• Coronoplasty is the reshaping of the enamel of the teeth to correct your bite and improve the mechanical contact conditions of the teeth. This is minimally invasive and requires no anesthesia and can be used when the bite is only slightly misaligned.
• Equilibration, also known as occlusal adjustment, is adjusting contacts on your teeth, so your teeth hit evenly when chewing or swallowing confirming the jaw is in its correct position. This adjustment distributes bite forces equally across all teeth, so your muscles can be relaxed. These minor changes can permanently alter your bite to take the strain off your jaw joints and muscles.
Once symptoms are relieved and the bite has been stabilized, it’s crucial to move to phase 2 treatments so that you don’t have to wear an appliance long-term or potentially ‘for the rest of your life.’
There are 3 ways we can provide TMD services:
Orthodontics (Braces)
When you have healthy teeth, they may be moved to the optimal position using braces. Treatment with traditional braces (not clear aligners) will prevent any healthy tooth structure from needing to be removed. Dr. Sala can prepare a comprehensive treatment plan to help you achieve the best results and give you a healthy, beautiful smile.
Removable Overlay Partials
In contrast to the temporary orthotics in the phase 1 treatment, these are permanent orthotics that usually fit over the back teeth and are designed to maintain an aligned bite. They are a reversible and relatively inexpensive treatment for severely worn teeth made like a partial denture with a metal framework and plastic teeth.
Reconstruction
If your bite has changed from broken or damaged teeth, this approach involves making the teeth taller/higher by adding porcelain or composite to the biting surfaces of the teeth, allowing your teeth to touch in a more comfortable position. This permanently realigns the bite and provides structural support for the jaw.
Struggling to live a functional and comfortable life due to jaw pain? Learn more about TMD treatment in North Royalton, OH and find relief by scheduling your appointment with Dr. Sala today!
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Iacobelli & Sala
8030 Corporate Circle
North Royalton, OH 44133
New Patients: 440.557.4484
Current Patients: 440.845.7300