How to Cure TMJ Permanently

When the temporomandibular joints (TMJ) on either side of the skull do not work properly simple acts like chewing and speaking can become uncomfortable. TMJ disorder is a serious condition that often requires medical treatment. More than 10 million Americans suffer from TMJ pain and TMJ headaches.

Fortunately, the right treatment can cure TMJ. After one visit to your dentist Burke VA, you can begin treatments that restore normal jaw function and improve your quality of life.

There is no one cause of TMJ disorder. The shape and size of the jaws are largely determined by genetics. Genetic factors also determine the quality of your bite.

Beyond genetics, stress can be a factor that causes TMJ disorder. If you are going through a rough phase in life, those stresses can manifest at nighttime as jaw clenching. The added pressure on your jaw can lead to TMJ disorder symptoms.

Poorly fitting dental prosthetics and other dental problems can cause your jaws to not align properly. Natural teeth shifting can also lead to jaw-related problems.

Your path toward restored TMJ function begins with an in-depth exam, x-rays, and a one-on-one consultation with your dentist in Burke VA — Dr. Lynch.

When choosing the right TMJ cure, Dr. Lynch will take ample time to inquire into your symptoms. Questions that he might ask include:

• Did you recently injury your jaw or a nearby part of your head?

• How long have you experienced jaw pain?

• What times of the day does the pain seem to hurt the most?

• Do you grind your teeth at night?

The treatment will depend on the cause of your symptoms. Often, orthodontic treatment can address TMJ disorder symptoms.

The jaws can only close snuggly when each row of teeth aligns properly. The alignment of teeth when they are in contact is known as occlusion, and crooked teeth cause a condition known as malocclusion.

Crowded and crooked teeth can throw off jaw alignment. This can result in tense or sore jaw muscles or a condition known as bruxism (nighttime teeth grinding). Poor occlusion also makes it difficult to speak and chew with ease.

To address this problem and cure your TMJ, Dr. Lynch can have you fitted with customer Invisalign® clear aligners.

Clear aligners are a convenient and effective treatment for TMJ disorder. Beyond being completely non-invasive, the orthodontic treatment delivers a more attractive and symmetrical smile.

Aligner trays are easy to take care of. Simply remove the trays when you are eating and be sure that food particles do not become stuck in it. The trays can be cleaned by brushing them with a toothbrush and water.

By wearing your retainer every night, you can enjoy your cosmetic results for a lifetime.

Low-frequency electrical stimulation is a proven treatment for relieving muscle problems. Dr. Lynch will use low levels of electricity to relax the muscles that cause TMJ disorder. He will use advanced devices such as leads, electrodes, and electrically conductive pads to perform the treatment.

Once your jaw muscles are relaxed, you will notice that your jaw feels more relaxed throughout the day. Dental TENSing also lowers inflammation.

Tense muscles can cause poor jaw alignment, so one main benefit of this treatment is the curing of TMJ disorder. The stimulation process is painless, but there can be minor, temporary discomfort for patients who are not used to it.

The treatment only takes about one hour. Patients soon after report feeling rapid results and alleviation of TMJ disorder symptoms. The procedure is safe and non-invasive.

Most of our patients enjoy long-term results from Dental TENSing. If TMJ disorder symptoms return, safe and effective treatment can be performed again.

In rare cases, patients may require corrective jaw surgery to address TMJ disorder. These are often cases where significant jaw deformities are responsible for jaw discomfort.

Corrective jaw surgery is sometimes performed in conjunction with orthodontic treatment. Dr. Lynch will coordinate your treatment with a trusted jaw surgeon. The good news is that surgery is rarely needed to successfully treat TMJ disorder.

Corrective jaw surgery repositions the lower jaw in relation to the upper jaw. One benefit of this procedure is the symmetrical alignment of the jaws, which can have cosmetic benefits.

Correcting an underbite, for example, is one additional benefit that can leave your facial features in better harmony following surgery.

Jaw surgery also has the benefit of providing long-term relief from TMJ disorder. Many people find that eating and speaking are easier following this surgical procedure.

Living with TMJ disorder can be unbearable. The constant discomfort and difficulty eating can lower one's quality of life.

The first step on the journey to recovery from this serious medical condition is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Lynch. Sometimes, simply addressing stress or sleeping with a mouthguard can bring drastic relief.