Symptoms Of TMJ Disorder
- Headaches and migraines
- Grinding and clenching
- TMJ and jaw pain
- Earaches or tinnitus
- Jaw clicking or locking
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is one of the most complex joints in the body, allowing for the jawbone to move up, down, and side to side. If these joints and surrounding muscles are misaligned or overworked, it can lead to TMJ disorder. Misalignment or dislocation of the TM joint can put a lot of pressure on the jaw and teeth, such as with chronic teeth grinding and clenching. Consequently, the most common symptom of TMJ is chronic headaches and migraines. As long as a misaligned bite and a dislocated or damaged TMJ is present and not treated at the source, these tension headaches and other symptoms will most likely continue. Therefore, it is critical that TMJ treatment is received from Dr. Viorela Bauer, our experienced Arroyo Grande, CA dentist is trained to alleviate these symptoms through non-surgical methods, including custom mouthguard therapy, BOTOX®, and Invisalign® .
Custom mouth guards have multiple purposes for treating symptoms of TMJ. The mouthguard is made from highly durable materials that resist the force of teeth grinding. They also allow the jaw to rest and reestablish the correct position, relieving pain and stiffness in the joints and muscles.
BOTOX injections are more than for cosmetic facial rejuvenation. When used to treat symptoms of TMJ, BOTOX temporarily paralyzes facial muscles to reduce conscious or unconscious movements that can lead to headaches and jaw pain.
Symptoms of TMJ disorder can sometimes be attributed to teeth that do not fit together properly (malocclusion), causing extra strain to the joints and muscles. Invisalign reduces or resolves these symptoms by moving teeth into a proper, balanced position.
We specialize in treating TMJ disorder with personalized treatment plans, using advanced techniques that alleviate chronic facial pain at the source. A member of the American Academy of Facial Esthetics, Dr. Bauer has advanced education and training in TMJ treatment specifically through BOTOX therapy and custom Invisalign. She has a comprehensive understanding of dental occlusion and the temporomandibular joint, critical knowledge needed to accurately diagnose and treat TMJ disorder. With over 20 years of experience, she is highly qualified to treat your symptoms through non-surgical and minimally invasive techniques. If you think your symptoms may be due to TMJ disorder, don’t wait. Timely treatment can help you preserve the health and function of your smile and provide you with relief from pain.