Posted on October 31, 2022
At Guymon Orthodontics, we are spending the month of November celebrating TMJ Disorder Awareness Month at our offices in Boise, Kuna, Nampa, Star, and Meridian. People across the globe suffer from Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder every year, and it is twice as common in women as it is for men. To help spread awareness, we’ll go over what TMJ disorder consists of and how we treat it at our orthodontic offices. Guymon Orthodontics in Idaho is here to help with TMJ Disorder and much more!
TMJ Disorder: What Guymon Orthodontics Wants 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:
How We Treat TMJ Disorder at Guymon Orthodontics
Our offices have a few 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 Guymon Orthodontics
At Guymon Orthodontics, we treat our patients like family. If you believe you may be suffering from TMJ disorder, or you want to see what we can do for you, visit our website to find a location that is most convenient and schedule an appointment today! We have offices across the state of Idaho in Boise, Kuna, Nampa, Star, and Meridian. Schedule an appointment today!
