Every year, millions of people suffer from TMJ Disorder. There are a lot of reasons in which it can occur, and women are twice as likely to experience it than men. For this month’s blog, we will go over TMJ Disorder and what can be done to treat it. Colorado Orthodontics in Aurora acknowledges TMJ Disorder Awareness month every year in November. Let’s go over what it is.
TMJ Disorder: What is it?
The Temporomandibular joint is a complex articulation of the mandible (movable lower jaw) and the base of the skull, also referred to as the temporal bone. It is what makes a person able to move their mouth for basic speech and eating. The TMJ is a ball and socket joint with an intervening disc. When the parts work together properly with supporting jaw muscles, a person can chew, speak, and swallow with no difficulty or pain.
While there is no definitive way to prevent TMJ disorders, proper orthodontic treatment early on can stave off any future problems that include TMJ disorder. Sometimes, however, the disorder comes from genetics regardless of prior treatment.
What are the Symptoms of TMJ Disorder?
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
Though these are the most reported symptoms, patients should visit a doctor for a formal diagnosis. TMJ disorder is often linked to other issues in the mouth that cause pain.
How Can Colorado Orthodontics Treat TMJ Disorder?
The best way to treat TMJ Disorder with a noninvasive procedure is to receive traditional metal braces. Traditional metal braces are the oldest treatment in orthodontics, but despite having been around the longest, they’re still the most popular treatment we offer. Composed of high-grade stainless steel, metal braces use a network of brackets and wires to straighten the teeth.
Modern braces use smaller brackets for a more comfortable, aesthetically appealing option than braces in the past. Metal braces are durable, reliable, and cost-effective, and we can use them to treat virtually any orthodontic condition. They make an excellent option for virtually any patient.
Schedule an Appointment with Us Today
You deserve a smile you feel proud of — and at Colorado Orthodontics, our mission is to help you achieve it. As a leading orthodontist serving patients throughout Thornton and Aurora and the greater Denver, CO area, we’re proud to provide a wide range of convenient, high-quality orthodontic treatments to our patients, and we strive to customize treatment to fit the unique lifestyles of patients. Request an appointment today.