Tmj Therapy Near You
TMJ dysfunction, which affects the temporomandibular joints that are located on either side of your jawbone and are responsible for connecting it to your skull, is a common condition that affects many patients’ daily lives.
It can cause daily discomfort like lockjaw, shoulder pain, chronic migraines, and teeth grinding, which can all impact your well-being and oral health. We offer a few different options for TMJ therapy near you to address your discomfort and ease the tension placed on your jaw joints.
Why Choose Lighthouse Dental for TMJ Therapy?
- Customized Orthotic Devices for TMJ Therapy in Vancouver
- Cone Beam CT Scanner for Detailed Imaging
- Experienced & Trusted Local Dentist
Neuromuscular Dentistry
Our customized dental crowns are a popular restoration because they can:
While traditional dentistry is typically concerned with teeth and gums, neuromuscular dentistry focuses on an issue that’s further beneath the surface: the alignment of your jaw. Even slight imperfections in this department can result in severe discomfort and outright pain for patients. That’s why our team at Lighthouse Dental is here to help with this advanced approach. By correcting misalignments and adjusting the bite, stress can be eliminated, and unpleasant symptoms can be erased.
An initial examination will allow our team to determine the cause of any dysfunction you’re experiencing, whether it’s caused by the jaw joints (TMJ), related muscles, or nearby teeth. Once we’ve diagnosed your condition, our team can make recommendations for treatment that will create the long-term improvements you need. Our plan of action may involve the use of a custom oral appliance, dental recontouring, or certain orthodontic and restorative procedures that will restore harmony to your overall smile and well-being.
What is TMJ Dysfunction?
TMJ dysfunction is a condition that occurs when the jaw joints that allow your jaw to hinge on your skull are filled with tension and stress, causing them not to work properly. This issue can occur due to stress caused by nightly teeth grinding, improperly placed restorations, or even dental misalignment that causes one joint to bear the burden of the force as you chew your food or speak. TMJ dysfunction can cause a wide range of uncomfortable side effects, including difficulty chewing food, painful lockjaw, and muscle spasms.
Equilibration/Occlusal Adjustments
If the tension in your TMJs is a result of a misaligned bite, we can conduct occlusal adjustments. Although it sounds complicated, it’s a relatively straightforward and non-invasive procedure where our team will determine whether your condition is caused by misshapen teeth or an improperly fitted restoration. If that’s the case, we can adjust these problem teeth to even out the force placed on your jaw joints and provide you with lasting relief.
Occlusal Splints
An occlusal splint is an orthotic oral appliance that’s custom-fitted to your unique dental structure. You’ll wear it at night as you sleep, and it will shift your jaw into a more natural position that relieves stress placed on your temporomandibular joints. That way, when you wake up, you won’t have a thumping headache or sore facial muscles. These appliances are easy to care for and can also double as protection for your teeth from nightly grinding and clenching.
