How Do You Know if You Have a TMJ Disorder?

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Have you been hearing about TMJ and all the problems this condition can cause? Disorders of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) or jaw joint can lead to ongoing symptoms that need treatment. Our orthodontists in Wichita, KS, at Trimmell Anders & White Orthodontics offer TMJ treatment to help patients find relief. You may have problems with this joint if you experience any of these symptoms.

Jaw Pain

TMJ disorders can cause you to have severe pain in your jaw on one or both sides. Your jaw might also feel tender, especially when you wake up.

Pain in Ears or Face

Do you have aches and pains in other areas near your jaw? You might have earaches on the affected side or experience soreness in your face.

Headaches

TMJ disorders can trigger migraines or frequent headaches. You may wake up with a headache or head pain when you have this condition, especially if you grind your teeth during the night.

Trouble Opening and Closing Your Mouth

Problems with your jaw joints can make it hard or even painful to open and close your mouth. This can cause problems when you try to eat food or talk.

Sounds When Opening Your Mouth

Does your jaw make a popping or clicking noise when you open it? TMJ disorders can cause these noises to occur due to problems with joint structures, such as ligaments or tendons.

Visit Our Orthodontists for TMJ Treatment!

Are you looking for help managing this jaw condition? At Trimmell Anders & White Orthodontics, our orthodontists offer TMJ disorder treatment in Wichita, KS, to help ease pain and other symptoms. We can create a treatment plan for you based on your TMJ symptoms and severity for effective relief.

What Causes TMJ Disorders?

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TMJ disorders can be caused by many different factors, which may not always be clear. If a TMJ disorder pops up suddenly, it can be from any different causes. If there is a medical history in your family concerning oral and dental issues, you may have a genetic predisposition towards a TMJ disorder. 

Here are some common causes of TMJ disorders:

  • Teeth grinding or clenching ( medically known as bruxism)
  • Chronic or acute stress and anxiety
  • Injuries to the jaw or head
  • Arthritis in the TMJ joint

Effective TMJ Treatment Options at Our Clinic

If you’re experiencing TMJ symptoms, seeking professional attention is important. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent future complications and improve your quality of life.

At Trimmel, Anders, and White Orthodontics in Wichita, KS, we offer a range of personalized TMJ treatment options to address your specific needs:

  • Conservative Treatments: These are often the first line of defense, aiming to reduce muscle tension and inflammation. We may recommend:
    • Relaxation Techniques: Learning relaxation techniques like meditation or deep breathing exercises can help manage stress and reduce jaw muscle tension. This can be done both at our clinic or on your own time, whether it is at work, home, or on the ride to your destination.
    • Lifestyle Modifications: Certain lifestyle changes can be beneficial, such as avoiding chewy foods and practicing good posture. This can help alleviate the pain that comes with an inflamed TMJ.
    • Mouth Guards: Custom-made mouth guards worn at night can help prevent teeth grinding and clenching, reducing strain on the TMJ joint. We offer a comprehensive range of solutions and can 3D print a custom-fit mouthguard that is comfortable for you to wear, both day and night.
  • Physical Therapy: Specific exercises can help stretch and strengthen the muscles around the jaw joint, improving flexibility and reducing pain. After taking a look at your TMJ condition, we will go through each exercise so that you completely understand it.
  • Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relievers or prescription medications might be helpful in managing TMJ pain. In certain cases, we will recommend pain management techniques and treatments that can help you mitigate the discomfort that you feel.

Symptoms, Causes and Treatments For TMJ Disorder

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Those who experience TMJ know how debilitating this condition can be. Even on days when the sensation resembles more of a discomfort than utter pain, TMJ is distracting, uncomfortable and, frankly, unbearable to live with for any length of time. Understanding TMJ comes down to knowing its symptoms, causes and treatments for TMJ disorder in Wichita, KS.

Symptoms of TMJ

Symptoms range from mild to severe and can fluctuate from person to person and from incident to incident. They include:

  • jaw pain
  • neck and/or shoulder pain
  • jaw stiffness
  • inability to open mouth wide
  • headache
  • difficulty opening and/or closing the mouth
  • earache
  • ringing in the ears
  • toothache
  • clicking or popping noise when opening/closing mouth
  • changes in bite alignment

Causes of TMJ

There are a handful of possible causes for TMJ, which are:

  • natural genetic development
  • grinding of the teeth
  • peculiar habit of moving the mouth when speaking
  • unconscious clenching of the jaw on a chronic basis
  • jaw injury
  • arthritis of the jaw

There may be other potential causes of TMJ that aren’t listed here.

Treatment For TMJ

If you or a loved one suffers with jaw pain or discomfort, it could be TMJ. Rather than making an attempt at self-diagnosis, it’s important to seek a professional assessment and diagnosis. Effective treatment options are available and it’s important to get treated, since TMJ rarely goes away on its own and usually gets worse over time.

Your orthodontist may offer one or multiple treatment options, such as:

  • mouth guard
  • physical therapy
  • prescription medication
  • trigger point injections
  • electronic pulse stimulation
  • behavioral change therapies
  • and more

Your orthodontist in Wichita, KS offers treatment for TMJ disorder. All you need to do is take the first step now and book your appointment.