405-848-7780
TMD / TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder)
Edmond, Lawton, Norman, and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
The term “bad bite” is used when a patient has even small degrees of jaw misalignment, or temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD / TMJ). A bad bite can cause all kinds of problems, including jaw pain, tooth loss, speaking problems, headaches, and neck soreness.
The temporomandibular joint is the ball-and-socket joint that allows for jaw movement. Opening and closing of your mouth requires effort from the joint, muscles, ligaments, and tendons of the face. If even one of these components is weakened, even simple movements can be difficult or painful. Jaw tension can increase and cause pain even when the jaw components are at rest.
Symptoms
- Shoulder pain
- Headaches
- Migraines
- Unexplained tooth loss or injury
- Tooth damage
- Tooth or gum pain
- Jaw clenching
- Facial pain
- Popping sounds in the jaw
- Earaches/ringing in the ears
- Back or neck pain
- Congestion
- Ear, nose, or throat problems
- Insomnia
- Difficulty chewing
- Dizziness
- Nausea
Restoring a Balanced Bite
Dr. Terry Bass and his team help Oklahoma patients with neuromuscular problems find effective solutions. As specialists in the field of neuromuscular dentistry, our team aims to restore balance to your bite through advanced treatments and pinpoint diagnostics. Our goal is not to simply alleviate the symptoms of TMD / TMJ, but also to solve the problem permanently through precise identification of the cause and restoration of the bite.
For some patients, the cause may be as simple and correctable as a dental issue, where tooth reshaping or a restoration is necessary. For others, genetics or a prior injury may be to blame. The jaws must fit together in a comfortable, relaxed position when at rest in order to function correctly when performing tasks like eating, speaking, or chewing.
Treatment for TMD /TMJ may include any of the following options:
- Custom-designed, removable mouthguards like the Pure Power Mouth Guard™ and Pure Power Edge™
- Permanent orthotic devices bonded to teeth
- Cosmetic dentistry, including tooth recontouring or smile reconstruction
- Orthodontic treatment
For more information, see Questions about TMJ/TMD.
If you are concerned about your bad bite, talk to an experienced neuromuscular dentist. Dr. Bass and his Team can provide a thorough evaluation and help alleviate your TMD / TMJ pain. If you are in Edmond, Lawton, Norman, or Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, please contact Terry Bass, D.D.S. today to set up your first neuromuscular visit.
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73112
405-848-7780
