What is TMJ and TMD?
Over time, the key facial joints, muscles, and teeth stop interacting and can begin interfering with each other. The chewing system deteriorates, leading to an undesirably aged appearance, weakened mouth condition, and pain in the joints, head, and neck. Much of this begins with the breakdown of the key joints in the jaw (the temporomandibular joints, or TMJ) which cause the facial muscles to become strained, which in turn causes clenching and/or grinding of the teeth, a process known as temporomandibular joint dysfunction, or TMD. As a result, the face may appear more aged or recessed. When the chewing system, starting with the joints, is corrected, patients are free of pain and experience a more youthful appearance.
How does TMJ and TMD treatment work?
The objective of TMJ therapy is to stabilize the jaw joint. Dr. Jamie Sands establishes jaw stability by creating a custom-made Condylar Centering Orthotic (C2O). The C2O is a clear acrylic splint that is worn in the mouth 24/7 until the joint stabilizes. This phase of treatment involves weekly splint adjustment appointments to ensure proper positioning of the jaw. Once Dr. Sands has determined, through accurate measurements, that the jaw has stabilized, she keeps meticulous records to accurately record the exact position of the jaw (a measurement known as the hinge axis.)
If necessary, Dr. Sands will restore any damaged teeth.
Before Treatment
- Patient carries stress in the face
- Eyes are taut and asymmetrical
- Jaw is clenched and wide
- Patient experiences neck pain, headaches, and shoulder pain
After Treatment
- Face has become more relaxed
- Eyes are symmetrical
- Patient’s jaw has slimmed down
- Neck, head, and shoulder pain have resolved
Before Treatment
- Patient showed signs of facial stress
- Clenched and tight jaw muscles
- Prominent facial and neck muscles
After 6 Weeks of Treatment
- Reduced aging and stress lines on face
- Relaxed jaw
- Improved movement and appearance of facial and neck muscles
- Patient experienced results after only 6 weeks of Dr. Sands’ Oral Anti-Aging treatment with no surgery
Some symptoms of TMJ/TMD include:
Worn down
or chipped teeth
Disproportionately large
jaw muscles
Receding
gums
Clenching or grinding
of the teeth during the day or night
Jaw
pain
Headaches
Ringing
in the ears (tinnitus)
Asymmetrical
or squinted eyes
FAQ
Why should I seek TMJ care?
Sometimes those affected by jaw, muscle, or tooth pain seek traditional dentistry to correct superficial issues without treating the underlying issues of TMD. Standard dental care tends to treat symptoms, not causes, of oral health problems. Dr. Sands takes a proactive approach to TMJ that examines the entire oral system as one.
