TMJ Therapy – Huntington Beach, CA
Find Relief from Persistent Jaw Pain
Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) affects an estimated 5 – 12 percent of the population. Sadly, though, many people live with the symptoms for years before they seek treatment. If you have been coping with persistent jaw pain, contact our office to schedule a checkup with Dr. Arditti, your dentist in Huntington Beach. She’ll help you determine the cause of your discomfort and get you on the path to pain relief.
What Is TMD?
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your lower jaw to the rest of your skull. It is a unique and complex joint that helps you eat and speak. TMD is a term that refers to any of a number of problems that can occur with the TMJ. Although TMD occurs more often in women than in men, it can affect either gender. Often, the cause of TMD remains a mystery. In other cases, though, it is connected to:
- A misaligned bite. When the teeth do not rest properly together, the jaw is put under extra stress.
- Jaw damage. A traumatic injury or arthritis can cause the TMJ to function at less than its best.
- Daily habits. Excessive gum chewing or poor posture may lead to TMD.
- A stressful lifestyle. A high level of stress can cause muscle tension throughout the body, including in the muscles that control the TMJ.
Signs and Symptoms of TMD
Jaw pain is one of the telltale signs of TMD, but it isn’t that only indicator that something is wrong. In fact, TMD can have so many different symptoms that doctors often misdiagnose it. It’s possible you’re suffering from TMD if you are experiencing any of the following:
- The sensation of lockjaw
- Clicking or popping in the jaw
- Difficulty chewing and swallowing
- Frequent headaches or migraines
- Neck and shoulder pain
- Dizziness and vertigo
- Ringing in the ears or other hearing issues
- Aching facial pain
- Cognitive difficulties (“brain fog”)
How to Find Relief
The best way to treat TMD often depends on the problem that is causing it. For example, if a stressful lifestyle is causing you to grind your teeth and putting excessive pressure on your TMD, facial massage and stress management may be just what you need to heal. A custom nightguard from Dr. Arditti can also help prevent nighttime teeth grinding and help your jaw to relax.
If a misaligned bite is causing your TMD, you may need orthodontic treatment. Dr. Arditti is a certified Invisalign provider. She can design a treatment plan to gently reposition your teeth and help you achieve a more comfortable, more functional bite.
When you visit Dr. Arditti for a checkup, she’ll examine your TMJ and evaluate the factors that may be causing you pain. From there, she’ll be able to recommend the type of TMJ therapy in Huntington Beach that is best for your unique circumstances. Hopefully, it won’t be long before you’re on the road to recovery from the pain and hassle of TMD!
TMJ Treatment FAQs
Can TMJ disorder be fixed with Invisalign aligners?
In some cases, Invisalign clear aligners may be the perfect treatment option for TMJ disorder. This is especially the case when the temporomandibular joints are affected and strained because of an imbalanced bite, or malocclusion.
Invisalign treatment has the ability to address mild to moderate bite misalignment, including overbite, underbite, and cross bite. Plus, as a certified Invisalign provider, Dr. Arditti is able to complete this treatment process entirely in-house.
How long does it take to treat TMJ disorder?
The length of time it takes to treat TMJD is entirely dependent on the severity of your condition and the underlying causes. For example, habits like teeth grinding are a common reason why patients experience jaw popping, clicking and pain when they open and close their mouth. Wearing a nightguard to address this underlying cause will help provide relief, ultimately addressing your TMJ symptoms.
In some cases, however, the answer isn’t so straightforward, and it could take other lengthier treatments, like Invisalign clear aligners, or even surgery to treat the underlying cause of the issue.
Can TMJ disorder be treated without surgery?
While certain cases of TMJD may necessitate surgery, it is possible to treat the condition with other non-surgical methods, like nightguards, occlusal splints, and orthodontic treatment. This will depend on what Dr. Arditti finds during your initial evaluation. After diagnosing your condition and outlining underlying causes, our team at Pacific View Dental will walk you through all of your treatment options to make sure you’re informed and are able to make the best decision for your health.
Is treating TMJ disorder expensive?
The cost of TMJ treatment in Huntington Beach can vary greatly depending on what treatment you need, the geographic area you live in, and the provider you see. So, in short, TMJ treatment can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to thousands.
At Pacific View Dental, we’ll outline a detailed cost estimate for each of your treatment recommendations and take into account any dental insurance coverage that may apply. We also offer discounts through our in-house Wellness & Prevention Plan if you’re uninsured—simply call our office to learn more or sign up on our website!