The Problem with TMJ Disorder

A disorder in one or both of your TMJs (or temporomandibular joints) can have several different impacts on your comfort and bite function. TMJs are the large joints located on either side of your jaw, and their ability to function smoothly together dictates how well you can open and close your bite. A disorder may include damage, inflammation, misalignment, or more in one or both joints, and can lead to chronic jaw pain, headaches, migraines, earaches, and more. A custom TMJ appliance may be able to help you find relief by giving your jaw support to rest more comfortably while you sleep. This can help alleviate any pressure on your jaws and help them rest more comfortably.

The Symptoms of TMJ Disorder

When one or both of your jaw joints are compromised, you can experience a wide range of varying symptoms, some of which may not even seem related to your oral health. For example, TMJ disorder is often associated with symptoms such as:

  • Chronic pain in your jaw and face
  • Popping or clicking sensation in your TMJs
  • Increasingly worse headaches and migraines
  • Difficulty biting and chewing comfortably
  • Chronic teeth-grinding (bruxism)
  • Pain and ringing in your ears (tinnitus)
  • And more

How Does a TMJ Appliance Help?

The symptoms of TMJ disorder are wide-ranging, and many patients can endure them for years before receiving an accurate diagnosis. With our help, however, you have a better chance of detecting and diagnosing your disorder, and in many cases, we can help relieve it with a custom-designed oral appliance. Designed specifically to fit your teeth and offer optimal support for your lower jaw, a TMJ appliance can help your jaw joints and muscles rest more comfortably at night, relieving the pressure that contributes to its various symptoms.

Find Relief from Chronic TMJ Pain

TMJ disorder and its many different symptoms can have a significantly negative impact on your quality of life. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Cain and our team, call Healthy Smiles in Gary, IN or Portage, IN today at 219-938-2637, or email our office at info@healthysmilesnwi.com. We proudly serve all of Northwest Indiana and surrounding areas.