Do you suffer from frequent headaches? Does your jaw feel tight or produce a clicking noise every time you open your mouth? Do you clench your jaws frequently? We can help you with TMJ treatment in Atlanta and Sandy Springs, GA.
Dr. Hugh Flax has been successfully treating bite issues since the early 1990s. As a graduate of the Dawson Academy and Kois Center, he’s trained with nationally recognized experts in bite management and neuromuscular disorders. Whatever’s bothering you about your bite, trust us to approach your smile individually.
We will create a custom treatment plan to address your concerns and correct the imbalances in your bite. We can also provide restorative dental treatments to patients in Sandy Springs, dental office.
What is a TMJ Disorder?
TMJ disorder, or temporomandibular joint disorder, affects the joints and muscles that control the movement of your jaw. This condition can lead to many symptoms, including jaw pain, clicking or popping sounds when you open or close your mouth, and difficulty chewing or speaking. It can also cause chronic headaches or earaches.
You can develop TMJ disorder due to a variety of factors:
- Teeth grinding
- Jaw misalignment
- Arthritis
- Stress
- Injury to the jaw joint
If left untreated, TMJ disorder can greatly impact your quality of life. It can make everyday activities like eating and talking uncomfortable. Fortunately, our experienced team is here to provide relief and personalized treatment options.
How Can You Help My Bite?
We can use bite management treatment to address facial muscle imbalances that are causing pain, aesthetic concerns, or dental health issues, including:
- TMJ disorder
- Crooked teeth
- Tongue thrusting
- Teeth grinding
- Mouth breathing
- Snoring
- Sleep apnea
What is Bite Relaxation Therapy?
Bite relaxation therapy is a specialized approach to help alleviate the symptoms of TMJ disorder and teeth grinding. This therapy focuses on relaxing the muscles in the jaw and face to reduce tension and restore proper alignment.
We aim to relieve discomfort and promote healing through gentle jaw exercises, massage, and relaxation techniques. Bite relaxation therapy can improve your bite and eliminate the pain and discomfort from a misaligned jaw.
Through his understanding of neuromuscular dentistry, Dr. Flax will perform an in-depth exam in our Sandy Springs dental office. He will analyze your bite and evaluate just how your jaw and bite are working together.
Once the cause of the problem has been pinpointed, we’ll outline the best combination of treatments. This may include relaxation techniques, bite guards, orthodontics, or full-mouth reconstruction.
We’ll monitor results over time, checking in with you to make sure you’re on the right track and that the results are exactly as intended.
TMJ Treatment in Atlanta, GA
There is no one treatment for TMD. A combination of treatments, including at-home care, can help reduce your symptoms. In our office, we may recommend:
TMJ Nightguards
Nightguards are custom-made dental appliances that you wear while you sleep. They help prevent teeth grinding, which is often a contributing factor to TMJ pain.
Our office will take dental impressions of your teeth to create your custom nightguard, which covers your upper or lower teeth. We send this impression to a local dental lab, where technicians create your custom nightguard. After several weeks, you will return to our office for a fitting.
Wearing the nightguard during sleep will keep your teeth apart, which reduces the risk of tooth wear and pressure on the jaw joint. Many patients find that wearing a nightguard reduces discomfort and improves sleep quality.
Orthodontics
In some cases, orthodontic treatment may be necessary. If misaligned teeth or bite issues contribute to TMJ pain, braces or aligners can help correct these problems. By properly aligning your teeth and jaw, orthodontics can relieve pressure on the TMJ and reduce pain.
Full-Mouth Reconstruction
For severe cases of TMJ disorder, a full-mouth reconstruction might be recommended. This involves a comprehensive approach to restoring the health and function of your teeth and jaw. It can include crowns, bridges, or other dental treatments to ensure everything works together properly. This option is typically reserved for patients with significant dental issues that contribute to their TMJ pain.
Lifestyle Changes for TMJ Disorders
In many cases, things you can do at home can help reduce your TMJ symptoms. At home, you can:
Practice Relaxation Techniques
One of the first steps in treating TMJ is learning relaxation techniques. Stress can make TMJ symptoms worse, so finding ways to relax can be very helpful.
Deep breathing exercises, meditation, and gentle yoga can help reduce tension in the jaw and surrounding muscles. Regularly practicing these techniques can lead to less pain and discomfort.
Eat Soft Foods
Eating soft foods can reduce strain on your jaw. Avoid tough or chewy foods, like hard bread or steak, that require a lot of jaw movement. Foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, and smoothies can be easier to eat.
We may recommend eating soft foods while you begin your TMJ treatment. You can gradually eat chewy or crunchy foods as your treatment progresses.
Improve Your Posture
Maintaining good posture can help reduce tension in your jaw and neck. Be mindful of how you sit and stand, keeping your head aligned with your spine. Avoid slouching or leaning forward too much, especially when using a computer or phone. Keeping screens within your eyeline can reduce strain on your upper body, including your jaw.
TMJ Treatment FAQs
Below, Dr. Flax answers your questions about TMJ treatment in Atlanta and a misaligned bite:
What causes bite stress?
There could be any number of culprits! I commonly work with patients who are dealing with issues like:
- Stress
- Teeth grinding (bruxism) or clenching
- Damage caused by a blow or other impact
- Missing teeth
- Tongue thrusting
- Arthritis
- Misaligned bite
- Diet
- Sleep-disordered breathing
How can I relax my bite?
Stress is a leading cause of a tense jaw. If that’s the case, some lifestyle changes can be beneficial, including:
- Maintaining good posture
- Getting enough sleep at night
- Reducing stress
- Trying jaw exercises
- Avoiding caffeine
- Avoiding medications that increase clenching and grinding
What’s the best way to fix my bite alignment?
We may recommend any number of treatments, depending on your specific diagnosis, including:
- Recontouring the biting surfaces of your teeth
- Repairing broken teeth
- Filling cavities or replacing old, worn-out fillings
- Extracting and replacing severely damaged teeth
- Orthodontic treatment
- Oral splint
Get a Comfortable Bite
Are you tired of jaw pain, tooth wear, and morning headaches? Contact us for TMJ treatment in Atlanta and Sandy Springs, GA. Call Flax Dental today at 470-635-3604 or schedule an appointment with us online.