But now let’s be realistic.  If a potential patient reports that they have ‘TMJ,’ they really are just trying to say that their jaw is a problem, and it might need some help. The way to help such a person is to measure how big they can open their mouth, and then palpate the various muscles that attach to the TM joint. This goes a long way in diagnosing the problem. In many cases, it is necessary to further that diagnosis by ordering an MRI to determine what the articular discs are doing in the jaw joints. The articular discs are the cartilage that covers the top of the jaw bones and protects the joints from going bone on bone, which really can hurt badly.

In addition, a specialty X-ray called a CBCT must be done to further determine if the bones of the skull are out of alignment. So first, the MRI, then the CBCT to figure out what is really going on in the joints. At this point, a discussion must be done about how best to treat the problem(s). Each person has unique symptoms and determining the best appliance is critical. Often, wearing an appliance or an appliance for each arch in the mouth works to ‘decompress’ the joints. This is very effective. The appliance(s) must be worn for a year or more in order to be effective. Then a new MRI and X-ray must be done to see if the discs have moved or are moving back where they should be.

Sometimes,  unfortunately, the disc is either damaged or is not moving back. At this point, it may be necessary to do surgery to help move the discs back into place or remove the damaged disc. Other therapy options to help with the symptom management are prolotherapy, BOTOX®, or even stem cell therapy to help. Surgery is always the last-ditch option because it is more invasive than any other choice. It is, however, very effective and can provide much needed relief to that person who has suffered for many years. The other options, often called the ‘injectables’, help to lubricate the joints so the displaced discs have a chance to move back where they need to be. Sometimes this works quite well, other times not so much because they are not actually fixing the underlying problem.

So, if you do indeed have ‘TMJ’ problems then you most likely have other body pain or symptoms as well. The TM joint can be a problem and you will want to fix it. If so, see the right doctor, analyze the problem, and treat this before it becomes more difficult.

The post “I Have TMJ” What Does That Really Mean? first appeared on Sleep & TMJ Therapy.

Did you know that a gorgeous smile with great teeth and well-supported Temporomandibular joints also means less neck pain?  It’s so true! Time and time again it has been shown that losing a tooth means that the structural integrity of the cervical spine is compromised. This is why it is not advisable to remove any teeth unless completely necessary. In so many cases, it is necessary to remove the patient’s wisdom teeth.  For this reason, many people would benefit from wearing the ALF appliances to maintain support of the bones of the skull during the healing process. When wisdom teeth are removed, the research indicates there will be about 16 square centimeters of holes in the skull and the bone has a tendency to collapse from this. The ALF appliance will help to support the bones of the skull and more readily allow the bone to fill into the holes created by the extractions, without causing a collapsing effect.

In the past, it was much more commonplace to have all your teeth pulled out and have dentures made. The problem with the denture route is that most of the time the dentist’s lab uses a type of plastic material and the dentures have a tendency to wear down quite quickly. What happens next is the top of the jaw – the condyle – will more readily jam into the socket and we have more TMD problems. This is why it is good to avoid dentures and go the implant route.

When a person has implants done, it would be wise to get the implant crowns to the proper height. This would require working with someone like a TMJ specialist who understands that the condyles must be in the right place to protect the joints from degeneration. By paying attention to the vertical height of the implant crowns, this will allow the patient to feel better with their brand-new smile!

Another facet of dealing with a gorgeous smile is that a great smile looks better if the bones in your skull are more balanced and symmetrical. When you think about it, it kind of makes sense. If your cranial bones are level, the body is happier and looks better. Again, this is what the ALF wire is all about – symmetry and balance – and this creates a more beautiful appearance too.

So, make sure that beautiful smile translates into a beautiful and healthy YOU!

The post The Case of Why We Need a Gorgeous Smile (From a TMJ Perspective) first appeared on Sleep & TMJ Therapy.