TMJ Treatment
Avoid Dental Damage
Relieve Jaw Pain With TMJ Treatment in Worcester
Living with a TMJ disorder means that everyday activities, like chewing and even opening your mouth, can become painful. TMJ treatment in Worcester can give you relief from the discomfort that's been making your daily life harder than it should be.
With the right care, you can enjoy meals without pain, speak and laugh freely, and wake up without the headaches that TMJ issues so often bring. Treatment also helps protect your tooth enamel from the long-term damage that teeth grinding can cause over time.
Doctor Stanley Levenson Talks About TMJ and Teeth Grinding
Find the TMJ Therapy That Matches Your Symptoms
There's no single approach that works for everyone with TMJ problems, which is why several treatment options are available at Levenson Smile. Each one targets the source of your discomfort in a different way, giving your dentist the flexibility to recommend the solution that best fits your situation.
Custom Bite Guard
A custom-fitted appliance relieves pressure on your TMJs while protecting your teeth from the effects of grinding and clenching.
NTI Device
This small appliance fits over your front teeth and prevents your back teeth from touching, which reduces the intensity of jaw clenching.
Neuro-Muscular Orthotic
A custom appliance realigns your jaw and improves your bite, helping your jaw muscles settle into a more relaxed and comfortable position.
Botox® Injections
FDA-approved Botox injections directly relax the jaw muscles, reducing the intensity of TMJ symptoms to improve your quality of life.
Understand Your TMJ Disorder & Take the First Step Toward Relief
The TMJ joints sit on either side of your head, just beside your jaw. When they become inflamed, the effects can reach far beyond your mouth. Neck and shoulder pain, frequent headaches, and difficulty chewing are all common signs that something is off with your jaw alignment or function.
Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is both a cause and a symptom of TMJ disorders. Over time, it can wear down your tooth enamel and lead to the need for restorative care like crowns.
Your dentist will examine your mouth and recommend the treatment that best fits your situation. If grinding or clenching has already affected your teeth, restorative treatment is available to bring your smile back to full health.
For effective TMJ treatment in Worcester, contact Levenson Smile today.
Frequently Asked Questions About TMJ Treatment
Q What is a TMJ disorder?
A TMJ disorder affects the temporomandibular joints, which connect your jaw to your skull on either side of your head. When these joints become inflamed or misaligned, they can cause pain, stiffness, and difficulty with activities like chewing, speaking, and opening your mouth fully. Several treatment options are available to relieve symptoms and restore comfort.
Q What causes TMJ disorders?
TMJ disorders can develop from a variety of causes, including teeth grinding, jaw clenching, bite misalignment, injury to the jaw, and arthritis. Stress is also a contributing factor, as it often leads to increased clenching and muscle tension. In many cases, more than one factor is involved, which is why a thorough evaluation is important.
Q How are TMJ disorders diagnosed?
Q What TMJ treatments are available at Levenson Smile?
Several TMJ treatment options are available at Levenson Smile, depending on the severity and cause of your symptoms. Custom bite guards and NTI devices help reduce the pressure of grinding and clenching. A neuro-muscular orthotic can realign your jaw over time. Botox injections are also available to relax the jaw muscles and reduce the intensity of clenching and grinding.
Q What is a custom bite guard and how does it help with TMJ disorder?
A custom bite guard is a removable appliance worn over your teeth, typically at night. It creates a cushion between your upper and lower teeth, relieving pressure on the TMJ joints and protecting your enamel from the effects of grinding and clenching. Unlike store-bought options, a custom guard is fitted precisely to your mouth for greater comfort and effectiveness.
Q What is an NTI device?
An NTI device is a small, custom-made appliance that fits over your front teeth. It's designed to prevent your back teeth from making contact, which significantly reduces the intensity of jaw clenching. It's a discreet option that many people find easier to wear than a full bite guard, particularly during sleep.
Q Can Botox treat TMJ disorders?
Botox injections are an FDA-approved option for relieving TMJ-related muscle tension. When injected into the jaw muscles, Botox reduces their ability to clench with full force. This lowers the intensity of grinding and the discomfort that follows. The effects are temporary and typically last several months, at which point the treatment can be repeated as needed.
