Getting TMJ Problem Treated

Our mouth is quite a complicated system. For instance, you can look at the functions of your jaw. The movement of jaw requires the complex system of joints and muscles to work appropriately. In this scenario, any disorder in the joints of jaw can result in restricted jaw movement, pain and discomfort. This problem with the joint is most commonly referred to as TMJ disorder, also known as TMD.

Now, the exact reason for the TMJ disorder may not be easily determined. However, there are certain things which can be taken into consideration to know about the causes and deciding about the treatment plan. Here, it would be worth mentioning the symptoms of TMJ disorder before we talk about the diagnosis and treatment.

Symptoms

The symptoms of TMJ disorder are as under:

• Tenderness and pain in the jaw
• Pain in one or both of the TMJs
• Pain in and around the ear
• Difficulty or pain while chewing
• Facial pain
• Locking of joints; you will not be able to open or close your mouth.

Diagnosis

Your dentist is going to run a physical exam to know about the existence of problem. This test doesn’t usually specify the intensity or severity of issue. So your dentist may also run dental x-ray exam to know look at the structure of your teeth and joints. Dental x-rays mostly provide the data required but it may also fail in some instances. In those cases, the dentist may choose a CT scan to get complete overview off the problem.

Treatment

Good news is that most cases of TMJ do not require any treatment. The symptoms go away without any treatment. However, the persistence of problem would require you to go for the treatment options.

The first thing that treatment of this problem is going to involve is the pain relief. The dentist is going to suggest you the use of painkillers and anti-inflammatory medications. You can also use tricyclic antidepressants which are mainly antidepressants. Another type of medications that you can use is the muscle relaxant. If your problem is due to tension of muscles around TMJ area, you are going to get your problem treated this way.

In some cases, your dentist may suggest you the nondrug treatments. Those treatments mainly include Oral splints or mouth guards, physical therapy and counseling.

If your problem is severe, your dentist may suggest surgery for the treatment of issue. This method is quite invasive and you may be given anesthesia before the treatment starts.

Other things that you have to take into consideration mainly belong to the lifestyle changes. You can do a little exercise to treat the issue. Again, you are going to have to talk to your dentist before starting any treatment.

Getting Teeth Straightened At Any Stage of Adulthood

No matter how old you are, you can always consider having the smile of your choice. As a matter of fact, the demand for orthodontic treatment has been on the rise among adults.

It would be worth discussing about a misconception that misalignment is nothing more than a cosmetic issue. The matter of fact is that misalignment of teeth can contribute in the greater exposure of teeth against the risk of cavities and other infections. Misaligned teeth can accumulate plaque and tartar in odd areas which can normally be cleaned if teeth are straight.

When it comes to teeth straightening, the options that you can consider include braces and invisalign. These treatments work by applying consistent pressure on the teeth in order to move them in the position where teeth can collectively become straight.

Metal braces

The metal braces provide traditional teeth straightening treatment. The treatment mainly involves application of brackets made of metal or any other material to the front of the teeth. Then the dentist attaches a wire to the front side of every bracket.

Now, the idea of walking around with a mouth full of metal seems quite awkward but it has become more or less a trend because there are many people who consider getting braces in order to get their teeth straightened.

One thing that you need to keep in mind regarding metal braces is that this treatment can help you get rid of the severe misalignment issues. It means that metal braces are typically suitable for the people who have misalignment issues which go beyond aesthetics. Sometimes, the misalignment can turn out to be a severe risk for the health of the teeth. Metal braces are ideal in this scenario.

Treatment through metal braces lasts for anything between 18 months to 3 years, depending upon the severity of case. In the end, you will have the straighter teeth for the rest of your life.

Invisalign

Another option that can consider for the straightening of your teeth is invisalign. This treatment mainly involves the use of a series of invisible trays which are to be worn by the patient on the teeth.

The best thing from the perspective of looks is that these trays are invisible. You can walk around while wearing these trays and no one will be able to note that you are wearing something to straighten your teeth. However, the main pitfall of these trays is that these can treat only minor to moderate misalignments. Therefore, you will definitely need to go for the braces if you have severe kind of misalignment.

Now, the next thing you may be wondering about is that what option is the right one to go for. Well, it depends upon the type of case. Generally, you will need to visit the dentist to get your teeth checked and then your dentist will be able to tell you what option you can go for.