Our Orthodontist, Dr. Sperling has been practicing since 1998 and is well versed in the treatment of TMJ. She employs the most advanced techniques available to help you achieve your goals with the least inconvenience possible.
Often the TMJ joint can get inflamed causing excruciating pain. Trauma, malocclusion, grinding and clenching of the teeth or stress will lead to a TMJ problem. Proper diagnosis and treatment with a bite guard will often alleviate painful symptoms of TMJ disease.
From the American Dental Association: "The TM joints are among the most complex joints in the body. Located on each side of the head, they work together to make many different movements, including a combination of rotating and gliding actions used when chewing and speaking.
Several muscles also help open and close the mouth. They control the lower jaw (mandible) as it moves forward, backward, and side-to-side. Both TM joints are involved in these movements. Each TM joint has a disc between the ball and socket (see diagram). The disc cushions the load while enabling the jaw to open widely and rotate or glide. Any problem that prevents this complex system of muscles, ligaments, discs and bones from working properly may result in a painful TMJ disorder."
For more information about TMJ from the ADA, Click Here.
