TMJ DISORDERS
TMJ Symptoms
Symptoms of TMJ disorders include headaches, neck aches and jaw pain. TMJ disorders are also referred to as TMD or TMJ dysfunction. TMJ dysfunction results from the lack of functional harmony between the jaw joint and the patient’s bite. Our bite is formed randomly when our teeth erupt into our mouth; our teeth erupt into an improper position and the jaw remains trapped in the improper place throughout our lives. Some patients have been treated with orthodontics, the teeth were lined up but the jaw is still not in the best position. Even though the teeth are straight, the bite is still not functioning harmoniously with the TMJ.
In many cases, "patchwork" type of dentistry can make jaw pain worse. Our next patient experienced jaw pain after getting only four crowns on her teeth. After seeing three different dentists (a cosmetic dentist, a TMJ dentist and an Invisalign ® dentist), she was still experiencing pain and discomfort. It wasn’t until Dr. Muslin treated her bite by replacing the four crowns that she finally felt relief and comfort. Deborah decided to complete her dental treatment with non-invasive porcelain veneers after her TMJ was functioning normally and comfortably.
Bruxism and Teeth Grinding
Many patients grind their teeth at night. Studies show that we grind our teeth for approximately 5 minutes every hour and a half while we are sleeping. The 5 minutes are somehow related to our sleep cycle and although our dreams may be pleasant, the damage to our teeth unpleasantly exceeds any forces we can apply while conscious. Studies have also shown that 98% of tooth wear occurs during our sleeping hours. Many patients do not believe that they grind their teeth until they see the wear on their teeth with a magnified camera system. Bruxism can be caused by stress, anxiety and/or a bad a bad bite. Over time, improper alignment of the teeth only increases the severity of bruxism.
The following patient did not know that that she was a bruxer, but she kept breaking off her porcelain veneers. She had a bite reconstruction with porcelain veneers but the dentist never achieved harmony between the bite and jaw joint. Because her treating dentist couldn’t figure out why her porcelain veneers kept breaking off, he referred her to Dr. Muslin.
The patient now has shorter lower teeth and longer upper teeth. Balancing the length of her teeth in order to achieve the best possible health and cosmetic dentistry available. She looks younger because she shows the upper teeth and lower teeth in a proper ratio. She no longer breaks off porcelain because her bite is now harmonized with the TMJ.
Renee’s was excited that we achieved her number one request: "Doctor, I want the whitest teeth possible". Even though we advised her that ultra white teeth would not look entirely natural, she insisted, "Doctor, get with it, white teeth are in!!"
Were are your Upper Teeth?
This patient did not show upper teeth. Her grandchildren would ask her if she even had upper teeth. In order to show upper teeth when she smiles, she needed a bite reconstructed in order to develop cosmetic dentistry and improve her health at the same time. The long flight from Singapore was worth the trip.
