TMJ/TMD Treatment

TMJ Treatment in Waterville and Winthrop, ME 

Functional and Esthetic Solutions to Your TMD Pain 

Jaw pain, problems chewing, misaligned teeth, and toothaches are all common TMD symptoms and signs that you should schedule a visit with our dentists. If left untreated, your teeth and jaw could deteriorate and lead to more serious problems. At Smile Solutions of Maine, our TMJ dentists are extensively trained and provide long-term results. Our thorough exams will find the source of discomfort and then we’ll create a targeted TMJ treatment plan customized to your unique situation. Call our offices in Waterville (207 873-2073) or Winthrop (207 377-6958) or contact us online to set up your consultation today! 

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What is TMJ / TMD 

A Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) is the joint that connects the lower jaw to the skull. It allows for the opening and closing of the mouth. This is the most used joint in the entire body, and it affects your teeth and gums, and your ability to talk, chew, and swallow. Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD) occurs when the lower jaw is not in the proper position relative to the upper jaw.  

What Causes Temporomandibular Disorder: 

TMD can be caused by a variety of factors including:  

  1. Moderate wear of posterior teeth
  2. Clenching and grinding of the teeth 
  3. Non-stable contacts between the upper and lower teeth 
  4. Placing final restorations without proper planning can start a TMD issue even if the joint was stable before 
  5. Sport and car accidents 
  6. Genetic causes 
  7. Anterior open bite 

The Risks of Leaving TMD / TMJ Problems Untreated 

If you ignore TMD and prolong your TMJ treatments, your symptoms may start to worsen and you could experience:   

  1. Increased teeth sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures  
  2. Multiple visible cracks which can cause the tooth to split in half 
  3. Existing restorations including crowns, esthetic work, white and silver restorations, implant crowns and bridges will wear or even shows signs of porcelain fracture 
  4. Recession of the gum will become evident between the tooth and tissue 
  5. Teeth will eventually become loose due to the bone loss 
  6. Periodontal issues will continue to worsen over time due to the attachment and bone loss 
  7. Migration of teeth out of position, and spaces between teeth 
  8. Unpredictable outcomes upon delivery of our permanent restorations 
  9. Degenerative issues of the disk when opening and closing our jaw and locking of the jaw 

Say Goodbye to TMD 

During the early stages, over 90% of TMD pain and dysfunction problems can be solved. TMD can be caused by a variety of factors and the earlier we are able to start your TMJ treatments, the more predictably it can be corrected. Ultimately, there is no guaranteed time frame for when a patient will feel relief after they start their TMD treatment, but many times, depending on at what stage someone is in, we can alleviate their symptoms.  

Our TMJ Treatments in Waterville and Winthrop  

In our practice every dental exam includes careful examination of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Only then can we create a predictable plan for our patient’s needs. The most important stage is to recognize what system of the TMJ needs treatment. Is it the disc within the joint that needs to be repaired, the muscles, or the teeth? All these components need to be in harmony and there are ways we can check this. It is also extremely important not to continue with permanent restorations such as crowns, bridges, implant crowns, or esthetic work unless the joint is repaired and stable first. 

If symptoms arise, we have the ability to reverse them if caught at an early stage. The best TMJ treatment is to maintain proper and balanced forces on each tooth. Balancing how each tooth comes in contact with the opposing teeth can prevent the rise of symptoms such as clicking, locking of the jaws and degenerative issues that can become irreversible. Our TMD treatments include splint therapy to help the joint recover after trauma such as a car accident, and sport accidents, equilibration of the teeth so they hit in a balanced manner, building up the worn teeth, and custom-made night guards.  

Custom made mouth guards for TMJ can relieve symptoms immediately if the issue is muscular. Sometime patients will require specialized night guards to be adjusted frequently in order to create a “peaceful neuromuscular system.”  

Our TMJ Dentists Are Extensively Trained  

Our doctors have completed the Dawson Academy curriculum which takes a few years to complete. During this program, some of the points covered include treating TMJ symptoms, clicking of the joint and headaches, uneven forces on teeth which can be the causes of temperature sensitivity, visible cracks and moderate wear of the enamel. 

Ready to Alleviate Your Discomfort?  

Smile Solutions of Maine has over 40 years of experience in creating specially targeted TMJ treatment plans that are functional and esthetic. Our TMJ dentists are here to help using cutting-edge technologies and the latest TMD treatment techniques. Contact one of our two conveniently located offices in Waterville and Winthrop, ME to start treating your discomfort and pain.  

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