Too Big a Bite can Cause TMJ Problems

If you are literally biting off more than you can chew, you could be causing damage to your TMJ.

Your temporomandibular joint is a joint that rotates, slides, and is located in the front of the ear. This consists of the mandible, which is the lower jaw, and the temporal bone on the side of your skull.

Your chewing muscles connect your lower jaw to your skull to allow you to open and close your mouth and move your jaw sideways and forward. However, if you have had an injury, grind your teeth, or experienced some other trauma to your jaw joints, you may be dealing with TMD or temporomandibular joint disorder.  Your dentist explains that much of the discomfort is caused by an overuse of the TMJ muscles, including taking bigger bites than you should.

These days most people are in a hurry, and if you are taking big bites when you eat so that you can finish quickly, you could be asking for trouble. Those fast food restaurants that advertise giant sandwiches and burgers to sell more food are often larger than your mouth, which could contribute to problems with your temporomandibular joint.

According to the AGD, or the Academy of General Dentistry, people who suffer from TMD are really at risk. TMD restricts the range of what is acceptable when it comes to bite size. People who have temporomandibular joint disorders should avoid taking too big a bite or opening too wide. Taking big bites can actually aggravate the condition.

If you have TMD, you could be suffering from some or more of these signs and symptoms: 

• Jaw soreness or pain in the late afternoon or morning
• Pain in your jaw when you yawn, bite, or chew
• Clicking or popping sounds when you open and close your mouth
• A stiff or locked jaw when you close and open your mouth, eat, or yawn
• Sensitive teeth when you do not have dental problems
• An earache when no infection is present 

Temporomandibular joint disorders can be helped but must be diagnosed first. Your doctor or dentist will be able to determine if you are having problems with your temporomandibular joint.

If you would like more information regarding temporomandibular joints and temporomandibular joint disorders, call or click and schedule an appointment with your dentist today. 

Invisalign for a New Smile

If you thought you were too old for braces because you just do not want to deal with those unattractive brackets and wires, think again. Thanks to Invisalign®, you can have straighter teeth in as little as six months depending on your particular situation. The average length of treatment is between 9 and 13 months.

Invisalign® really is a revolutionary system that can give you the smile that you have always wanted, and best of all, the only people who will know that you are wearing Invisalign® are you and your dentist.

Invisalign® utilizes a series of clear plastic aligners that you wear between 20 and 22 hours each day. You take your Invisalign® clear plastic aligners when you eat, drink, floss, and brush. Depending on your case, you may require between 18 and 30 sets of aligners that you will replace every two weeks.

Invisalign® is the comfortable way to a beautiful smile, as you will not have to deal with abrasive and annoying standard metal wires and brackets. Because you are not wearing old school braces, you will only have to visit your dentist every 6 weeks to make sure that everything is going to plan.

Unlike metal brackets and wires, Invisalign® makes it easier to prevent gum disease and tooth decay. Because standard braces are attached to your teeth, it is impossible to brush and floss everywhere. This makes you more susceptible to dental caries and gingivitis or periodontal disease.

Straighter teeth have never been easier thanks to Invisalign®. Invisalign® really is the best way to improve your smile. Invisalign® can fix overly crowded or widely spaced teeth. You may also be a good candidate for Invisalign® if you have a crossbite, an overbite, or an underbite.

An Invisalign® dentist will help design a custom Invisalign® program that will address your specific orthodontic or dental issues.

If you would like more information regarding Invisalign® and what it can do for you, call or click and schedule an appointment with your dentist who can determine if you are a good candidate for Invisalign®.