Have you ever experienced pain in your jaw while eating or talking?
This could indicate a condition involving your TMJ joint, which is crucial in allowing your jaw to move smoothly up and down and side to side. At QC South Dentistry, Charlotte, NC family dentist Dr. Rebecca Bradley offers custom nightguards as a form of TMJ treatment.
TMJ Defined
The TMJ joint is a complex system of muscles, bones, and ligaments that facilitate chewing, speaking, and other critical facial movements. When something goes wrong with this joint, such as injury, inflammation, or misalignment, it can cause discomfort in your jaw, face, neck, and shoulders. However, with proper diagnosis and treatment, you can find relief from TMJ pain and get back to enjoying life without constant discomfort.
TMJ Disorder Symptoms
If you’re struggling with stiffness or soreness in the jaw, TMJ disorder is a condition that adversely affects people around the world. If you’re unsure if your symptoms may indicate the condition, the following are some common signs to look out for.
The symptoms of TMJ disorder may include jaw pain, stiffness or aching in or around the ear, difficulty chewing, headaches, and locking of the jaw joint. It’s important to note that experiencing any of these symptoms does not necessarily mean you have TMJ disorder, but speaking with your dentist or medical professional can help determine the cause of your discomfort. Remember, it’s always best to stay informed about your health and take action to address any concerns you may have.
How TMJ Disorder Affects Daily Life
Living with TMJ disorder can impact more than just your jaw—it can affect your entire day-to-day experience. Individuals with TMJ often find it difficult to eat certain foods, speak comfortably, or sleep soundly, which can lead to increased stress and fatigue. In severe cases, the discomfort can even disrupt regular routines and affect social interactions. Dr. Bradley understands how challenging this can be and is dedicated to providing effective TMJ solutions that address both the symptoms and the underlying causes, allowing you to regain control over your life.
Nightguard Fabrication
If you grind your teeth at night or wake up with jaw pain, a custom nightguard may be just what you need. But have you ever wondered how they are made? The process starts with a visit to QC South Dentistry, where Dr. Bradley will create an impression of your teeth to ensure that the nightguard fits snugly and comfortably. The personalized impressions are then sent to a dental lab, where it is used to create a one-of-a-kind nightguard. The lab technician shapes the material to match your mouth’s contours, ensuring it is durable, practical, and comfortable. Once complete, Dr. Bradley will fit the nightguard to your mouth and make any necessary adjustments. Nightguards are a simple and effective solution for protecting your smile against brute forces while you sleep.
The Benefits Of A Custom Nightguard
A custom nightguard is a small but powerful tool that protects not only your teeth but also your TMJ joint. Unlike over-the-counter options, custom nightguards are designed specifically for your unique bite, making them more comfortable to wear and effective in reducing TMJ pain and jaw tension. By preventing teeth grinding and clenching, these nightguards help reduce the strain on your TMJ and minimize the risk of further joint damage. Dr. Bradley ensures that each nightguard is crafted to the highest standards so you can feel confident that your treatment is both reliable and supportive.
Ease TMJ Pain
While this common myofascial disorder can be a source of pain and annoyance for many, there is hope in sight with the right TMJ treatment plan. One option is getting fitted for a nightguard—a protective mouthpiece that helps relieve common TMJ symptoms worn while sleeping.
Dr. Bradley can help you decide if investing in a custom-made nightguard could be the answer to finding relief from your consistent symptoms, managing TMJ disorder, and improving your quality of life. Call or message QC South Dentistry. Trust us; your jaw will thank you.
