TMJ
TMJ - Temporomandibular Joint Disorder
The temporomandibular joint is where your lower jaw (mandible) joins the skull at the temporal bone. This joint moves
frequently thorughout the day whether eating, talking, or even swallowing. The joint is actually a sliding joint unlike the
ball-and-socket joint in the shoulder. We are happy to provide TMJ Orthodontics.
EDUCATING YOURSELF ABOUT TMJ
The following are recommended guidlines from "The TMJ Association, Ltd", a patient based advocacy
organization:
Consult Your Medical Doctor
We recommend that you first consult with a medical doctor to rule out any disease that may be causing your symptoms and
is treated by medical practitioners. If they are unable to find a reason for your problem, and you are referred to a dentist
for a TMJ evaluation, we encourage you to then obtain multiple INDEPENDENT opinions on your condition.
Get an Independent Opinion
To be a truly independent opinion, the medical/dental professional can not be associated with or working with the
medical/dental professional from whom you have already received an opinion. Many TMJ patients seek further opinions outside of
their geographical area, without the referral of their original medical/dental professional.
Educate Yourself and Others
With the increase of managed care (HMOs), where a primary care physician is your health care gatekeeper it is mandatory
that you, the patient, become your own well-informed advocate. You will also need to educate your primary care physician and
all others you encounter within the system about TMJ.
INITIAL TREATMENT FOR TMJ:
Three approaches or a combination thereof, may be recommended as initial therapy:
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Occlusal correction or coronoplasty (reshaping teeth to remove interferences that cause abnormal jaw
displacement).
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Construct an orthotic to orthopedically align the lower jaw to the cranium in three dimensions providing there is an
over closure. If symptoms subside after wearing the appliance for three months, crowns may be recommended to
maintain the orthopedic position established by the orthotic. Orthododontia may be recommended to avoid crowns. Possibly a
combination of orthodontia and crowns will be recommended. When posterior (back) teeth are missing, dentures and /or partials
may be recommended.
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Surgery is the last and least recommended when irreversible damage has occurred in the joints and is beyond
natures healing capacity.
For More Details on TMJ Visit The Following Sites-
Myotronics.com