TMJ/TMD and Bruxism
The temporomandibular joints (TMJs) connect your lower jaw to your skull and play an important role in everyday movements such as speaking, chewing, and yawning. When problems affect these joints or the surrounding muscles, they are generally referred to as temporomandibular disorders (TMD).
The underlying cause of TMD can sometimes be difficult to determine. Potential contributing factors may include arthritis, an injury to the jaw or joint, teeth grinding or clenching, and excessive strain on the jaw muscles. In some cases, however, there may not be a single identifiable cause.
Temporomandibular joint dysfunction may result in symptoms such as:
- Pain that radiates from the joint to your neck, shoulders, temples, and face
- Tinnitus (ringing in your ears)
- Earaches
- Popping sounds when opening or closing your jaw
- Jaw is sore
- Pain or discomfort while chewing
- Frequent headaches
- Difficulty opening or closing your jaw
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Bruxim Symptoms
Bruxism is another condition whose underlying cause is unknown, which manifests as clenching, gnashing, or grinding of teeth, often unconsciously while sleeping. Although the underlying cause of bruxism may not be known, possible causes include sleep apnea, excessive use of alcohol or drugs, malocclusion, a response to certain medications, stress, or anxiety.
Untreated bruxism can result in the following symptoms:
- Chipped, cracked, or broken teeth
- Toothache
- Tooth sensitivity
- Frequent headaches
- Earaches
- Worn down teeth
- Jaw soreness
- Facial pain
- Sleep apnea
- Disrupted sleep
There are several treatment options available for patients with TMJ or bruxism, including Botox treatment and fabrication of a custom nightguard or mouthguard.
As a native of Greenville and fourth-generation dentist, Dr. Preston Hamrick is proud to serve his community by developing personal relationships with all his patients and working hard to understand their needs and goals. Read on to learn more about treating TMJ/TMD or bruxism, or to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services, call us today at 864.292.5125.
Botox Treatment or Mouthguard/Nightguard
Two of the most common treatment options for TMJ/TMD and bruxism are Botox treatments and/or wearing a customized mouthguard or nightguard. Dr. Preston Hamrick is certified and fully qualified to provide Botox treatment to help alleviate TMJ/TMD and is an expert in facial anatomy and the structures and muscles of the face. In addition to alleviating symptoms of TMJ/TMD and bruxism, Botox treatment can also be used to improve a gummy smile and restore your youthful appearance. If you would like to try Botox treatments to address your TMJ/TMD or bruxism, it is important to understand that it will be necessary to schedule regular treatments every three or four months to maintain results.
Another effective treatment for alleviating TMJ/TMD and bruxism symptoms is a custom mouthguard or nightguard. Mouthguards are often recommended for individuals with TMJ disorder. Wearing a custom mouthguard can help stabilize and reposition your jaw and relieve pressure, which can correct symptoms of TMJ. There are three types of mouthguards available on the market: stock mouthguards, which are ready-made and one size fits all; “boil and bite” mouthguards, which are placed in hot water then bitten on to better mold themselves over the wearer's bite; and custom-made mouthguards that are designed by a dentist to provide you with a customized fit that will offer you the best protection and have the greatest longevity.
Nightguards are similar to mouthguards in design; however, nightguards are typically worn while sleeping and are recommended for individuals who have issues with bruxism. Nightguards are made from a thin but strong and comfortable material that is designed to withstand teeth grinding while sleeping and feel comfortable, which ensures that your teeth will be protected and your sleep will remain uninterrupted, whereas mouthguards are made of soft or rigid acrylic material and are designed to withstand impacts and high-intensity shocks.
Regardless of which type of guard you require, we highly recommend investing in a customized solution made in our labs to ensure that you receive the optimum level of protection and achieve the best results possible. To provide you with a customized guard suited to your unique needs, Dr. Hamrick will take a dental impression that will be used to design a guard that is customized to your unique mouth to look natural and feel comfortable. Once the guard is ready, you will return to our office for one final visit to ensure the fit is correct and the guard feels comfortable.
Cost of Treating TMJ/TMD or Bruxism
The cost of treating TMJ/TMD or bruxism will depend on what type of treatment is necessary.
For patients with dental insurance, the total cost will depend on whether the procedure is covered under your plan and, if so, how much is covered. Our staff is happy to review your coverage to determine whether your plan covers the recommended treatment and ensure you maximize your benefits and have minimal out-of-pocket expenses.
If you are a patient at our practice and do not have dental insurance, consider joining our membership club. Because we value your loyalty, we have launched this club to help save you money on treatment and simplify payments for preventative care. We offer three levels of membership: child, adult, and perio membership. Professional dental cleanings, doctor exams, necessary X-rays, and a 5% discount on all other treatment (some exclusions apply) are included in all membership packages.
You can sign up today and start saving money on treatment online or call us at (864) 292-5125.
For your convenience, we accept all forms of credit and debit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express.
Fall in Love with Your Smile Again
At Heritage Dentistry in Greenville, South Carolina, we are committed to providing exceptional, relationship-based dental care tailored to your individual needs. With a comprehensive range of treatment options, our goal is to help you maintain optimal oral health while giving you a smile you can feel confident about.
To schedule an appointment for bruxism or TMD treatment, or learn more about our dental services, contact our Greenville dental team today at (684) 292-5125.