BITE THERAPY
A healthy bite is one in which all or most teeth are present and have not been deteriorated by normal daily usage.
Through bite therapy, teeth that have become loose or worn out, or damage seen in the jaw joint, can be restored. Bite therapy may involve:
- Dividing bite pressures evenly across teeth, reshaping biting surfaces of teeth, and removing spots of pressures where teeth are touching.
- Using a custom plastic bite guard to refrain teeth from coming into contact. The bite guard can be used during the day, at night, or both.
- Braces to realign teeth that have drifted.
- Replacing old or damaged fillings.
- Reconstruction of worn-out or damaged teeth.
Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD)
Millions of Americans suffer from chronic facial and neck pain as well as recurring headaches. In some cases, this pain is due to Temporomandibular Disorder, or TMD.
Your temporomandibular joints (TMJ) connect your lower jawbone to your skull. These joints get a lot of use throughout the day as you speak, chew, swallow, and yawn. Pain in and around these joints can be unpleasant and may even restrict movement.
Symptoms of TMD include:
- Pain in the jaw area
- Pain, ringing, or stuffiness in the ears
- Frequent headaches or neck aches
- Clicking or popping sound when the jaw moves
- Swelling on the sides of the face
- Muscle spasms in the jaw area
- A change in the alignment of top and bottom teeth
- Locked jaw or limited opening of the mouth
Should you notice any of these symptoms, let your doctor know. Your dentist can help indicate the presence of TMD, and create an effective treatment just for you.
- There are a few simple steps you can take at home or work to prevent TMD from becoming more severe, or to prevent it from occurring:
- Relax your face remember the rule: Lips together, teeth apart
- Avoid grinding your teeth
- Avoid constant gum chewing
- Don’t cradle the phone receiver between your head and shoulder either use a headset or hold the receiver to your ear
- Chew food evenly on both sides of your mouth
- Do not sit with your chin rested on your hand
- Practice good posture keep your head up, back straight, and shoulders squared