November is TMJ Disorder Awareness Month, and Bennion & Lambourne’s offices across Billings, MT and North Wyoming are here to spread awareness of this common condition. Millions of Americans experience jaw pain associated with TMJ disorder every year. Not only that, but women are twice as likely to experience TMJ disorder as adults. At Bennion & Lambourne, we are here to answer some common questions and what we can do to help if you live in Billings, Montana or Sheridan, Cody, and Gillette, Wyoming.
TMJ in Billings, Montana: What is it?
The temporomandibular joint is a construct of the movable lower jaw, also known as the mandible, and the temporal bone at the base of your skull. The TMJ joint is what allows you to open and close your mouth. Located on both sides of the head, the TMJ is essentially a ball-and-socket joint with a disc that intervenes. When the parts all function together along with jaw muscles and ligaments, a person can chew, swallow, and speak without trouble.
TMJ disorder is when things do not align properly and a person experiences regular pain among other symptoms. With biting, chewing, and swallowing more difficult, TMJ disorder can greatly affect one’s day to day routine. Though sometimes difficult to identify the root causes, orthodontists have an array of treatments available to assist and promote proper jaw alignment. The most common treatment for TMJ disorder is traditional metal braces to align a person’s bite. We treat TMJ at our offices in Billings, Montana.
What are the Symptoms of TMJ Disorder?
People who are suffering from TMJ Disorder will likely experience the following symptoms:
- Pain in the jaw, especially in the morning and afternoon
- Recurring headaches and neck pain
- Pain in and around the ear
- Pain when biting, yawning, or chewing
- Sensitive teeth
- Sore jaw mucles
- Trouble opening and closing the mouth
- A clicking sound when the mouth is open or closed
Although these are the most common symptoms for TMJ disorder, it is not a formal diagnosis. The best way to determine if you or someone else is suffering from TMJ disorder is to schedule a visit to one of our offices in Billings, Montana or Northern Wyoming.
What Bennion & Lambourne Orthodontics can do to Treat TMJ Disorder
There are a couple of options for treatment of TMJ disorder. Nighttime guards worn while sleeping can straighten out a bite over time while preventing grinding. It enables the TMJ joint to slide back into position and lessen the effects of TMJ disorder. There is also a splint, which would be installed at the same time as orthodontic braces. Braces remain the most effective way to treat TMJ disorder without jaw surgery. Braces are designed to properly align teeth which keeps TMJ disorder at bay.
Book an Appointment at Bennion & Lambourne
Our offices in Billings, Montana, as well as Cody, Sheridan, and Gillette, Wyoming, are experts in treating several common orthodontic problems. We offer free initial consultations as well as online consultations in order to best meet your needs and schedule. If you think you or someone else is needing assistance with TMJ disorder or anything else, reach out to us on our website to begin your journey! Click here to view our locations.