TMJ and TMD Treatment in Anchorage, AK

If you are dealing with jaw pain and headaches, you could be experiencing temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD, TMJ, or TMJD). Many patients do not feel discomfort with TMD. Sometimes a misalignment of the teeth occurs with improper closure of the jaw, which can cause tooth sensitivity without jaw joint pain. On the other hand, if your bite is not correct and your teeth do not come together as they should, it can create problems in the jaw joint.

Without proper intervention, a TMJ disorder can affect your day-to-day life. The joint can wear down over time, causing persistent discomfort or pain and long-term arthritis. Be proactive and schedule an appointment with us to discuss your concerns and options.

What a Collapsed Bite Looks Like

Are your teeth flat and short? How your teeth come together directly affects the jaw joint. One of our patients was told elsewhere that he needed all of his teeth removed. Years of clenching and grinding had worn them down so far that his jaw had collapsed. Over several appointments we opened his bite back up and placed permanent crowns. He is thrilled with how his jaw joint feels and how his bite works, and when he smiles now he sees teeth instead of gums.

How TMD Is Managed

Treatment depends on what is driving the problem. When grinding and clenching are the cause, a custom night guard or oral appliance protects the teeth and takes load off the joint. When breathing and muscle patterns are involved, myofunctional therapy addresses the underlying function rather than the symptom. When the bite itself is worn or misaligned, restoring it with crowns can bring the joint back into a comfortable position. Another alternative is performing a bite equilibration to align the teeth perfectly with your bite. In severe cases, orthodontics may be recommended to prevent further damage. We work with a team of Physical Therapists that can also assist in relieving TMD discomfort. We will perform a thorough test to see which treatment is recommended.