Jaw Joint or TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction)
Frequently, headaches, facial or neck pain can be traced to what is called Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction or “TMJ”.
Actually, this condition should be thought of as a problem within the entire chewing system, not just the jaw joint. TMJ dysfunction may be caused by misalignment of the jaws where they hinge, or by disharmony between teeth and jaws. If the joint is painful, or tends to click or catch, this could be an early warning sign.
Other symptoms may be muscle pain, or limitation of jaw movements. There are often other symptoms that the patient does not detect. These could include any or all of the following: tooth wear, receding gums, notching of the teeth at the gum line, and adverse bony changes within the joint.
Treatment can reduce or eliminate the possibility of further damage.When a patient reports to us with signs and symptoms of TMJ dysfunction we will first do an evaluation, including history and clinical examination. If Dr. Amar Ravjiani thinks we can help, he will likely order further diagnostic data such as dental molds mounted on an articulator and images of the jaw joints. This high tech imaging process is like a cat scan with a fraction of the cost and radiation exposure. With this process Dr. Amar Ravjiani can obtain multiple, high quality views of the jaw joints in all three planes of space.
Once all the needed data has been collected, Dr Amar Ravjiani will study it to arrive at a diagnosis and treatment options. At a subsequent appointment, Dr. Amar Ravjiani will explain all aspects of your case and help you decide what course of action is best for you.
Treatment for TMJ dysfunction usually involves splint therapy. The splint is a very effective appliance that is custom made for each individual. Dr Amar Ravjiani will adjust the splint as needed to reduce painful symptoms and stabilize the entire chewing system.
Splint Therapy
Before treatment with braces, splint therapy may be performed for diagnostic purposes to evaluate jaw position and joint status. When the teeth fit, the joints are not fully seated in most patients, though the degree of displacement varies from patient to patient. Splint therapy helps find out how much the jaw will deviate when the joints are optimally seated (stabilized). The occlusion changes with orthodontic treatment. Splint therapy allows us to see how the patient with disc displacement or TMD reacts to the occlusal change prior to orthodontic tooth movement Major discrepancies in the joints, including bony changes, may occur in children. There are many children with disc displacement before orthodontic treatment. Starting orthodontic treatment immediately may worsen their joint status. It is therefore necessary to check if they can withstand occlusal changes with orthodontic treatment.
Lingual Orthodontics
Usually, brackets and archwires are placed on the outer surfaces of the teeth. As they are visible when talking or smiling, patients often feel insecure.
Now there is an alternative—the so called lingual technique. This allows the whole apparatus to be secured to the inner surfaces of the teeth which conceals it from the outside.(see pic to the left)
Your Ideal Smile Makeover-Invisible Braces
We place the brackets on the inside surface of your teeth (Lingual) so they will move into alignment without anyone knowing you’re in treatment.Fast:
Lingual braces can quickly straighten up your teeth, usually within a few months. This is dramatically faster than aligner treatment that may take upto two years or longer to complete. The successful outcome becomes apparent very quickly. The lingual treatment won’t interfere with your schedule; most cases require just 2-5 office visits.
Comfortable:
Lingual braces rely on light, Hi-tech wires to reduce the pressure on your teeth, allowing them to move gently into proper alignment. Designed for maximum comfort, lingual braces allow you to speak clearly and confidently throughout treatment.
Convenient:
Lingual braces are ideal for today’s busy lifestyles. You’ll eat, drink and play sports without removing aligners or worrying about misplacing them. Whether talking, smiling or even flirting-with these concealed lingual braces, you can live your everyday life absolutely carefree.
Regardless of the age, orthodontic treatment is always a change for the better. When should I see an orthodontist? While orthodontists can improve smiles at any age, there is usually a best age to begin treatment in order to achieve maximum improvement with the minimum amount of time and expense. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that a child’s first visit to an orthodontist take place by age seven, or earlier if an orthodontic problem is detected. Depending on the type of problem, this first visit could take place as early as age two or three. Frequently, malocclusions are present behind seemingly acceptable smiles. And while treatment may not be started until years later, early examination allows the orthodontist to detect and evaluate problems and plan appropriate treatment. In some cases, early treatment may be initiated to prevent more serious problems from developing. This early intervention may often make treatment at a later age shorter and less complicated.