The medical team at Savasta's office is able to go in and diagnose such a disorder, implementing such checks: assesses the presence of a malocclusion, the muscles used for chewing and their tone are evaluated.
In addition, an orthopantomography of the dental arches, CT scan of the TMJ, lateral skull X-ray, and MRI of the skull and joints can be performed.
Frequent causes of temporomandibular joint disorders
Among the most common causes leading to TMJ disorders are:
- Open bite
- Crossbite
- Missing dental elements
- Dental elements tilted due to gaps created by missing dental elements
Solutions for TMJ disorders
Realigning the dental elements can be critical in solving TMJ problems, which means going to treat malocclusions through orthodontics.
An orthodontic appliance will then be used depending on the situation presented by the patient's dental elements.
Available orthodontic appliances include:
- Invisible aligners, are templates that can be removed and are invisible as well as convenient because they provide the ability to be removed to eat meals.
- Lingual appliance, is also invisible and is placed inside the dentition instead of outside. It is a fixed appliance, so it cannot be removed by the patient as is the case with aligners.
- Fixed appliance, this is the fixed metal appliance, to date it is possible to choose it with ceramic plates and wires of a color matched to the plates for an excellent result also in terms of aesthetics and very discreet.
It is less economical than the classic fixed metal fixture but is considered aesthetically better.
In cases of severe malocclusion, fixed braces are necessary.
Among the cons of fixed orthodontics is the fact that food can get even a small part stuck in the wires of braces, and so great care must be taken when performing dental cleaning maneuvers; if these rules are not followed, bacteria will proliferate, putting oral health at risk.
In addition to the support of the dentist, which includes the use of a splint, it may be necessary to seek the care of a physical therapist.
To avoid worsening symptoms, the patient may be advised to avoid foods that are too hard, preferring soft ones instead. If teeth are missing this could create problems with regard to alignment and dental and temporomandibular joint disorders, crowns and bridges can be used to go in for their replacement.
Treatments include laser analgesic therapy.
Surgery is used only in severe cases.
Malocclusion and TMJ
Symptoms of malocclusion include temporomandibular joint related disorders. Therefore, the patient may not understand the origin of the disorder; if TMJ disorders are determined by a malocclusion, it is necessary to intercept it as soon as possible despite the fact that the symptoms may confuse the patient.
In this case going to treat the malocclusion will also result in a resolution of the disorders related to the temporomandibular joint.
If you suffer from TMJ disorders, it is a good idea to visit your dentist so that a malocclusion can be evaluated.
Symptoms that point to a TMJ disorder
- Earache that can reach the face
- Pain while yawning or opening the mouth a lot
- Headache
- Neck pain
The medical team at the Savasta practice is able to help you understand the cause of the temporomandibular joint disorder, after examining you and performing the examinations appropriate to the situation they will be able to help you in solving the problem if necessary by also recommending the support of other professionals such as the physiotherapist.
