Occlusal Therapy
Statesville, NC
Your mouth is a crucial part of your body, and is responsible for numerous essential tasks. Your mouth allows you to eat and speak. A simple smile can say a lot about you before you even have the chance to say anything. The way in which your teeth, and your jaw, fit together (called a bite, or occlusion) is important for the proper function of your mouth. The temporomandibular joint (TMJ), the connection point between your mandible and your jaw, is an essential component that helps to keep your jaw in proper alignment. It also provides for the movements of your jaw—opening, closing, and moving it from side to side. Any issues with the alignment of your jaw, referred to as temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), can lead to serious discomfort and oral health issues. At Jon C. Packman DDS, we can help to aid in easing your discomfort with occlusal therapy.
Symptoms of Malocclusion
When your mouth is experiencing alignment issues, it can cause serious pain and discomfort in your jaw and your TMJ. This pain can significantly interfere with the functions of your mouth (making simple tasks like eating unbearable) as well as impact your quality of life. When your bite is off, it can lead to a number of different issues:| • |
Bruxism is a condition in which your grind and clench your teeth. This issue often occurs while you sleep, and places excessive pressure on your teeth and your jaw.
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Tenderness to your facial muscles.
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Gum recession.
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Loose teeth.
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Uneven, and excessive, wear on your teeth.
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Fractured teeth.
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Increased instances of gum disease.
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Your jaw may click, grind, or pop when you chew. You may even experience lockjaw.
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Migraine headaches.
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Earaches. |
Diagnosing Occlusal Issues
Before we can provide you with treatment, we need to first to diagnose your specific issues. This involves a thorough oral exam. We visually inspect the inside of your mouth, checking the condition, and alignment, of your teeth. We will look at your mouth from the outside to assess the alignment of your jaw. Dental x-rays are taken so that we can assess the condition of your jaw underneath the gumline.
Occlusal Therapy
Occlusal therapy can involve occlusal adjustments, as well as the possibility of an occlusal splint. Adjusting your bite may be done with orthodontics. Occlusal adjustment may also require reshaping some (or all) of the teeth. The reshaped teeth are polished and sealed with a varnish of fluoride. You should notice an improvement in how your jaw feels when you close your mouth.
An occlusal splint, also called a nightguard, helps to protect your jaw, as well as your teeth, from the effects of bruxism while you sleep. We create a custom fit oral appliance that sits over your upper teeth. Its main function is to hold your jaw in proper alignment while you sleep. Not only does it protect your teeth and jaw from damage, it can also help to alleviate the pain and discomfort that bruxism causes.
If your jaw is causing you discomfort, occlusal therapy may be able to help. Contact Jon C. Packman DDS today to schedule your consultation and find out if occlusal therapy is right for you. |
