TMJ/Bruxism Treatment
Living with TMJ problems or bruxism can be exhausting. If you wake up with headaches, experience constant jaw pain, or notice your teeth are wearing down, you know how these issues can impact your daily life. At Peartree Dental Care, Dr. Michael Zhou understands these challenges. He takes great pride in helping his patients overcome TMJ pain and enjoy a restored quality of life.
Understanding TMJ and TMD
The temporomandibular joints (TMJs) are the hinge joints that connect your lower jaw to your skull, allowing you to chew, speak, and yawn. These joints work with surrounding muscles and ligaments to ensure smooth movement, but they can become damaged or inflamed due to:
- Chronic teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism)
- Arthritis
- Injury or trauma to the jaw
- Misaligned bite or orthodontic issues
- Stress or tension leading to jaw strain
When the TMJs are overworked or misaligned, it can lead to TMD or temporomandibular joint disorder.