Teeth Grinding & TMJ Treatment in Encinitas, CA

Temporomandibular joint dysfunction or syndrome arises when the muscles, teeth, and joints are out of alignment. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research says that an estimated 10 million individuals experience jaw, head, and neck pain related to jaw disorders. Sinclair Smiles has had big success treating jaw disorders and TMJ symptoms, and we have experience treating bruxism. Come to our TMJ specialist near you to be evaluated and receive appropriate treatment.

TMJ Symptoms

When temporomandibular joints are not functioning properly, a person could have these symptoms:

• Clicking, popping, or cracking noises in the jaw joint when closing or opening the mouth
• Sore jaw muscles as well as joints, particularly after waking up
• Worn-down tooth edges and enamel
• Tooth sensitivity to brushing and cold temperatures
• A generalized tooth pain
• Clenching and grinding of teeth
• Locking jaw
• Difficulty biting or moving the jaw
• Ringing in the ears
• Headaches
• Broken or loose teeth, crowns, or bridges without any obvious reason

Our TMJ specialist in Encinitas will examine your teeth and jaw joints. We can provide teeth-grinding treatment if you grind or clench the jaw.

How Teeth Grinding Relates to TMJ

Misaligned TMJ joints can make the muscles and nerves overstimulate, leading to the above symptoms. Most patients with overworked facial muscles end up with teeth grinding. Teeth grinding results in significant tooth wear in addition to other bite problems. Seeking a bruxism specialist near you is paramount to avoid additional problems.

TMJ and Bruxism Treatment Options

Our dental office considers non-surgical treatment options for bruxism and TMJ disorder. We offer custom mouthguards that help reposition your jaw joints and resolve problems associated with grinding teeth in sleep. Wearing mouthguards may help retrain muscles to position and hold the jaw within the proper position. We also employ other treatment options that involve:

• Gently stretching the jaw and relaxation exercises that you can perform at home. You need these exercises if you have TMJ associated with stress or excessive gum chewing; the exercises can help offer temporary TMJ pain relief.
• Tooth reconstruction helps patients with collapsed bites after lost teeth aren’t replaced or when excessive enamel wear occurs. Our TMJ doctor near you does tooth reconstruction by restoring the teeth to their correct height, size, and shape to allow the jaws to align properly. As a result, you can get TMJ relief and a beautiful smile. Our dentist near you also provides traditional braces, or Invisalign® helps correct misaligned or crowded teeth.

Moreover, we may advise changing your oral habits, such as biting your nails and ice or chewing gum. In extreme cases, surgery may be needed when TMJ does not respond to non-invasive therapy, in which case, a TMJ specialist performs further tests.

If you need bruxism treatment near you or treatment for teeth grinding in Encinitas, CA, contact Sinclair Smiles today to get TMJ relief in Encinitas.