Best Biofunctional Dentistry or TMJ Specialist available in Makati Dental Clinic at 2nd Flr. Cedar Executive Bldg., Arnaiz Ave. Makati City

Temporo-mandibular joint disorder, what are the causes and treatments.

TMJ disorder is caused by several factors. First it is caused by the imbalance of the bite due to missing molar teeth which helps to maintain the vertical height of the mouth itself.

Second cause can be the malocclusion of the bite. A person with class 2 malocclusion which is also known as the deep bite or overbite has the greater risk of getting TMJ disorder. This is because the vertical height is not sufficient to support the temporomandibular joint and overtime it wears off the supporting cartilage of the joint. A class 3 malocclusion also known as underbite and edge to edge bite is also a risk factor for TMJ disorder.

The third cause of the disorder is stress related. When a person is stressed, it tends to unknowingly clench his or her teeth together causing stress to the joint.
Last factor could be the night grinding habit of a person that tends to wears off the joints.

The treatment of the disorder depends on the cause of it.
Here are the options of treatment or alleviation of TMJ disorder.
Temporary relief of the pain can be done by hot compress on the sides of the face where the TMJ lies.
The most popular treatment is the occlusal or bite splint where the dentist take a measurement of your teeth and get the proper relationship of the upper and lower jaw (centric jaw relation). This is the most effective treatment so far.
The ultimate treament is to get your teeth, jaw and muscles in harmony with each other by getting the teeth and jaw in centric relation.

Thanks.
Dr. Donna Harder-Ferraren