If you hear regular clicking and popping in your jaw, you may be suffering from something called temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ or TMJD for short). TMJD is a condition where your jaw is out of alignment. This can cause pain, clicking, popping, locking, and even change how your teeth come together. Because TMJD rarely resolves on its own, if you suspect you have TMJD, scheduling an appointment with a dentist who knows about TMJ would be a good idea.
Patients often start having symptoms after having and accident, new dental work, or symptoms may gradually appear over time. Teenagers often experience clicking and popping, but rarely report anything unless pain is involved.
At our office, Dr. Jeffrey Robertson treats TMJD with several different approaches, depending on your symptoms. Treatment is generally non-invasive and using an occlusal splint or NTI device can relieve most symptoms.
Mouthguard for TMJ
An occlusal guard is made of acrylic and fits comfortable over your teeth during the day or at night. It can help to reposition the jaw and prevent tooth grinding. An NTI device fits over your front teeth at night, and gently moves your jaw forward, preventing grinding and providing relief to your muscles.
The treatment that works best for you depends on your symptoms and the severity of your symptoms. Dr. Robinson can help you feel more comfortable and relieve symptoms of TMJ through effective diagnosis and treatment.