Bruxism and Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD)

Katy, Sugar Land, Baytown, Houston, and Galveston, Texas

At the Konig Center for Cosmetic and Comprehensive Dentistry, we treat many different Houston, Texas area patients suffering from the effects of bruxism (grinding of the teeth). One of the most common causes of bruxism is a misaligned temporomandibular joint (TMJ). This joint is where the lower jaw connects to the skull; it allows you to move your jaw in all directions and provides you with the ability to speak and chew properly.

When the TMJ comes out of alignment you may suffer from a whole host of symptoms referred to as Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD). Your body wants your TMJ to rest as comfortably as possible, and when you are suffering from TMD, your body will work unconsciously to try to put the joint in its most relaxed position. The symptoms of TMD include:

• Tooth Grinding (Bruxism)
• Jaw Pain
• Headaches
• Tooth Clenching
• Neck Pain
• Facial Pain

Unfortunately, as your body attempts to put your TMJ into the most comfortable position possible, you may begin grinding your teeth. Tooth grinding, or bruxism, is one of the worst things you can do to your teeth. Bruxism can cause many different dental problems, such as:

• Worn Teeth
• Broken Teeth
• Missing Teeth
• Chipped Teeth
• Crooked Teeth

We want all our patients to know that there are a wide variety of tooth grinding solutions available to you at our cosmetic dentistry office. Dr. Konig will work with you to determine the cause of your bruxism so that he can prescribe a treatment to help you.

If your bruxism is a result of TMD, he can perform neuromuscular dentistry procedures to relax your temporomandibular joint and stop the tooth grinding. Dr. Konig can also provide you with a custom mouth guard so that you can sleep comfortably without grinding your teeth.

Dr. Konig can also provide you with a variety of cosmetic dentistry solutions to help you regain your smile if you are suffering from some of the effects of teeth grinding:

• Porcelain Veneers
• Porcelain Crowns
• Dental Implants
• Dental Bonding
• Porcelain Inlays and Onlays

If you are concerned about your teeth as a result of tooth grinding and you live in the Galveston or Houston, Texas area, please schedule an initial consultation with Dr. Konig today so that you can keep your teeth as healthy as possible.