Many patients who have TMJ pain do not have to go through orthodontic treatment or complex surgery to correct their overbites or address their discomfort. The first step in these cases is to treat the TMJ pain. During this phase, the correct physiologic jaw position is determined comprehensively with the use of advanced technology including:
- A CBCT scan of the neck and jaw joint
- Biomedical instrumentation
- A comprehensive examination
These steps allow us to plan appropriate treatment and give you an opportunity to “test drive” your bite in the corrected jaw position.
It is essential to treat jaw pain and neck discomfort first. This allows for the porcelain restorations to be built to match a corrected and stable bite position. So much valuable information is provided by the CBCT scan and the biomedical computer. This information is essential for determining the most effective way to treat your pain and restore alignment to your bite.
A fixed orthotic that looks and feels like the teeth can be temporarily bonded in the new position, allowing for healing. Placing temporary restorations also allows us to gage your comfort and to make changes if needed before final restorations are placed.
This case shows a TMJ pain patient treated for non-surgical overbite correction in this manner first, followed with porcelain veneers and onlays. She is not only pain free, but also has a nice smile and improved facial symmetry and profile. One can term this treatment as Facelift in the Dental Office or Functional Cosmetic Dentistry.
It is essential to achieve a stable bite, neck position, and airway flow before completing porcelain restorations. Many patients ask if the type of porcelain used makes a difference. In most cases it does not. Emax, Empress, or feldspathic are all possible to use for porcelain restorations in these types of cases.
If you have any questions about TMJ pain treatment or Functional Cosmetic Dentistry in Houston, please call Ronald W. Konig DDS, FAGD, LVIF, 713-668-2289 to schedule a consultation today. Dr. Konig welcomes patients struggling with TMJ pain from The Woodlands, Conroe, Katy, Spring, Sugar Land, and all surrounding Texas communities.
