TMJ or Temporomandibular Joint Disease is a debilitating disease that can worsen over time and cause a host of different issues. In most cases, it can be caused by misalignment of the teeth, which in turn can put abnormal stresses on the jaw joint. This joint is in the skull and jawbone. TMJ is probably one of the most overlooked... read more »
There is a reason that teeth are crooked or that one’s airway is small. There is more to health than straight teeth. A properly functioning nasal breathing, swallowing, and tongue function truly affects the dental occlusion or bite. Having dysfunction in these areas can cause a host of problems, from TMJ pain to crooked teeth, posture problems, sleep apnea, and... read more »
Jaw surgery is not the only available solution for correcting overbites, underbites, open bites, misaligned jaws, or TMJ pain. Dr. Konig explains, “There are non-surgical ways to correct these misaligned bites from a functional and cosmetic standpoint. TMJ and sleep apnea issues can also be addressed in this manner.” A physiologic approach addresses these issues and looks at the whole... read more »
If you are considering cosmetic dentistry for worn teeth, crooked teeth, or have an underbite or overbite, or have TMJ pain, headaches, or clicking and popping… why would you do veneers to the same bite position that caused these problems in the first place? Often patients are advised that their only choice of treatment is jaw surgery plus orthodontics, a... read more »
We often get referrals from ENT specialists for patients who have ear pain, and it is related to TMJ as opposed to the ear itself. Yes, ear pain can be from TMJ disorders. The following is a brief explanation of how this can occur: Referred Pain: The temporomandibular joint is located close to the ear, and pain from the joint... read more »
There are many non-surgical TMJ options available for patients. In many cases, from overbites to TMJ pain and facial asymmetry, there are usually numerous non-surgical ways to help patients. The CBS Horrors of TMJ Surgery made no reference to options patients should consider in place of surgery. These also seemed to be pretty aggressive surgeries. Focusing on the positive, Dr.... read more »
Many patients are not aware that there are alternate treatments to jaw surgery and years of orthodontic treatment. There are several ways to conservatively correct overbites, underbites, and TMJ pain with much less risk than surgery. When treating TMJ and bite misalignment, Dr. Konig points out, “It is important to note that braces really just move teeth and are not... read more »
Damage from bruxism Bite correction for bruxism What is Bruxism? Bruxism – a habit of grinding your teeth – is common among American adults. You may be grinding your teeth unknowingly, or while asleep at night. If you have been advised surgery is needed, consider other options. Most of the time non-surgical jaw alignment is a viable option. As an... read more »