Non-Invasive Bite Adjustments Are Available to Treat TMJ

Although a specific cause is not yet known, millions of Americans continue to suffer from TMJ. Sufferers have many treatment options to choose from, but some procedures may be more effective than others. Although corrective surgery and other, more invasive procedures may seem to create the best results, treating TMJ can usually be traced back to an issue with your bite alignment and therefore only require an adjustment to the bite.

A bite adjustment makes corrections to areas of a person’s bite that is loose fitting or exhibiting wear due to bruxism (or tooth grinding). Balancing the bite or evenly distributing the forces applied to the teeth greatly reduces the pressure placed on the bone structures creating TMJ disorders.

A holistic approach to performing a bite adjustment is using a splint to reposition the jaw. Your dentist will first perform a bite analysis to determine how your jaw should be aligned and then use a splint to match the proper alignment and influence the way the upper and lower jaws fit together.

Also known as an orthotic, a splint is an acrylic device that fits overtop the lower teeth and shifts the jaws to their proper position according to the bite analysis. The splint will gradually relocate the jaw into a position that evenly distributes force onto the teeth and needs to be worn for 24 hours a day (except when eating) in order to be effective. After a few months of wearing the splint, you should begin to notice a change in the way your teeth fit together, which means that the jaw is adjusting to its new position. Afterward, your holistic dentist can begin stabilizing your new jaw position using biological treatments suited for your overall bodily health.

Caney Holistic Dentistry - Contact Natural Dental Care Day Spa for More Information!

Dr. Robert Mason is a holistic dentist who has been serving the Caney, Kansas area for over 40 years. Recently, Dr. Mason opened a second location in Tulsa, Oklahoma so that commuting patients have easier access to natural and biological dental care.

If you would like more information about the holistic dentistry services we provide, or to find out more about TMJ disorder and occlusal disease, contact Natural Dental Care Day Spa today and schedule an appointment.