Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, or TMD, can seriously compromise your quality of life. Chronic jaw pain can make eating difficult, and constant headaches can be debilitating. Many TMD patients are told that they need invasive jaw surgery to enjoy lasting relief. But, in reality, there are many conservative, yet highly effective treatments that should make surgery a last resort. 

At Smiles 4 Grant Park in Atlanta, GA, Dr. Abbey J. Lee offers a full range of non-invasive TMD treatments. With her state-of-the-art technology, including a 3-D cone beam scanner, she will diagnose the cause of your condition and create a unique treatment plan. If needed, she can combine several treatments. 

Contact our office today to schedule your evaluation.

Oral Appliances

Because they are the most conservative option, oral appliances are usually the first way to combat TMD. There are two primary types.

• Mouthguards: Worn at night, these devices are designed to prevent teeth grinding and clenching, a leading cause of TMD. Mouthguards are small and comfortable, and you should get used to wearing one within a night or two. 

• Orthotic: Sometimes, TMJ Disorder develops because of improper jaw position, which can put a strain on the joints. A TMJ orthotic repositions the jaw joints. You will wear the custom-made device 24 hours a day for several months. Eventually, the orthotic will permanently realign your TMJs. 

Orthotics are a key component of neuromuscular dentistry. This branch of medicine addresses all three contributors to TMJ Disorder – the teeth, muscles, and joints. In this way, practitioners can provide permanent relief from jaw pain. 

TENS Therapy

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation therapy is a state-of-the-art treatment. Offered by practitioners of neuromuscular dentistry, TENS uses electrical currents to block pain signals to the brain. The therapy also causes your body to release endorphins, which further inhibit pain signals. 

TENS may sound intense, but the treatment uses very low levels of electricity. There are negligible risks and very few side effects. Best of all, it is effective! According to one 2014 study, TENS was found to be much more effective in controlling TMD pain than medication alone.

Orthodontia 

Poor bite alignment can also contribute to TMJ Disorder. Fortunately, Dr. Lee offers several forms of orthodontic treatment to improve bite balance and reduce uneven pressure on the jaw joints. Of course, traditional braces are an option. But if you are looking for something subtler, you may be interested in Invisalign®. Using clear aligners, this treatment can achieve comparable results to braces.

Full Mouth Reconstruction

Even if you don’t have misaligned teeth, dental damage can put undue pressure on the TMJs. For instance, if you have broken, worn, or missing teeth, the force of your bite will fall unevenly across your dental arch. 

A full mouth reconstruction combines several restorative procedures to repair your smile and reduce stress on your joints. The exact protocol will depend on the type and extent of the damage you have sustained.

Begin Creating Your TMD Treatment Plan 

Often, truly effective TMJ Disorder will consist of multiple treatments. Dr. Lee will design a treatment plan that is uniquely suited to you. Contact us to schedule your appointment! 

You can complete our online form or call our Atlanta office at (404) 328-7177.