TMJ Appliances

TMJ is the joint that connects the lower and upper jaw (skull). The terms TMJ stands for Temporo-Mandibular Joint. This is one the most complicated joints of the whole body. One that allows forward and backward moves as well as rotations and side to side movements.
TMJ is often referred to as the complications and problems with this joint. Some of the most common symptoms of TMJ problems are:

• Pain
• Limitation of movement of the lower jaw
• Clicking sounds
• Muscle spasm
• Locking of the jaw

Some causes of the disease are genetics, hormones, low-level infections, auto-immune diseases, trauma, and clenching or grinding of the teeth.

Diagnosis of such conditions and evaluation of causes are done by dentists experienced in TMJ problems and treatments. Some common treatments are Night Guards, Bite Guards and Bite Adjustments.

If you experience any TMJ problem or symptoms please let us know. Dr. Collins will be happy to evaluate your situation and offer the best treatment possible.

Sleep Appliances (Night Guards)

Bruxism is when you clench or grind (slide your teeth back and forth over each other) your teeth.  People can clench and grind without being aware of it during both the day and night, although sleep-related bruxism is often the bigger problem because it is harder to control.

The cause of bruxism is not completely known and agreed upon, but daily stress may be the trigger in many people. Some people probably clench their teeth and never feel symptoms. Whether or not bruxism causes pain and other problems may be a complicated mix of factors:

• How much stress you have
• How long and tightly you clench and grind
• Whether your teeth are misaligned (malocclusion)
• Your posture
• Your ability to relax
• Your diet

Clenching the teeth puts pressure on the muscles, tissues, and other structures around your jaw. The symptoms can cause TMJ problems.  Grinding can wear down your teeth. Grinding can be noisy enough at night to bother sleeping partners.

Symptoms include:

• Anxiety, stress, and tension
• Depression
• Earache (due in part because the structures of the TMJ are very close to the ear canal, and because you can feel pain in a different location than its source;  this is called referred pain)
• Eating disorders
• Headaches
• Hot/Cold sensitivity in the teeth
• Insomnia
• Sore or painful jaw

If you have any of these symptoms please give our office a call at 714-887-0444 to schedule a comprehensive exam.