TMJ Treatments
 Over time, facial muscles can tighten around the jaw in an automatic protective response. The repetitive contractions can make muscles sore, compress the jaw joints, and pull the discs out of position, leading to restrictions on normal movement that actually aggravates the suffering. A displaced disc sometimes produces a grinding or clicking sound while a patient chews.
Once diagnosed by a specialist, there are a variety of treatment options. One type of TMD is caused by the improper alignment of the jaws, which causes clicking, popping, locking, and pain; changes made to the muscles and joints can alleviate this malady.  A plastic bite plate can treat joint inflammation by preventing the jaw muscles from fully contracting and the joints from overloading. Orthopedic techniques, including jaw repositioning devices (such as the modified Gelb appliance), restore muscles and joints to normal positions and stop the cycle of TMJ inflammation and pain. In rare cases, surgery is required to repair damaged cartilage and meniscus. A large percentage of patients experience relief of pain with multidisciplinary therapy. The good news is, TMD is treatable and wellness can be restored.
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