If you are experiencing tingling in the extremities, neck pain, headaches, or pain in the jaw, you may suffer from TMJ dysfunction. Approximately 10 million Americans suffer from TMJ dysfunction, also called TMD; this problem occurs when the temporomandibular joints, or jaw joints, don’t work properly. These small, triangular joints allow you to open and close your mouth. Stress, illness, injury or bite changes can impact how well your jaw joints function. When the TMJ are out of sync, the muscles get fatigued and the nerves become irritated, which creates various unpleasant symptoms.
Common Signs of TMD include:
• Headaches
• Issues with balance
• Limited range of motion
• Popping and clicking in the jaw
• Ringing in the ears
• Uneven wear of your teeth
To give you a comfortable, healthy smile, the dentist will evaluate your whole mouth and determine the cause of your TMJ dysfunction. Once the doctor identifies the root issue, he or she can recommend therapy to alleviate your pain and rejuvenate your smile. Non-surgical TMJ treatment may involve an oral appliance to prevent clenching, strengthening exercises, or hot and cold compresses.
Designed specifically to address TMD symptoms, the NTI-tss is a small oral appliance that holds your bite in the correct position. Nearly invisible, this plastic device fits over the patient’s front teeth and is usually worn during sleep. By wearing the NTI-tss, you stop clenching and grinding your teeth, providing the pain relief you need.
