TMJ DISORDERS

Treating Your Temporomandibular Joint Disorders In Georgetown, Summerville And Moncks Corner!

Tmj grosso ortho

Jaw pain can cause extreme discomfort to the point where it becomes difficult to manage your daily responsibilities. At Grosso Orthodontics, we are dedicated to delivering the highest quality of care to provide relief for your TMJ disorder. We aim to provide treatment that is convenient for you and your lifestyle with the ultimate goal of bringing you peace and comfort in your oral health. Discover how Dr. Michael Grosso and the Grosso Orthodontics team can help you find relief today!

To schedule a TMJ appointment, please call our office at (843) 970-3202. A non-refundable fee of $100 will be due at the time of scheduling your appointment.

WHAT ARE TMJ DISORDERS?

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, often referred to as TMD, encompasses a range of conditions affecting the jaw joint and the muscles controlling jaw movement. The temporomandibular joint connects the lower jaw (mandible) to the skull’s temporal bone, which is situated in front of the ears on both sides of the head. It can result in pain, tenderness and dysfunction in the jaw, making it difficult to chew and speak. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, between 5-12% of people in the U.S. have a TMJ disorder, and it is twice as common in women compared to men.

CAUSES OF TMJ DISORDERS

TMJ disorders are not caused by one specific reason. Rather, a disorder can arise from a variety of issues, often making it a complex condition to diagnose and treat. Here are some common causes we often see here at Grosso Orthodontics:

  • Physical injury or trauma to the jaw
  • Arthritis
  • Bruxism (teeth grinding or clenching)
  • Teeth misalignment
  • Connective tissue diseases
  • Genetic predisposition
Tmj disorders

SYMPTOMS OF TMJ DISORDERS

Symptoms can vary widely but often include pain in the jaw and surrounding areas. Patients may experience difficulty or discomfort while chewing, talking or opening their mouths wide. Clicking, popping or grating sounds when moving the jaw are also frequent indicators of a TMJ disorder. Additionally, there can be a limited range of motion or jaw locking, making it hard to open or close the mouth. Other symptoms might include headaches, facial pain, earaches and a feeling of fullness in the ears.

TREATING TMJ DISORDERS

Grosso Orthodontics treats TMJ disorders through a variety of methods, each tailored to address your specific causes and symptoms of the disorder. Here are some of the options we may consider:

  • Braces: Traditional braces can help correct bite alignment issues or misaligned teeth (malocclusion) that contribute to TMJ disorders. By gradually moving teeth into their proper positions, braces help improve the overall function of the jaw, reducing stress on the temporomandibular joint and alleviating symptoms such as pain and discomfort.

  • Invisalign®: Similar to braces, Invisalign® clear aligners can also correct misaligned teeth and bite issues. Invisalign® offers a more discreet option, using a series of custom-made, clear plastic aligners to gently shift teeth into their proper alignment. This can help reduce the symptoms by ensuring the jaw moves smoothly and efficiently.

  • Splint Or Mouthguard: For patients who grind or clench their teeth (bruxism), which can exacerbate TMJ disorders, Grosso Orthodontics may recommend a splint or mouthguard. These devices are custom-fitted to your mouth and are typically worn at night. They work by preventing teeth grinding and reducing muscle tension, thereby alleviating strain on the temporomandibular joint.
Each of these treatments is carefully evaluated and customized to meet the specific needs of the patient, ensuring the most effective approach to managing and alleviating TMJ disorders.

Begin Your Journey To Relief Today

If you are experiencing pain and soreness from a TMJ disorder, Dr. Michael Grosso is happy to help you find relief at all three of our office locations in Georgetown, Moncks Corner and Summerville. We understand the challenges that come with this and strive to provide a treatment option that works best for you to treat your symptoms. Contact us today at 843-970-3202 to get started!

CUTTING-EDGE ORTHODONTIC CARE WITH GROSSO ORTHODONTICS

We can’t wait to meet you—so let’s get started with Invisalign®! We take pride in creating healthy smiles for everyone. No matter your age, if you’re ready to start your smile transformation, we have you covered!