TMD/TMJ
Have you experienced persistent jaw pain, tension headaches or worn teeth? Have you been told that you grind your teeth at night? Do you clench your jaw and feel muscle tension around your face? If so, you may be experiencing TMD (Temporomandibular Disease or Disorder) that affects the TMJ (temporal mandibular joint) that needs TMD and TMJ treatment. This is a potentially painful jaw disorder that if left untreated can get worse over time.
If you feel that you have experienced this, contact us to learn the options that you have for TMD and TMJ treatment in San Antonio, Texas.
Occlusal Guard (Night Guard)
An occlusal guard is a horse-shoe shaped dental appliance that is worn over the teeth to protect them against damage caused by clenching or grinding. It can be worn over natural teeth and is also recommended for patients who have had a history of many restorations (crowns, veneers & bridges) to protect them against hard biting forces.
The occlusal guard that we ask our dental lab to fabricate is usually a thermoplastic (which means hard on the outside to protect teeth, but soft on the inside) so that they are comfortable for the patient. Occlusal guards are not all equal! Some guards made years ago are bulky, super-hard guards that are not comfortable for the patient to wear. Our goal is comfort so patient compliance is optimized.
Mouth Guard/Sport Guard
Mouth Guards are thick, impact-resistant material custom molded to your teeth to help protect against any impacts or shocks occurring during sports such as basketball, baseball, football or any other contact sport. These can be made to fit over natural teeth or over braces.
Call our experts today at 210.538.2772 to discuss your TMD and TMJ treatment options in San Antonio, Texas.
