, also called TMJD, develops when uneven stress or strain puts excessive pressure on the joints of your jaw. This causes your muscles and joints to become irritated and inflamed. If you suspect you have TMJD, please schedule an appointment with our orthodontist in Iowa City and Coralville, IA.
Causes of TMJ Disorders
Your upper and lower teeth typically work in pairs. That way, the pressure on your joints is distributed evenly when you bite down or chew. TMJD can occur when this pressure becomes uneven. For example, crooked or missing teeth may cause you to have an uneven bite balance. Chronic teeth grinding (bruxism) can also cause or contribute to TMJD.
Symptoms of TMJ Disorders
TMJ disorders rarely resolve on their own. Unless you seek TMJD treatment, the symptoms can grow much more severe over time. For this reason, it’s important to see our Eastern Iowa orthodontist sooner rather than later.
As your jaw joints become more inflamed and irritated, you may develop chronic jaw pain and headaches. You could also experience clicking or “popping” noises when you chew, as well as muscle spasms, facial or neck pain, and hearing difficulties such as ringing sensations or “stuffiness” in your ears.
Sometimes, your jaw can temporarily “lock” in an open position after you’ve yawned or opened your mouth very wide.
Treatment for TMJ Disorders
When treating a temporomandibular joint disorder, Dr. Mergen will focus on finding ways to realign and re-balance your teeth and bite in order to reduce uneven strain on the jaw joints. The proper orthodontic diagnosis and treatment can provide a stable bite relationship that in turn reduces and, many times, eliminates the .
Correcting the underlying problem is the key to eliminating the symptoms, providing long-term relief and allowing you to get rid of night guards and medications. You do not have to continue to suffer!
100% Satisfaction Guarantee
We’re so confident you will love your experience at Mergen Orthodontics, we back it up with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. If you are less than satisfied with the care you receive from our team, simply let us know and we’ll do what it takes to make it right. It’s our promise to you!
Request a Free Smile Assessment
At Mergen Orthodontics, we offer 5-star patient care which starts with a complimentary exam. During your TMJD screening assessment, our team will be happy to answer all your questions about our orthodontic treatments, offices, flexible payment options, and anything else you may want to know about us!
Your first appointment includes the following:
- Office tour
- Complimentary snack and beverage
- Thorough exam
- Digital X-rays
- 3D digital imaging of your teeth
- In-depth consultation
A $567 Value—At No Cost to You!
Book a Consultation with Dr. Mergen
Ready to entrust your dental health to Mergen Orthodontics? Our orthodontist in Coralville and Iowa City, IA, would be more than happy to determine if you’re a candidate for TMJD treatment. To book a free consultation, please call our Coralville office at (319) 626-2142 or our Iowa City office at (319) 688-0800. You may also request an appointment online.
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