Headaches are often unbearable and if you suffer from frequent and long lasting tension headaches or migraine headaches, you may have condition called TMJ disorder. Other common symptoms experienced in suffers of TMJ syndrome are headaches, jaw, ear or facial pain and even decreased hearing.  Clicking or popping of the jaw and neck, as well as shoulder pain, are the frequent effects of TMJ disorder. Even though TMJ is a common disorder, many people are unaware that they have this condition and continue enduring the pain.

There are a number of things that cause TMJ with the majority of cases resulting in an incorrect bite, tooth grinding and malocclusion. Malocclusion means that your upper and lower teeth do not close together in the correct way and are misaligned, causing trauma. Fortunately there is a treatment for the headache caused by TMJ syndrome that will remove the symptoms permanently. The procedure involves patients having a bite assessment, identifying the ideal bite and subsequently achieving the ideal bite through Orthotic Therapy. Orthotic therapy requires you to wear an unobtrusive oral TMJ splint during the day and in the evenings. The TMJ splint is designed to replicate your natural teeth and will not obstruct functionality.

TMJ splint is an effective headache cure and most people find their symptoms are resolved instantly. Every person responds differently to orthotic therapy, however the vast majority will experience an improvement in their TMJ symptoms. To combat those unbearable tension headaches or more severe migraines caused by TMJ dysfunction, it is worth investigating the benefits of orthotic therapy.

“There are many people who visit the doctor complaining of chronic headaches and jaw pain.  Little did they know that they were only treating the symptoms and a dentist could have the solution for them”, says David Moffet, principal dentist at Active Dental in Parramatta, Australia. “Many people with these ailments have Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome and is easily treated”

The diagnosis for TMJ Syndrome is straightforward, “TMJ Syndrome comes from having an incorrect bite or malocclusion. Malocclusion means that your upper and lower teeth do not close together in the correct way and are misaligned causing trauma.”, said Dr Moffet, “Misaligned teeth cannot support your facial muscles correctly during chewing and swallowing. The muscles change to accommodate your malocclusion, causing a range of debilitating symptoms”, continued Dr Moffet.

The number of symptoms are significant and can be remedied with neuromuscular dentistry, “Symptoms for TMJ Syndrome include clicking, popping or grating sounds in the jaw joint, locking of the jaw when attempting to open the mouth, neck, shoulder and back pain, ringing in the ears, ear pain, decreased hearing and dizziness”, explained Dr Moffet, “All these can be fixed with Neuromuscular Dentistry that is now offered in Australia through Active Dental.

In addition, when creating your new smile we take into consideration your age and sex as well as your facial features and characteristics. Many people are unaware and amazed how dramatically we can reshape their teeth, smile and entire appearance.

At Active Dental, we know it takes an artistic eye and extensive experience to create your perfect smile.  Techniques require precise measurements based upon mouth shape, gum-lines and the natural shape of your teeth. That’s why we devote time to meticulously planning your smile before commencing any treatment.

A smile means so much to us.  You don’t want to leave us with a less than perfect smile.  But remember to show us your face.  Without it, we can only tell half the story.