TMJ/ Night Guards in Manhattan, KS

When patients come in to Dental Associates of Manhattan in Manhattan, KS complaining about stiff, painful jaws one of the first things the doctor checks for is TMJ disorder, a series of problems that affect the temporomandibular joint, which connects the jaw to the base of the skull. Patients complaining of frequent headaches, popping and aching jaws or facial pain are often suffering from this common jaw disorder.

Other symptoms of TMJ disorder include:

• A jaw that locks up
• Tired or fatiguing jaws
• Facial swelling
• Problems chewing
• Neck, shoulder or face pain

While it’s not always possible to pinpoint the cause, some of the most common causes of TMJ disorder are:

• Trauma to the jaw
• Developmental defects
• Bruxism
• Arthritis

So, how do we treat this condition so that you don’t have to wake up with throbbing jaws and a stubborn headache? One way your Manhattan dentist can improve your TMJ-related symptoms is through an oral appliance that is custom-made to fit over your teeth. The appliance may look no different from a mouthguard but because it’s made from durable material it can prevent common issues associated with TMJ disorder including tooth wear, tooth sensitivity and joint soreness.

A night guard is a great way to protect your teeth and to eliminate your symptoms caused by night grinding or clenching. You may not even realize that your teeth have been worn down until you come in for your routine exam. If we determine that you can benefit from a night guard we will take impressions of your teeth. These impressions will be used to create your custom-fitted night guard, which will provide superior protection over drugstore equivalents.

Night guards can be a great option for those whose symptoms often occur during the night. Of course, if your condition is more serious, you may also need to wear a splint to help realign your jaw so that the joint can actually heal. A night guard is only worn while you sleep but a splint is something that you can wear throughout the day.

Don’t let jaw pain affect your health. Find out if a night guard is right for you by calling Dental Associates of Manhattan 

in Manhattan, KS today at (785) 539-7401 to schedule your next appointment.