TMJ/TMD Treatment In Lawrence, KS
Jaw clicking, soreness, or tension can compromise your comfort and keep you from chewing with natural ease. This pain often stems from TMJ/TMD, a jaw disorder that can be resolved with a variety of minimally invasive, tailored treatments. Find relief with solutions from your dentist today.
Why Should I Get TMJ/TMD Treatment?
TMJ/TMD treatment is the best way to restore your oral range of motion, eliminate your pain, and get you back to your day-to-day routine. The pain and discomfort of TMJ/TMD can be extreme, and it can stop you from eating your favorite foods, chewing normally, or even speaking without pain and discomfort. Jaw issues like TMJ/TMD won’t get better on their own, and may even get worse over time. If you’re having jaw pain, that’s not normal. Contact us for a consultation right away. We’ll get to the bottom of the problem, give you a diagnosis, and provide the care you need for a healthy, functional, pain-free jaw.
Stress-Free Care For You
We’re committed to making care affordable and accessible. Our team is here to help you finance TMJ/TMD treatment in a way that fits your lifestyle and budget.
Discuss your issues
Get an expert opinion
Learn about treatment plan options
The Benefits of TMJ/TMD Treatment
Relieve Your Pain And Discomfort
TMJ/TMD causes serious, chronic jaw pain that can interfere with your ability to work, focus on school, and live your day-to-day life. With proper treatment at our office, you can get your life back to normal.
Restore Oral Range Of Motion
TMJ/TMD can make your jaw “lock” or stiffen. This makes it hard to open and close your mouth properly, which could interfere with biting, eating, and even speaking. Treating TMJ/TMD restores your oral range of motion.
Treat Other Related Problems
TMJ/TMD is related to lots of other problems including tinnitus (ringing of the ears), teeth grinding, chronic headaches, neck and upper back stiffness, and more. With proper treatment from a qualified dentist, you can get relief from a variety of symptoms that may be related to TMJ/TMD.
What Conditions Can Invisalign Treat?
How many orthodontic issues can be solved by Invisalign? Lawrence dentists use Invisalign to address a wide range of orthodontic concerns, from mild cosmetic adjustments to more complex bite issues. While every smile is unique, these clear aligners are well-suited for many of the most common alignment challenges.
- Crowded teeth. When there is not enough space in the jaw, teeth can overlap or twist. Invisalign gradually shifts teeth into proper alignment to open up that crowding.
- Gapped teeth. Spaces between teeth can affect both your appearance and your bite. Clear aligners close those gaps progressively over the course of your treatment.
- Overbite. An overbite occurs when your upper front teeth overlap too far over the lower teeth. Invisalign can guide your bite into a healthier, more balanced position.
- Underbite. When the lower teeth sit in front of the upper teeth, it can cause uneven wear and jaw discomfort. Invisalign treats many underbite cases without the need for traditional braces.
- Crossbite. A crossbite means some upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth rather than outside. Left untreated, this can lead to wear, chipping, and jaw strain. Invisalign addresses crossbites with targeted, precise movement.
- Open bite. If your upper and lower teeth do not meet when you close your mouth, that is an open bite. Invisalign can help close this gap and improve both function and appearance.
- Relapse after previous orthodontic treatment. Teeth can shift over time after earlier treatment. Invisalign is often an excellent option for patients looking to fine-tune or restore their results.
Not every case is a fit for clear aligner therapy alone. During your consultation, Dr. Salava will review your bite, spacing, and alignment in full and walk you through which treatment approach is best suited to your goals.
Our Difference
Durable Nightguards
If you grind or clench your teeth at night, your doctor can prescribe a custom-made acrylic guard to keep your jaw in the proper position. Nightguards are long-lasting and require little maintenance, making them one of the most reliable TMJ/TMD treatments.
Advanced Tools for Precise Care
While traditional x-rays provide 2-dimensional images, our Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) can capture a 360 view of your jaw, teeth, and mouth. This unparalleled precision allows your dentist to provide the most accurate diagnosis for your unique condition.
Goop-Free Impressions
With the iTero Intraoral Scanner, your dentist can take a non-invasive 3D scan that captures the form and structure of your mouth for custom-fit night guards. It’s a fully digital process — no putty necessary.
The TMJ/TMD Treatment Process
Initial Consultation & Diagnosis
TMJ/TMD can be caused by lots of different things, from jaw overuse (like excessive gum chewing or teeth grinding) to direct trauma to the joint, and even some auto-immune problems like arthritis in the joint. So the first step is to come to our office for an appointment. Your doctor will perform a comprehensive oral exam, discuss your symptoms, and determine what’s causing your TMJ/TMD.
Developing Your Treatment Plan
Once your dentist has determined the potential causes of your issue, they will work with you to develop a custom treatment plan. This could include things like Botox injections, oral appliance therapy (OAT) to adjust the position of your jaw during sleep, and even things like orthodontic treatment with braces or Invisalign.
Lifestyle Changes & Physical Therapy
Along with TMJ/TMD treatment from your dentist, certain lifestyle changes and at-home physical therapy can help improve your oral range of motion and the symptoms of TMJ/TMD. For example, you can choose to eat softer foods for several weeks to help your jaw heal, or you may need to do some jaw exercises to help with your recovery. Your dentist will discuss these topics with you in detail as they develop your treatment plan.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Check out these frequently asked questions, or call us to speak with our team.
Schedule Your Invisalign Consultation in Lawrence Today
If you have been putting off treatment because you did not want metal braces, the answer could be Invisalign. Lawrence patients have an opportunity for a solution that better fits their lives. Dr. Salava and the team at The Dental Studio are here to answer your questions, review your options, and help you take the first step toward a smile you feel great about. Call us at (785) 331-0027 or request an appointment online to get started.
