If so, your jaw joints may be misaligned.
The jaw joints are called TMJ, which stands for temporomandibular joints. They hold the mandible (lower jaw) to the temporal bone at points just beneath your ears. The TMJ joints allow your jaw to open, close, and move side to side. When one or both of the joints are not properly aligned, associated muscles and nerves become irritated. Occlusion, also called the “bite,” refers to how upper and lower teeth fit together. TMJ misalignment can disrupt occlusion. This causes the symptoms listed above, and others. You may have heard the term “neuromuscular dentistry.” It relates to the muscles and nerves of the jaw and skull – those associated with TMJ.
Dr. Tesolin and Dr. Soulières learned how to help patients overcome TMJ disorder through his postgraduate work at the renowned Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies (LVI) and in obtaining a Master’s Degree from Donau University, in the area of jaw dysfunction. His concentrated work on cosmetic, TMJ and neuromuscular dentistry education means that he can solve TMJ discomfort and that he designs cosmetic dentistry treatment plans based on the concepts of maintaining proper occlusion.
In some rare cases, surgery is required to treat TMJ disorder, but Dr. Tesolin and Dr. Soulières takes a more conservative approach before recommending an oral surgeon. He uses a TENS unit , which sends electrical pulses through the muscles. This is not painful. TENS will allow your jaw to relax and settle into the proper position. With a K7, Dr. Tesolin and Dr. Soulières can accurately document this optimal position. In more advanced cases, axiography is used to eliminate joint clicking or other more advanced jaw disorders. Then he will create an oral splint or mouthguard for you. The mouthguard will hold your TMJ joints in the correct position. Over time, muscles should reprogram to the new position. In addition, Dr. Tesolin and Dr. Soulières may build up back teeth with restorations. If your teeth have worn down because of grinding, rebuilding them will help your jaws maintain proper position.
In some rare cases, surgery is required to treat TMJ disorder, but Dr. Tesolin and Dr. Soulières takes a more conservative approach before recommending an oral surgeon. He uses a TENS unit , which sends electrical pulses through the muscles. This is not painful. TENS will allow your jaw to relax and settle into the proper position. With a K7, Dr. Tesolin and Dr. Soulières can accurately document this optimal position. In more advanced cases, axiography is used to eliminate joint clicking or other more advanced jaw disorders. Then he will create an oral splint or mouthguard for you. The mouthguard will hold your TMJ joints in the correct position. Over time, muscles should reprogram to the new position. In addition, Dr. Tesolin and Dr. Soulières may build up back teeth with restorations. If your teeth have worn down because of grinding, rebuilding them will help your jaws maintain proper position.
In some cases, changing your habits will help as well. For instance, if you chew gum or ice, you could irritate your jaw’s joints and muscles. Physical therapy (exercises) often relieves stressed jaw muscles. If you grind your teeth at night, a nightguard can make you stop this destructive habit.
Your TMJ disorder/neuromuscular dentistry consultation will provide Dr. Tesolin or Dr. Soulières with the information he needs to diagnose and accurately treat your problem. We have served Montreal area patients with excellence for nearly two decades, and we want to give you a reason to smile. Call today to reserve your TMJ consultation with Dr. Yvan Tesolin /or Dr. Soulières.
