TMJ disorders impact the lives of more than ten million Americans. In the past, treatment for TMJ and bite disorders consisted largely of medications to reduce pain. Dr. Stephen Matarazzo suggests a different approach. He addresses the cause of discomfort with TMJ & bite treatments that bring effective relief to patients in the Quincy area.
Cause of TMD
The temporomandibular joint allows the jaw to open and close, slide forward and backward, and move side to side. Unusual strain is placed on the TMJ when the bite is out of balance. Symptoms may include:
- Mouth pain or reduced jaw mobility.
- Clicking, popping, or grinding noises.
- Pain in the ears, face, neck, or shoulders.
- Headaches and migraines.
- Unusual tooth wear
The primary cause of TMJ disorders is imbalance in the bite. Teeth that don’t match up properly result in stress to the joint and muscles.
Drug-free TMJ Bite Treatments - Quincy MA | Dr. Stephen Matarazzo
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Getting to the root of the problem
Dr. Matarazzo begins with a thorough examination and evaluation of your mouth. A frank discuss of your symptoms, lifestyle habits, and medical history provides additional insight. In many cases, TMD can be alleviated with adjustments to the bite, wearing an oral appliance at night, or both.
Bite adjustment involves reshaping teeth or replacing poorly-designed dental restorations. The intent is to eliminate high spots and allow teeth to come together more efficiently.
A bite guard is worn at night to reduce pressure on the jaw from clenching and grinding. A small NTI appliance fits over front teeth, keeping molars slightly apart while you sleep. This brings the bite into more comfortable alignment, and allows masseter and temporalis muscles to relax.
Are you ready to learn about TMJ & bite treatments with no risk of drug side-effects? Call Quincy dentist, Dr. Stephen Matarazzo to schedule a consultation. The number is (617) 405-3939.
