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   249 reviews

When to See an Orthodontist for TMJ Treatment

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It can be tempting to just head to your dentist if you have pain in your jaw. That is where you should start, but unlike a dentist, an orthodontist is going to be able to administer treatment. If you’re one of the people who have lumped together with the dentist and orthodontist you might be surprised to know that they are different. Every orthodontist is a dentist because they have that training but every dentist isn’t an orthodontist. There is special training and schooling to become an orthodontist and that is why they can help you with jaw pain.

One of the most common jaw pain sources is TMJ. TMJ is complicated and that means you need someone who understands that. When you contact John Redmond Orthodontics you can know that you are in good hands.

What is TMJ Disorder?

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is one of the most used joints in the human body. It is located in the area just in front of the ears and connects the jaw to the side of your head. It also is connected to many of the facial muscles and nerves. This join is responsible for sliding and rotating in the motions that allow us to speak, chew, or yawn. When pain starts in this joint it can make it hard to do normal everyday things.

Here are some of the symptoms that come with signs of TMJ:

Physical jaw joint discomfort
Tenderness
Extreme pain in the jaw
Headaches
Earaches
Ear ringing
Swelling on sides of the face
Jaw muscle stiffness
Issues opening your mouth widely
Popping, clicking, grating, or locking of the jaw when opening or coughing mouth
Sensitivity in teeth
Difficulty chewing
Sudden Changes in how your teeth fit together
Radiating pain in the jaw, neck, or face

Causes of TMJ Disorder

There are many reasons TMJ disorder can happen. Typically if you have one of the symptoms above your dentist or ear, nose, and throat specialist will examine the jaw. From there, there will be several tests to see how the joint is doing and the severity of the issue. What causes the disorder is a mystery. There are plenty of reasons and here are the most common ones:

Trauma to the jaw
Arthritis
Habitual teeth grinding or clenching (most often caused by stress or anxiety)
Erosion of the joint
Missing teeth
Pre-existing bite problems or misalignment
Structural jaw abnormalities present from birth

It can be hard to know what the real cause is of TMJ but often it is one of those. People with high-stress jobs or those who are performing strenuous physical activities are the most common people to develop TMJ disorder.

By talking to an orthodontist like the team at John Redmond Orthodontics you can start the recovery process of TMJ. There is no need to keep suffering pain if you don’t have to, and you can get your smile back. Reach out today to learn more.

Patient Reviews

    
 
 
         
   Stella M 
 
 
 
  John Redmond Orthodontics is such a wonderful place. The staff is always so kind and helpful, they are flexible with scheduling, the services are top notch. The best!
  
 
        
   Whitney L 
 
 
 
  This office is the best!! Everyone is always so friendly and helpful. Dr. John has made both my kids smiles perfect!
  
 
        
   Katelyn C 
 
 
 
  I currently have three kids going through braces here!  The staff is so friendly and helpful, especially with changes in insurance. They are mindful of each patient…who is fearful, etc and talk them through each new phase. We have been so happy here!
  
 
        
   Stacy F 
 
 
 
  Dr. Redmond and all of his staff have been amazing. We have been going here for years as he treated all three of our kids! Highly recommend.
  
 
        
   Austin 
 
 
 
  Going to rate 5 stars since John and the back-of-house staff are excellent; kind, professional, and skilled. Unfortunately, the front desk are not quite up to par. When I called about retainer removal, I was told about a fee that wasn’t accurate/true, and when I asked for clarity, I was met with dismissive responses like “we can talk about it when you get here,” despite the fact I live over an hour away. On arrival, I wasn’t greeted and was instead cut off with “you’re checked in” before I could speak. The hostility from the receptionists was obvious and unprofessional, which overshadows the otherwise great clinical team.
  
 
        
   Ella I 
 
 
 
  I came to Dr. Redmond a little over half way through my 4- year braces journey. As soon as I stepped through the doors, He and his team welcomed me in with excellence and enthusiasm. I cannot speak highly enough of the incredible amount of detail and dedication Dr. Redmond puts into ensuring each of his patients leave his doors looking and feeling confident with their smile. Not only is Dr. Redmond is a master at his craft, he is an incredibly likable and down to earth person. His exemplary attitude, work ethic, and leadership are reflected in each one of the wonderful dental assistant/staff. The office is pristine, with every single detail you can think of taken care of! From upbeat music to refreshments upon walk in, John Redmond Orthodontics is the best of the best! The staff is organized, professional, and absolutely the kindest people ever! A big thank you to each of them for providing such thoughtful and thorough care. After finishing my treatment, I can surely say I have never been more confident in my smile!
  
 
        
   Shellee C 
 
 
 
  Dr John is an excellent communicator. He gave me a clear understanding of my options and allowed me to make my decision. I’m so happy with the results. The progress has been wonderful and the staff is extra friendly! Happy that I’m a customer! 😀
  
 
        
   Jack F 
 
 
 
  Great orthodontist. friendly and helpful staff. very clean and quick service. cannot recommend them enough!
  
 
        
   Landan Y 
 
 
 
  Dr. John and his team are the best staff. He fixed my and my siblings teeth and made us all very happy with our smiles. I recommended John Redmonds Orthodontics to anyone who wants to feel confident in their smiles!