TMJ/TMD Treatments
Where Your Smile Begins
Calgary, Alberta
"Dr. Cload literally gave me my life back. I had spoken with all the top dentists in the city. He was the only dentist that could find my bite and relieve me of all my symptoms. - Elizabeth
First, a Diagnosis
To begin, Dr. Cload needs to confirm a diagnosis of TMJ.
Next, a Custom Treatment Plan
The goal of neuromuscular dentistry as practiced by Dr. Cload is to both relieve the symptoms and restore a healthy bite. Once the jaw is realigned, the neuromuscular signs of distress should be a distant memory. At Southcentre, we believe in starting with the most conservative realignment option in order to provide our patients with the most comfortable treatment possible.
Phase I Treatment - Bite Stabilization
Next, Dr. Cload will use computer technology to determine the most relaxed bite position. A device known as an orthotic is constructed and worn over the lower teeth based on our diagnosis and bite position demonstrated by the jaw and muscle analysis. An orthotic is a very small clear plastic device that helps train the jaw and its muscles to find the natural resting position. It is easily removed for eating and brushing. At this point nothing is permanently done to alter your teeth or your bite. The goal is to provide relief from pain while at the same time proving that the new bite is stable. It is not uncommon for TMJ suffers to experience dramatic relief of symptoms after receiving an orthotic. Once the symptoms are relieved and the bite is stable, Dr. Cload will move to the next step adjusting your bite to the correct position.
Phase II Treatment- Long-term Solutions
There are a variety of ways to correct your bite in a more permanent way depending upon your particular condition.
Coronoplasty/ Equilibration – This is the simplest way and is used when the bite is only slightly misaligned. Coronoplasty involves smoothing and reshaping the enamel of the teeth to correct your bite and requires no anesthetic.
Permanent Orthotic – Orthotics are bonded to your teeth and designed to maintain the relaxed natural bite.
Reconstruction – This approach includes layering porcelain onto the teeth to maintain the bite. This is a wonderful option that also aesthetically corrects teeth at the same time. Reconstruction is used if the misalignment is large or the teeth are heavily worn done.
Braces – When the teeth are healthy, we can move them into the ideal relaxed position using braces. Read about Invisalign clear braces.
Find out more about TMJ/TMD and how neuromuscular problems are solved with treatment in our Body Mechanics and Stability section.
Don’t take chances with jaw joint pain or other symptoms. Please contact Southcentre Dental Clinic in Calgary, Alberta, today to set up a neuromuscular dentistry consultation.
