Jaw Joint Disorders and Bite Problems

The temporomandibular area of your body includes the muscles and joints around your jaw and is often referred to as the TMJ.   Many people suffer from TMJ problems leading to noticeable symptoms when yawning, chewing, or sleeping. A prosthodontist can help you identify the best treatment to help you with your problems.

Many patients grind or clench their teeth, and may also habitually bite their fingernails, chew on objects such as pens and pencils, or chew the insides of their cheeks. Bruxism is the technical term for grinding and clenching of the teeth that may cause facial pain and patients who do so are called bruxers. Often this ‘bruxing’ behaviour causes patients to unintentionally bite down too hard at inappropriate times, such as during sleep.  Most patients aren’t aware of these habits until too late, when damage to the teeth has occurred and it is drawn to their attention. About one in three people suffer from bruxism, which can be treated by a Prosthodontist.