Litchfield AZ Orthodontist Explains the Difference Between TMJ and TMD

When it comes to being an oral health professional, our Litchfield AZ orthodontist knows that providing the education necessary for our patients to make informed decisions about their oral health is a big part of the job. On any given day, our Litchfield orthodontist discusses many different topics with our patients, but two of the most frequent are TMJ and TMD.

Learn About TMJ and TMD with Help from Our Litchfield AZ Orthodontist

#1 – What Are TMJ and TMD?

Two temporomandibular joints, or TMJ, exist on either side of a person’s face. Together, the joints attach the jaw to the skull. TMD is a disorder that occurs when the TMJs don’t move as they normally would or get out of line. The result can be painful, and our Litchfield orthodontist suggests giving us a call if you experience the following:

• Pain in your jaw joints
• Stiff jaw muscles
• Painful chewing
• Earaches
• Pain in your neck or face

#2 – What Causes TMD?

According to our Litchfield AZ orthodontist, there are several factors that can cause TMD. Although the cause isn’t always clear and varies from person to person, some of these factors are:

• Slipped cartilage
• Dislocated jaw or injury
• Arthritis
• Grinding your teeth
• Misaligned teeth or jaws

#3 – How Do I Treat TMD?

First, you should schedule a consultation with our Litchfield orthodontist. Seeking a professional evaluation is always a good idea, so you can be sure you’re addressing any issues the best way possible. Once you’ve had a consultation, recommended treatment options will be provided based on your specific case. Anything from stress-reduction techniques to mouth guards could be advised, and in extreme cases, surgery may be the answer.

The advancements of modern-day medicine and technology work to your advantage as there are a multitude of ways to detect and treat TMD. Give our Litchfield AZ orthodontist a call today for more information or to schedule a consultation.

Get Help with TMD from Our Litchfield AZ Orthodontist

The information provided in this article is not meant to be medical advice and is for educational purposes only. If you would like to learn more about this and other topics related to orthodontics, feel free to contact Surprise Orthodontics, with a convenient orthodontic office near Litchfield AZ, by clicking here or by calling 480.719.6320.