Matching The Color of Natural Teeth

One of dentistry’s biggest challenges is matching the color of a single central incisor (aka your front tooth) so that your new crown looks natural. To understand why requires a little background on light and color.

As you may recall from high school science class, light carries color to our eyes. All the colors we see are the result of light either being reflected or absorbed by whatever object we’re looking at. All light contains every visible color in the spectrum, but we can’t see light at all until it is reflected off of an object. When light hits an object, some colors are absorbed into it. Those not absorbed are reflected back to our eyes as color. That’s why Matching The Color of Natural Teeth is crucial when performing oral surgery at our dental implant center.

Every material reflects light differently. Wood and metal, for example, absorb different amounts of light, so it’s a challenge to make one look like the other. Sometimes, under the right circumstances we can pull off an illusion that makes wood look like metal. In dentistry, we are always trying to create the illusion that dental materials such as porcelain, composites and acrylics are actually enamel, dentin and everything else that exists in natural teeth.

Color has three components: Hue, Chroma and Value:

• Hue is the color itself, such as red, green or yellow

• Chroma is the strength of the color

• Value is the degree of brightness or darkness (the amount of white or black)

In matching the shade of natural teeth, the most important component of color is Value. This is because our jaws are in the shape of an arch. The base of the arch is in the back of the mouth and the highpoint is in the front of the mouth. The midline, usually located between the central incisors, is the middle of the arch. Typically, this corresponds to the middle of your face.

As you can imagine, the farther a tooth is from the midline, the less its surface will be visible and the less light it will absorb. If the Value is matched very closely, the Hue and Chroma will blend under limited lighting, making it relatively easy to match the shade in the back of your mouth (the posterior) than it is in the front (the anterior) or what is referred to as the “aesthetic zone” that comprises your front six teeth.

In the aesthetic zone, Hue and Chroma take on a more important role, but once again, Value (how bright the tooth looks) is still the top consideration. Because your teeth are all usually in the same color range (Hue), if the Chroma is close enough, the Value will cause our eyes to perceive the teeth to match. Even normal, natural teeth may vary in shade, but the Value causes our eyes to see them as the same.

In reality, however, no two eyes see any color exactly the same – not even your own two eyes! Try this experiment: Take a solid colored object and look at it in a lot of light. Then close your right eye and note the color. Now, open your right eye and close your left eye. Try this back and forth quickly a few times and observe that the color will look slightly different to each eye.

When observing a color, our brains actually merge the images produced in each eye so that what we see is an average. Next, try looking at the same object in very low light. The difference between the eyes will be less or not at all. If you can get the light low enough, you will still be able to see the object, but not the color. At some point, without sufficient light, we are only able to see in black and white.

In dentistry, this use of Value to blend to the human eye will work in almost every situation – except at the midline. That location is the spot where the most light is visible and where our brains will interpret the color most critically.

This explains why even the most skilled dentists and dental technicians can get a shade match on a single central incisor to look indistinguishable from a natural tooth in artificial light, but not in sunlight. Or why they can achieve a match in sunlight but not in incandescent light. Or in incandescent light not in florescent light. We can pull off the illusion, but not in every kind of light.

There are a few options available for matching the shade of single central incisors. One is to match the type of light in which the patient is most often seen. Depending on the amount of translucency in the adjacent central incisor, the choice of restorative material can be critical in obtaining a match. But the surefire way to obtain a match that will create the illusion in every kind of light is to include the adjacent central incisor and restore both with the same materials.

While the science of light and color is far too complex to describe in a single blog post, I hope that this explanation leads to a better understanding of what goes into Matching The Color of Natural Teeth with dental implants and professional tooth whitening.

Contact us for a consultation.

Reverse Engineering for Function and Esthetics

Dental prostheses usually consist of three components: The first is the implant, which can be thought of as a replacement for the root. The second is the abutment, which fits on the implant and provides a platform for the prosthesis. The third component is the prosthetic tooth itself, which connects to the abutment. By Reverse Engineering for Function and Estheticsm starts with taking accurate impressions of the patient’s jaws.

Single tooth replacement and bridges require a tooth to be positioned and placed directly over an implant. If the implant is not correctly positioned, the result can be a misshaped tooth that has to be contoured to work with the bite of the opposing teeth, and must also twist and bend to meet and fit with the implant or abutment. The hybrid prosthesis usually consists of a CAD/CAM (computer aided design/computer aided manufacturing) titanium framework that interfaces with the implants or abutments, and connects the implants together with a bar to create a strong, solid and stable platform upon which to build the teeth.

The teeth are built on a bar supported by implants rather than directly on the implants. Because of this, the positioning of the implants in relation to the positioning of the teeth takes on less importance. In other words, the positioning of the teeth is not reliant solely on where the implants are located. This important feature of the hybrid prosthesis allows for a unique benefit for both the clinicians and patients: the ability to reverse-engineer the prosthesis:  i.e. Reverse Engineering for Function and Esthetics.

Reverse engineering the prosthesis starts by taking accurate impressions of the patient’s jaws. Then, in the laboratory, upper and lower master models are fabricated that accurately reproduce the position of the implants, the remaining teeth and the gums. A devise called an articulator is used to position the master models in the correct relationship, upper to lower. The articulator also replicates the motions of the jaws.

The teeth can then be positioned on the master model, creating the most aesthetic result while achieving optimum function.

This includes selecting the size, shape and shade of the teeth as well as their arrangement. Attaining the best results involves the skilled balance of science and art. While teeth can be positioned in the laboratory on an articulator, the final test of the esthetics and function can only be accomplished in the patient’s mouth. This is where they are set in pink wax to hold them firmly in place. A “try-in” allows for the repositioning of the teeth before they are permanently set in place.

A highly skilled prosthodontist is necessary to insert, evaluate and adjust the wax try-in of the prosthesis.  This ensures the correct position of the teeth in every function including biting, chewing, moving side-to-side and up and down, and even at rest. During the wax try-in, aesthetic aspects such as mid-line, smile line, natural bite, shape, size, shade, and position of the prosthesis are also analyzed.

After the wax try-in is finalized, the master model is digitally scanned into a computer. The wax try-in is also scanned and the two images are three-dimensionally superimposed upon each other.  The goal here is to create an image that shows the relationship between the position of the teeth and the implants. The technician, with the aid of the computer, can then design the titanium frame that connects the implants together and provides proper support for the teeth.

Once the frame has been digitally designed, all of the information is sent to a milling machine.  The machine cuts the frame from a solid block of titanium to the exact specifications of the scans and design. The finished frame is sent back to the laboratory and the teeth are processed onto the frame.

In the traditional mode of dental technology, the frame would have been made to fit the implants. And it would have dictated the function and esthetics of the teeth. With reverse engineering, the frame is dictated by the position of the teeth and the implants. This aspect of the hybrid technique enables functional and aesthetic results never before possible: Beautiful permanent teeth that work!

Contact By Design Dental.

Dental Implants: The Best Denture Alternative Philly Has to Offer!

People frequently call our office asking questions like, “How much do dental implants cost?” or “How long will it take me to get a set of dental implants?” When you take into consideration that we are a dental implant center, these questions may seem, at first, to be entirely legitimate. In our experience, however, it is not simply the cost or the quantity of time that makes the dental implant procedure an appealing investment. As with any product or service that stands the test of time, replacing broken or missing teeth is a complex process that requires expertise and the finest materials. Our patients get the opportunity to learn about this entire process, and they consistently come away from their treatment with the confidence that they have chosen the best denture alternative Philly residents can find.

Maybe you have seen an ad in a magazine or on a billboard, claiming something like, “Dental Implants: Only $999!” If this seems too good to be true, or even slightly misleading, that’s because such statements only give you a glimpse of the bigger picture. When you are looking for replacement teeth that will last you a lifetime, a series of procedures are required, and the implants you keeping hearing about are only one piece, one of several steps you will need to take to get the best denture alternative Philly has to offer. Your total mouth makeover begins and ends with very unique circumstances, so we encourage you to look beyond the cost of “just an implant”, and think about the current conditions of your teeth that need to be treated.

The Best Denture Alternative in Philly: All-on-4

When you visit us at By Design, we will evaluate your teeth, gums, and jaw bones to figure out a few factors that will ultimately determine the extent of your treatment. You may have several bad, broken, or missing teeth, We may discover partial teeth, broken beyond repair, which need to be removed before we can place a dental implant. Depending on the condition of your jaw bone at the site where we need to place an implant, we may need to do a bone graft so that the post can be firmly anchored in place.

On the day of your implant procedure, we can create a temporary tooth or set of teeth.   These temporary teeth allow you to chew and function almost to the full capacity of your permanent teeth.  They are meant to look nice and allow one to eat cautiously while the implants integrate to your jawbone over the next 3-4 months.  An added advantage for you and By Design is this allows you to provide lots of feedback to us if you would like any subtle changes to your final teeth, ie. make them a shade lighter.   After complete implant integration, we can transition you to your new, natural looking, permanent replacement teeth. Your new prosthetic teeth, specifically designed to allow you to eat, speak, and smile just like you did with your original teeth, are built to last you a lifetime.

As you weigh the pros and cons of crowns, bridges, and the best denture alternative Philly has to offer, remember that your treatment comes down to a whole lot more than just dental implants. Generalizations about cost can be very misleading, so we encourage you to look at the big picture. Do you want a solution that will last you a few years before needing to be replaced? Or do you want permanent replacement teeth with retention that only implants can provide, which will last you for the rest of your life?

Contact us for more information on how you can start your journey to new teeth in just one day!

You’ll Say NO to Dentures When You See What This Philly Dental Implant Center Can Provide

Teeth that are missing due to disease or decay have traditionally been replaced with dentures. For a long time, these removable false teeth provided the best solution to embarrassing, unsightly gaps. Dentures must be held in place with some type of adhesive, but they often move around or slip, causing discomfort and embarrassment for the user. They can irritate gums and even lead to sores. Dentures must also be maintained properly through regular removal for cleaning.

This solution to missing teeth is certainly far from ideal, as it can even cause difficulty chewing and eating certain foods. Thanks to modern technology, dental implants are now recommended as a better solution for missing teeth. Our Philly dental implant center can provide you with a new set of dental implants that will last longer, feel better, and look more natural than dentures.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are comprised of three different components. The first is a post that is placed into the space where the missing tooth used to be. This post is biocompatible and will bond with the bone tissue. This bonding provides the anchor for the post and the rest of the dental implant to remain secure and stable. The abutment is attached to the

post and helps secure a natural looking replacement tooth in the mouth. Dental implants can help prevent future problems associated with missing teeth, including the loss of bone density or the shifting of teeth around in empty spaces.

A Better Solution

Dental implants at our Philly dental implant center are firmly secured in the gum and jaw. They are very strong and will not slip or move around like dentures. Dental implants are the better and more permanent solution to missing teeth and they require much less maintenance than dentures. In fact, we tell our patients to simply brush and floss them like natural teeth and practice good dental hygiene.

Perhaps the best part is that your implants will feel like natural teeth. Many people complain about dentures being awkward and uncomfortable, but our implant patients will tell you that this solution is the closest thing to having your natural teeth back.

Our ability to do full mouth restorations also makes us unique. Our “All on 4” treatment concept offers patients a new set of teeth in just one day! Just four implants placed into the jaw bone serve as anchors for an entire set of new, natural looking teeth. If you have been wearing dentures and are tired of the discomfort, dental implants are the more permanent and natural looking answer.

Dental Implants Cost vs. the Cost of Dentures

By Design Dental Implant Center is proud to offer dental implants at a reasonable cost to patients from all over the region who come to us for service. Our office is the premier location to have your tooth replacement procedure performed. Our staff is made up of leading experts in their fields and our office is equipped with the latest technology and tools, which allows us to work efficiently, safely and successfully. We even have an on-site lab where your new, custom-designed teeth are created!

Dental Implants Cost vs. the Cost of Dentures

Dentures will be less expensive up front than receiving dental implants, but when considering the ultimate effects and benefits of either product, many patients discover that the dental implants cost is certainly worthwhile. Dental implants are an investment for the health and overall well being of the patient. These extremely durable replacement teeth provide comfort, self confidence, functionality and health. You’ll not only be able to avoid dealing with the mess and inconvenience of adhesives, but you’ll be back to eat the foods you love and talk, laugh and smile with confidence!

Many folks call our office asking, “how much is an implant?” The dental implant procedure involves several steps, which in a more conventional model is done in multiple places at various costs. When replacing missing, bad, or broken teeth, a person may need an extraction of a tooth (teeth), a bone graft, a tissue graft, the implant placed, an abutment, and the actual crown, or tooth. This type of procedure usually starts around a couple thousand dollars. We caution  patients who look solely at price when making their decision about whether or not to get implants. For years we have said, “nothing is more expensive than a redo.” It’s important to have a well trained group of specialists that are all working under one roof to execute a treatment plan with precision and accuracy. Consider the cost an investment in your future!

Any patient that has experienced living with dentures knows that they are not the most ideal answer to missing teeth. Advancements in technology and a more complete understanding of the human mouth have led to a higher quality solution: dental implants. Dental implants are replacement teeth that are custom designed for each patient and are securely placed into the jawbone. This anchoring of the implants also provides the jaw with the usual stimulation that it is accustomed to when a patient has his or her natural teeth. This stimulation keeps the jaw bone strong and healthy and actually minimalizes bone decay, which is another secondary benefit of having implants.

Taking Care of Dental Implants Cost

Dentures simply cannot provide the security and health benefits that dental implants offer. If you are interested in learning more about this unique and successful solution, please contact our office to set up your initial consultation visit. During this visit, your situation will be thoroughly assessed and a custom solution and timeline will be provided based upon our doctor’s assessment. We also offer financing options for your treatment and one of our financial consultants will assist you in working through a number of payment plan options. We know that the value you’ll receive from having this procedure done is well worth the dental implants cost, so we are committed to working with you to help you find a financing plan that fits your budget.

What are Dental Implants? They’re the Ultimate Smile Solution

The first thing people notice about you is the last thing you take care of…your teeth and smile! It is a noticeable physical feature that is unique to each person, but research has shown that more than one-third of American adults are actually unhappy with their smile. Many people have gaps in their teeth or have chipped or stained teeth. If you’re not happy with the appearance of your smile, you may find yourself smiling less and being concerned about your teeth. For many professionals, this can become a significant problem in their careers because it directly affects their confidence and the ability to be comfortable in social settings. Let’s talk about What are Dental Implants? They’re the Ultimate Smile Solution and they are a great potential solution for you.

In addition, many careers are demanding and stressful and smiling has actually been proven to alleviate stress and boost your immune system. Your smile isn’t just about esthetics, it’s also about your mental and physical well being. That’s why dental implants are a great solution for the working professional.

What are Dental Implants?  They’re the Ultimate Smile Solution from By Design Dental implant Center.

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are essentially natural looking tooth replacements. They are made up of three parts:

  • Implant/Anchor: made out of titanium, this becomes the root for your new teeth

  • Abutment: this component provides retention between the dental implant and the new tooth or crown

  • Crown/Tooth: this is the part that can be seen and functions just like natural teeth

Dental implants are a permanent solution for replacing teeth. They can help restore your smile and provide you with a vibrant, youthful appearance that you can be proud of. They also offer you the ability to maintain healthy teeth. Dental implants are stable and secure, giving you the ability to eat and chew normally. Basic mouth functionality will never be an issue again! And the best part is our ability to design custom teeth in our on-site lab. Your new teeth will be created “By Design” and customized to fit you personally, giving your smile a natural and attractive appearance.

Are Dental Implants for Me?

Now that we have addressed the question, “What are dental implants? They’re the Ultimate Smile Solution” be sure to check out our site to learn more and find out if dental implants are the answer you’ve been looking for.

If you’re a busy professional at the height of your career, you don’t have time to be worrying about the health of your mouth or feeling self-conscious about the appearance of your teeth. You also probably don’t have time to be making countless trips back and forth to multiple offices for various specialists. That’s why we recommend checking out the option of all All-on-4™ complete mouth makeover in just one day!

What are dental implants? They’re your ultimate solution for achieving the beautiful, healthy smile you really want! Don’t wait any longer. Come in for a free patient seminar to get additional information or call to schedule a personal consultation with one of our patient coordinators.

The #1 Benefit of Dental Implants

Because dental implants provide many great benefits, they are the preferred solution for those who need new teeth. These benefits include:

  • The long lasting security of your new teeth

  • The ability to create the exact smile you have always dreamed of through the customization of new teeth to fit your mouth perfectly

  • The functionality they provide for eating, talking, etc.

  • The ability to have your new teeth in just ONE day

While these benefits are obvious reasons why dental implants are a great choice for many patients, the The #1 Benefit of Dental Implants = Your Health!

Read more about the benefit of dental implants and their positive impact on the health of the patient.

Consider This Important Benefit of Dental Implants: The Impact on the Jawbone

The health of your jaw bone is a major factor in the overall health of your mouth. Your jawbone stays healthy because of the thousands of tiny stimulations it receives from your teeth rubbing up against one another during the course of any given day. When tooth loss occurs, the jawbone is no longer able to receive the stimulation it needs to stay healthy. Overtime the bone will decay further and further, which contributes to faster aging of facial features, decreased bone density and a decline in overall oral health.

Dental implants allow the jawbone to be continually stimulated even after tooth loss occurs. By replacing the teeth in such a way that allows them to interact with the jawbone, just as natural teeth would, the bone keeps its density and health. Other teeth replacement options like dentures do not provide this major benefit because they do not attach to the jawbone in any way.

Why Dental Implants are the Best Choice for Your Long Term Health

When considering the benefit of dental implants, remember that your oral health has the potential to significantly impact other areas of your health. When tooth loss occurs or when failing dentition is left untreated, infection and decay can cause toxins to enter your bloodstream. These toxins can be extremely harmful to your heart, which may result in major health issues.

Don’t let your overall health suffer because of negligence concerning your teeth and gums. If you’re experiencing pain or dealing with infection in your mouth, there’s a solution. Dental Implants protect the jawbone and gums and last a lifetime. At the same time, they contribute to your overall health by ensuring that a lack of oral health doesn’t lead to other problems throughout your body. The assurance that you can do something to protect your health should be comforting. That’s why it’s the major reason why many patients consider dental implants.

The By Design Dental Implant Center Difference

At By Design, the benefits of dental implants can be experienced in just one day’s time. Our office is uniquely equipped with not only all of the necessary state of the art equipment and technology to make your new teeth.  We are also equipped with an experienced and caring team of professionals to complete the whole process from start to finish. Because our team works together under one roof, our patients are able to receive their new teeth in one visit. This sets our practice apart from traditional dental implant providers. We also offer our patients a less painful, less time consuming and less expensive approach to receiving new teeth. Come in for a free consultation and let us tell you more about the benefit of dental implants!

There’s No Better Place to Get Pennsylvania Dental Implants

If you’re missing one or more teeth, Pennsylvania dental implants provide a natural, long term solution for achieving the healthy smile you deserve. You may have been considering bridges or dentures, but we believe that when you understand the benefits of implants, the choice will be obvious. Here are just a few reasons why dental implants are a great solution for anyone looking to improve the appearance of their smile or the health of their mouth:

  • Implants look and feel just like natural teeth
  • With implants, there is no need to carry around adhesive or other dental accessories
  • Implants allow you to eat all of the foods you love
  • Dental implants require NO drilling down of adjacent teeth

You no longer have to suffer with poor dentition for the rest of your life. Thanks to the amazing scientific breakthroughs that have advanced the dental implant procedure in recent years, getting new, beautiful teeth is now easier than ever!

In fact, if you’re looking for Pennsylvania dental implants, you’re in luck. Our local office is a regional leader in implant procedures. We can restore your smile whether you are missing just one tooth or need a full set of brand new teeth. Our popular All-on-4™ procedure gets full mouth reconstruction patients a brand new smile- all in one day!

Here at By Design Dental Implants Center, we’re more than just a cosmetic dentist’s office. We’re on the cutting edge of new technology related to tooth restoration and we’re offering a unique approach to dental implants. Our commitment is to providing the most streamlined, convenient process for our patients and we do that by having everything you’ll need, all under one roof. As a patient with By Design, you’ll benefit from having access to:

  • A full staff, consisting of every specialist needed along the way
  • Advanced, on site imaging and other diagnostic tools
  • Customizable new teeth made designed by an in-house lab tech

The days of going through a drawn out, tedious process are long gone. Now Pennsylvania dental implants can be a reality for you as soon as you are ready to schedule an initial consultation with one of our patient coordinators. We will walk you through the process each step of the way until you have the amazing, healthy smile you deserve!

Discover the Top Pennsylvania Dental Implant Office

If you are suffering from pain, health issues, embarrassment or pure inconvenience due to missing, broken or damaged teeth, its time to consider the opportunity to achieve a fresh, new, healthy look. Here at the top Pennsylvania dental implant office, we’re here to help! Did you know that dental implants are a great way to restore your teeth and your smile? There are many reasons why a patient may consider getting implants. For example, you could be a great candidate for implants if you are:

  • Interested in having a natural, long-lasting solution for missing teeth
  • Fighting oral infection
  • Avoiding the need for dentures
  • Wanting to achieve a cleaner, healthier look
  • Interested in eating the foods you want, not what you are limited to

Whatever your reason, dental implants can be the answer you’ve been hoping for! Our Pennsylvania dental implant office specializes in everything from single tooth replacement to total mouth reconstruction and we offer these services to our patients to improve their health and boost their self esteem without the hassle of the traditional “referral runaround.”

What Makes By Design Unique?

Our implants are custom designed by our in-house lab technician. With each individual in mind, he is able to prepare specific cases and design teeth that will fit perfectly in your mouth. Your implants will be anchored to your jaw just like natural teeth and because of this, they are extremely durable and can even last a lifetime. We use top quality Nobel Biocare products because they are the best available and we are committed to setting the bar for excellence in this industry.

Our center also utilizes state of the art technology, including 3D CAT scanning and CAD/CAM modeling technology. Our in house oral surgeon, prosthodontist, periodontist, lab technician and patient consultants are all extremely professional, always friendly and, of course, are experts in their specific roles. The best part is…they are all here to provide you comprehensive service right under one roof! And that’s what truly makes By Design’s Pennsylvania dental implant office unique. We’ve gathered the necessary specialists, tools and technology right here in one location to provide the most convenient process for our patients.

Imagine what it would be like to love and feel confident about your smile again! Why wait? Set up a personal consultation with a patient coordinator or plan to attend our next seminar for more information about how dental implants can improve your health and your smile!

TMJ Symptoms

TMJ is a very unfortunate joint disorder, which can cause many different symptoms. TMJ technically stands for temporomandibular joint syndrome. It is also sometimes referred to as a disorder, rather than a syndrome. The joints specifically affected by TMJ symptoms are critical for your jaw to move, and also connect the lower jaw to the skull.

While normal, everyday aches and pains are common, it is not normal to experience chronic pain and suffering. This usually means that there is an underlying problem, which needs treatment. TMJ is unique in this case, because your jaw is a complex joint that is connected to many other places in your body. This means that pain and discomfort in your jaw, can often lead to problems throughout your body.

This means that sometimes pain is being experienced in another part of the body, and one would not think to look for a dental issue, as the root cause (pun intended).

How Many People Are Affected By TMJ Symptoms?

Over 10 million people in the United States alone are affected by TMJ symptoms, with over 30% of adults likely to experience some kind of TMJ symptoms at least once in their lifetime. This is a very high number, and shows the important of taking care of your jaw, as well as generally not neglecting your overall oral health.

TMJ Symptoms

There is quite a long list of symptoms that those with TMJ can suffer from, and the following list is by no means definitive.

  • Problems chewing
  • Lack of jaw mobility
  • Jaw tenderness
  • Jaw spasms
  • Locking in jaw joint
  • Popping or clicking sounds in your jaw
  • Pain in jaw
  • A bite that is uneven
  • Teeth feel uncomfortable when mouth is closed
  • Jaw slides when opening mouth

Head Pain Related To TMJ

One of the biggest issues with TMJ, is serious head pain. This can manifest in a number of ways. The following is a list of common problems associated with head pain.

  • Cluster headaches
  • Issues with balance
  • Dizziness
  • Earaches
  • Hearing issues
  • Stuffy or clogged ears
  • Unexplained ear pain
  • Forehead pain
  • Facial swelling
  • Facial pain
  • Scalp that is overly sensitive

Other Pain Related To TMJ

  • Numbness in arms and fingers
  • Pain in your back
  • Shoulder or neck pain

Causes Of TMJ

There can be multiple causes of TMJ, but they are very often hard to determine. Jaw injuries, arthritis, or even genetics, can play a role. Grinding one’s teeth, or clenching teeth is also frequently common, but many who grind or clench their teeth never develop TMJ, or see TMJ symptoms.

Pressure on the jaw is the main reason why TMJ develops, and the misalignments in the joints and muscles of the jaw can cause TMJ symptoms to show. Interestingly, females are statistically much more likely to develop TMJ and see TMJ symptoms In fact, a shocking 90% of patients who go to their doctor for TMJ symptoms – are female!

Though the exact cause and mechanism behind this remains unclear, the thinking is that hormones and higher levels of stress and anxiety could be the cause behind this strange phenomenon. Stress can cause teeth grinding to occur during sleep, and this decreased amount of sleep can then turn into more stress! It is truly a vicious cycle, that can be very tough to get out of.

Some research also shows that estrogen imbalances may be linked to jaw issues, and likely this plays at least some part, in the large majority of people suffering from TMJ symptoms.

Risk Factors For Developing TMJ

  • Injuries to your jaw
  • Different forms of arthritis
  • Clenching or grinding of teeth
  • Tissue-related diseases

Treatment For TMJ

TMJ sometimes goes away without any treatment. However, if you experience persistent symptoms, doctors may recommend multiple treatment options, sometimes simultaneously.

Medications

Medications are often used as nonsurgical options for TMJ, as they often relieve the pain associated with the disorder.

Anti-inflammatories are the most commonly used medications, when looking to treat TMJ symptoms. The most popular of these options are NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen (typically sold as Motrin or Advil).

Muscle relaxants are sometimes used to help with pain related to TMJ symptoms, but they are only used very sparingly.

Pain relievers are another option, for more serious cases of TMJ symptoms, and are always prescribed by a doctor.

Therapies

There are also a few non-drug options, when it comes to treating TMJ symptoms. This can include physical therapy, mouth guards, and oral splints. These therapy options include ultrasound, ice and heat, and jaw exercises (which may help strengthen the appropriate muscles).

Surgical Procedures (And Other Options)

Surgery is a serious procedure, and should always be discussed in great detail with a doctor. TMJ symptoms that escalate to an inability to open your jaw all the way, are very serious. If you are experiencing this level of discomfort, it is absolutely best to discuss your options with a doctor. Some of the more common surgical procedures, are as follows.

Modified condylotomy is surgery on the mandible, which indirectly tends to help with TMJ symptoms. It is important to note that this surgery is not in the joint itself.

TMJ arthroscopy is another popular option, which can sometimes work as well as open-joint surgery. This surgery is also less risky than open-joint surgery, and typically leads to less complications. During this process, a small tube, called a ‘cannula’, is placed into the area of the joint, and then an arthroscope is inserted.

Arthrocentesis is one of the more popular options, as it is minimally invasive, and removes debris and other build-up directly in the joint. This surgery is usually done via tiny needles, and arthrocentesis is actually most commonly performed on the knee joint.

Injections may also help some people, though this is not the most common path to go down. Typically this is seen as corticosteroid injections, which go directly into the joint. More rarely, injecting Botox into the chewing muscles is a strategy that can also be employed. This type of injection can sometimes relieve pain associated with TMJ symptoms.

Alternative Medicine

Alternative medicine is a more controversial approach, in treating pain and TMJ symptoms. Since alternative medicine is not mainstream medicine, one should always talk with their doctor, as well as exhibit extra caution, if venturing into the alternative medicine realm.

Biofeedback is typically done via electronic devices that monitor specific muscles, and provide you with this data. From here, you will more effectively be able to practice proper relaxation techniques.

Relaxation techniques are also commonly used in the alternative medicine world, as they can help relax tense muscles, which sometimes aids in assisting pain.

Acupuncture is another possible alternative medicine solution, as it applies direct stimulation to the nerve, resulting in changes in signaling pathways of nerve cells.

Interesting Facts About TMJ Symptoms

Did you know that over 15 million workdays are lost, simply from TMJ symptoms? This mind-blowing fact is indeed true, and shows how important taking care of your teeth and oral health really is.

Since TMJ is a ginglymoarthrodial joint, it can move in multiple ways. The bad news here, is that if you are experiencing TMJ symptoms, you are likely to have many places in your body where you might be experiencing discomfort.

By contrast, nearly 25% of sufferers, report no TMJ symptoms at all! This unfortunately also means that their condition can be left untreated, which can result in dangerous outcomes. Though no TMJ symptoms may be present, the joints around your jaw will likely slowly deteriorate and become inflamed, which can lead to many other problems.

How Can I Avoid Problems With My Teeth?

Taking care of one’s teeth is truly a lifelong journey. It starts by brushing regularly. 2-3 times a day is ideal, and the ADA (American Dental Association) also recommends using a toothpaste with fluoride. Here are some of the toothpastes we recommend.

Brushing is also key because it helps eliminate plaque and food, which creates a sticky white residue on your teeth, and contains large amounts of bacteria. When it comes to choosing a toothbrush, there are many different choices. Some of our patients prefer electric toothbrushes, others do not. There are many different toothbrushes on the market, but this electric toothbrush model is one of our favorites.

Another key step in maintaining optimal dental health, is flossing regularly. It is best to buy floss in bulk, if you are looking to not only save money, but to never be without it, so you can always have fresh and clean teeth. There are a number of great flossing options on the market, and in fact there is very little difference between most varieties. One of our favorites can be found here.

We also recommend daily use of a mouthwash, usually after every brushing. This is – in our opinion – the best mouthwash on the market. Eating a diet low in sugar, and high in nutrients, is also critical in maintaining good dental health. Be sure to also drink plenty of water, and cut out beverages which can cause harm to the enamel of your teeth, like soda (even diet).