Orthodontics / TMJ

Orthodontics is one of the specialties of dentistry that is concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of malocclusions, which may be a result of tooth irregularities and/or disproportionate jaw relationships. In many cases, it involves teeth that are crowded or crooked. In some cases, the upper and lower jaws may not meet properly. And in other cases, it could be both.

Here at Silvesti Dental & Associates, we can help to correct the problem to create a beautiful and healthy smile for patients of all ages. Malocclusions often are diagnosed as early as five to six years of age, as the child’s permanent teeth erupt. By the age of seven, they have a mix of primary (baby) teeth and their permanent teeth, which is an ideal time to identify problems with erupting teeth and jaw growth. If there is concern for crowded, crooked or misaligned jaw positions, our recommendation is to have orthodontic records done to confirm the diagnosis.

Ortho records consist of taking a panoramic x-ray, a cephalometric x-ray, dental impressions and digital pictures done right in our office with one of our trained hygienists. Once the records are complete, a consultation with the doctor allows for your questions to be answered, treatment explained and a treatment plan customized for the patient.  

Although treatment plans are specific to each individuals needs and depending on what conditions need correcting, children can expect to wear dental appliances for one to three years in phase one and then into braces for one to four years in phase two. For adults, treatment usually takes a little longer than a child’s due to the fact that an adult’s facial bones are no longer growing. But no matter what your age, it is never too late to improve your dental health and smile. 

TMJ (called the temporomandibular joint) is a small joint that is located in the front of the ear where the skull and lower jaw meet. It allows for the lower jaw to move and function. TMJ disorders are not uncommon and have a variety of symptoms. Patients can often have the following symptoms:

Determining the cause of a TMJ disorder is important because it often is the cause that guides the treatment. Arthritis is one cause of TMJ symptoms. It can result from an injury or from grinding your teeth at night. Another cause is a displaced or dislocated disk that is located between the jawbone and socket. Stress may also trigger the pain in the jaw muscles when patients frequently clench or grind their teeth.

To help identify the source of the pain, we will perform a thorough exam and take a specific digital x-ray of your joints to make the diagnosis.

Treatment for TMJ can vary for each individual and may include short-term non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for pain and muscle relaxation, bite plate or splint therapy, and even stress management classes.