Healthy Temporomandibular Joints for Healthy Dental Restorations

The temporomandibular joints (TMJ) play a pivotal role in your everyday life, enabling you to talk, eat, and even yawn.

These intricate hinge joints connect your jawbone to your skull and are vital. Vital for a wide range of jaw movements. The relationship of the TMJ joints is very complicated. They are complicated as they are the only paired rotational and sliding joints in the body. Moreover the TMJs depend on the fit of your teeth to function normally.

While most associate issues with jaw pain, headaches, and difficulty chewing, there’s an often-overlooked connection. That connection is between your teeth, gums, and TMJ health.

This is where bioesthetic dentistry and specialist Dr. Mike Morris from Chittenden Dental come into play.

What is Bioesthetic Dentistry?

Bioesthetic dentistry is a specialized field. It focuses on harmony between your teeth, gums, airway and your temporomandibular joints.

1. Occlusion and Alignment: Your teeth’s alignment and the way they come together (occlusion) significantly impact your TMJs. When your teeth are properly aligned and function in harmony, it reduces stress on your jaw joints. Conversely, misaligned teeth or a bad bite can lead to TMJ problems, including pain, discomfort and degenerative joint disease.
2. Bruxism and TMJ Disorders: Bruxism, the habit of grinding or clenching your teeth, can exert undue pressure on your TMJs. Chronic bruxism may not only wear down your teeth but also strain your jaw joints, leading to TMJ disorders. Bioesthetic dentist Dr. Mike Morris will address bruxism and its effects on your TMJ by designing orthotics suited for your chewing system
3. Gum Health and TMJ: Gum health is an integral part of bioesthetic dentistry. Periodontal diseases can result in gum recession, abfractions (notching of the front of your teeth) and bone loss leading to infections in your gums and even loss of teeth. Regular dental check-ups and hygiene appointments are essential to maintaining healthy gums and avoiding TMJ-related issues.
4. Dental Restorations and TMJ Health: The materials used in dental restorations like crowns, fillings, or bridges can affect your bite and, subsequently, your TMJs. Bioesthetic dentists are meticulous in selecting materials and techniques that ensure a precise fit and natural bite, reducing the risk of TMJ complications. Some cheaper and non-biological materials are used by other dentists and can cause you harm.
5. Comprehensive Treatment: Bioesthetic dentistry takes a holistic approach to oral health. Chittenden Dental in Burlington considers not only the alignment of your teeth, but also your entire craniofacial system including your airway.

Temporomandibular Joints Health in Burlington

The connection between your teeth, gums, airway and temporomandibular joints is more intricate than it might seem at first glance.

By ensuring proper occlusion, addressing bruxism, promoting gum health, and using advanced dental restoration techniques: bioesthetic dentists play a vital role in preserving the health and function of your TMJs.

Find out more about TMJ health and bioesthetic dentistry in Burlington today.