Patients who suffer from symptoms of Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMD) often have an imbalance in their bite and supporting structures; including the masticatory muscles and jaw joint (TMJ). Overloading this dynamic system can cause premature wear, breakdown, facial pain from muscle hyperactivity, and pain from the breakdown of the TMJ.
Some of the common symptoms of bite problems include:
Teeth Issues:
Muscle Issues:
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Issues:
There is no one size fits all fix for any dental problem, particularly in regards to TMJ disorders. Each problem is unique to the individual patient. Furthermore, treatment planning is entirely dependent on the diagnosis. The services that Dr. Ghesmati and Dr. Cobb provide for treatment include:
A bite evaluation is not just a routine part of dental care. It can help identify underlying problems and prevent them from getting worse. An uneven bite can cause a myriad of different problems in each patient. A thorough and complete examination is necessary to determine the scope and severity of problems with your bite.
Our dentists will take an X-ray of the jaw and then use a bite plate to evaluate the bite pattern. We will then use this information to make a diagnosis and recommend treatment options. Our commitment to the latest technologies allows us to be extremely thorough and accurate in the assessment of your bite. Visit our dental practice in Washington, D.C. for more information on a comprehensive bite evaluation.
When bite issue symptoms are present, we aim to resolve these symptoms with the least invasive corrections possible. Sometimes, orthodontic treatment can align the teeth properly, but they still do not ideally fit together. Tooth wear, previous restorations, and the shape of the biting surface can also contribute to the presence of symptoms.
We are able to determine the best and most conservative course of treatment with digital tools that assess the bite and project correctional options virtually. Minor reshaping of the biting surface may be the most minimally invasive correction that results in an even and comfortable bite. Straightening your teeth with orthodontic options would be the next best thing.
If there are several complex issues affecting the function and health of the bite, Dr. Ghesmati and Dr. Cobb offer a comprehensive approach to both diagnostics and treatment planning. The goal is to establish a plan of treatment that restores comfort, stability, and aesthetics while supporting long-term dental health.
A full mouth restoration or rehabilitation takes into account the entire occlusal system, including teeth, gums, and jaw joints. We use a thorough and proven approach that can solve the underlying oral health problems and provide a predictable solution. Using digital technology to evaluate, analyze and create prototypes, we can “test-drive” the outcome before placing the final restoration(s) for a sustainable result.