TMJ & Occlusion

Do you experience facial pain? Do you experience regular headaches? Do your jaw joints click, lock or hurt?

Do your teeth keep breaking? Are you wearing your teeth down? Do you grind your teeth during your sleep? Do you have ringing in your ears? Do you suffer with neck pain? Do you snore?

We have encountered many patients who are in a cycle of despair, being referred to one or more of these disciplines: physiotherapists, neurologists, osteopaths, ENT specialists and then maybe given antidepressants as a last resort, because the pain still persists. Life stresses can start the cycle or make the problem worse. Evolve Dentistry can offer tried and tested solutions that has helped many, many patients in the same position of this intolerable existence.

We will always fully assess the situation by finding out as much as we can about what treatment you have had in the past and how your pain affects you. There are various appliances depending on the nature of the problem. The aim of the appliances are to de-programme facial muscles and allow your teeth and jaw to find their correct balanced position. If the problem is extreme your whole ‘bite’ may need modified, either by adjusting your teeth wearing braces or restoring the teeth with crowns and onlays.

Dr Jonathan Sproson has completed hundreds of hours of CPD on this subject and is a member of the British Society of Occlusal Studies.

What is Occlusion and TMJ?

TMJ refers to the Temporo-Mandibular Joint – the hinge joint at either end of the jaw. This joint allows you to open your mouth to chew, eat, swallow, yawn, speak and all other normal joint movements.

TMD is Temporo-Madibular Disorder which covers a whole range of often distressing symptoms.

Conditions that we treat fall into three main categories

1. Myofacial or muscle pain which is the most common disorder – involves discomfort in the joint or the muscles that control the joint
2. Internal derangement of the joint can involve a displaced disc, dislocated jaw or injury to the condyle – this produces ‘clicking’ and ‘crunching’
3. Wear and damage to the teeth

Occasionally people have other health problems that co-exist with TMJ disorders such as chronic fatigue syndrome, sleep disturbance or fibromyalgia. It is not known if these disorders share a common cause but there may be a link.

What are the signs and symptoms?

Some patients may only experience one of the following signs, others have many on the list;

• Pain in the side of the face often radiating into the temple or behind the eye
• Tooth grinding especially at night
• Excessive wear of the teeth
• Limited movement and locking of the jaw
• Jaw muscle stiffness
• Pain in the ear, jaw or neck
• Painful clicking, popping or grating in the jaw joint when opening or closing the mouth
• Disturbance in the way the upper and lower teeth fit together
• Tinnitus or ringing in the ears
• Teeth breaking or wearing out

What treatment can you offer?

The majority of patients with TMJ do not require surgery. We use;

• Mouth splints and appliances depending on your problem
• Bite adjustments including equilibration
• Orthodontics (braces)
• Restorations
• Work in collaboration with therapists such as physiotherapist osteopaths and chiropractors as well as GPs

How long will treatment take to work?

Many people experience huge or even total relief in a few days of splint wearing. However, not everyone is guaranteed to respond to the therapy. Sometimes an alternate approach needs to be taken and sometimes referral for other investigation is required.

What are your success rates?

We have found we are able to help the majority of patients presenting these problems. Jonathan Sproson is a member of The British Society of Occlusal Studies and has completed hundreds of hours of CPD in this subject and successfully treated many patients over many years.

How much does it cost?

Every case is different, so it is impossible to be specific until we have a consultation. We recommend a dedicated TMD consultation when all aspects of your joint muscles and occlusion will be looked at.  At this appointment you will be given an estimate for your recommended treatment before deciding whether you wish to proceed with treatment.

Can I come to you if I already have a dentist?

Yes, we are happy to carry out your treatment and you would continue to see your own dentist for all your routine treatment.