Invisalign
Invisalign is a popular option if the desire is to straighten teeth without the discomfort associated with conventional braces. A number of clear plastic aligners are created throughout the alignment process to facilitate tooth movement. The length of the process and number of aligners needed throughout the time period varies by each individual patient case. These personalized aligners are removable.
Night Guards
Bruxism, or teeth-grinding, is a condition that afflicts over 200,000 Americans per year. For some, it is a conscious habit, but in most, bruxism unknowingly occurs during sleep. The results of teeth-grinding include the wear-down of helpful enamel, shortening of the teeth, jaw pain, or even gum irritation. Additionally, the sound of teeth-grinding can be loud enough to disturb your partner’s sleep or others around you.
If you grind your teeth, a night guard may be the solution. A night guard resembles an athlete’s mouthguard, and it provides a protective barrier between your top and bottom rows of teeth. It is important to take preventative action as early as possible to fend off the damaging effects it can have on your oral health. To help with comfort and breathing at night, each night guard is custom-made for your teeth!
TMJ
Temporomandibular joint disorder, also referred to as TMJ or TMD, is a condition that can cause significant pain in your jaw. Tooth grinding or clenching is typically the dental manifestation of TMJ. The symptoms that are the result of the clench habit can range from the physical wear of the teeth to sore, tender muscles in the face, neck and shoulders to a painful, clicking or locking jaw joint (TMJ) to debilitating headaches.
Some Symptoms Include:
- Pain or sensation of tenderness in your jaw, face, ear, neck, or shoulder
- Increase in discomfort when you speak, chew, or yawn
- Inability to open your mouth wide or move your jaw from side to side
- Tired feeling in your face
- Difficulty chewing or a sudden change in your bite
Altoona Family Dentistry takes an impression of your teeth and bite to fabricate a splint to help with your TMD issues.
