Temporomandibular may be a big word, but learning about temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) isn’t too difficult. Essentially, the temporomandibular joints–the joints connecting your jawbone to your skull–aren’t acting properly. As you may have already guessed, this causes pain in your jaw joints, as well as jaw-controlling muscles. While unpleasant, these symptoms can be treated with myofunctional therapy. This treatment also works to prevent these symptoms from returning, which is always a nice incentive.
Rather than go with other methods–including surgery–myofunctional therapy can help strengthen weak facial and oral muscles. When strengthened, many of the symptoms of TMD go away on their own. Just like the rest of your body, working out to strengthen these oral and facial muscles play a large role in a healthy lifestyle.
When considering options to treat the symptoms of temporomandibular dysfunction, each case is unique–just like you–and should be approached in such a way. Each treatment is tailored to your individual needs, and are beneficial for both adults and children. Of course, the success of this therapy treatment is as effective as your commitment and diligence to being proactive with the exercises assigned.
Some benefits of myofunctional therapy include:
- Improved biting and chewing
- More efficient breathing
- Improves articulation and speech issues
- Straightens tongue, lips and cheek muscles, helping teeth to stay straight
- Improves the cosmetic appearance of the face
Even small annoyances can become big problems, and at Glass Orthodontics, we want to make sure your symptoms of temporomandibular dysfunction don’t turn into bigger issues further on down the road. With myofunctional therapy, some issues you’ve been facing for quite some time can finally be put to rest! Give us a call today at one of our two locations to set up an appointment, or schedule your complimentary consultation by visiting us online. We look forward to seeing you and getting you started with your personalized myofunctional therapy.
