While general dentists can help preserve the health of your teeth and alter their appearance, if you have seriously misaligned teeth, then you may need the services of a dentist that specializes in orthodontics. An orthodontist treats both dental, jaw, and facial problems.
Straightening Dental Malocclusions
Malocclusions are the dental term for misaligned teeth, which is one of the primary problems that orthodontists treat. When you think of an orthodontist Smithtown, your mind probably conjures up a set of metal braces, which is who you go to for that service. However, they do other things besides adding braces to teeth.
TMJ Treatments
Orthodontists can also treat misalignments of the jaw, sometimes with braces. However, they are also involved in TMJ/TMD (Temporal Mandibular Joint disorder) treatment in Smithtown, NY. The joint that is involved when you eat and speak can become misaligned and cause pain when you chew, yawn widely, or talk.
TMJ can develop in people who are highly stressed because they often clench their jaws or grind their teeth while sleeping. TMJ can also occur in older people whose mandibular joint is wearing from age, or in those with arthritis in the jaw or issues with the ligaments of the joint.
You should contact our office at Dr. Joe’s if you’re having symptoms of TMJ, which are:
- Problems or pain while chewing
- An ache in and around the ear
- Pain and tenderness of the jaw
- Facial pain
- Locking jaw, which makes it difficult to open and close
We will set up an appointment with one of our best orthodontists in Smithtown, NY, to find out if you have any problems with your jaw.
The treatment will depend on what is causing the pain. For instance, if you’re grinding your teeth, our orthodontist at Dr. Joe’s may recommend a night guard to protect your teeth from damage, relaxation therapy, and reducing the stress in your life.
If your jaw is arthritic, then your orthodontist may recommend physical therapy to make the jaw looser and the muscles around it stronger. For problems with crooked teeth or issues like TMJ, contact our office in Smithtown, NY, for an appointment to get treatment for your orthodontic issues.
If you are looking for orthodontics services in Smithtown, NY, visit Dr. Joe’s in Smithtown, NY. For years, our dentist Smithtown, NY has served residents of South Shore, Northport, the Hamptons, Bay Shore, Mid Island, North Shore, North Massapequa, East Quogue, Port Jefferson Station, Dix Hills, Deer Park, Huntington, Commack and the surrounding communities.
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