TMJ Diagnosis & Treatment to relieve chronic pain in head, neck, & jaw joints

Dr. David Alpan was awarded the Master of Science in Dentistry (MSD) degree for the master’s thesis he wrote on the results of the two-year TMJ research project he did during his orthodontic specialty training from 1996-98. He founded Aesthetic Orthodontics in Las Vegas in 1999. Every year he and all the members of his team take continuing education courses to keep current with the most modern orthodontic and TMJ treatment methods.

What is TMJ?

The Temporal bones on both sides of the skull is where the Mandibular bone (lower jaw) rotates in this Joint as you open and close your mouth. This jaw joint is also known as TMJ. There is a disc in this joint as shown in this picture. When the relationship between the mandible and the temporal bones are incorrect one can develop TMD (temporal-mandibular disorder) with chronic pain in the head, face, neck and other areas. If pain or clicking occurs in the jaw joint it is called a TMJ disorder. One can have TMJ/TMD with or without symptoms. Stress can exacerbate symptoms. People who suffer from TMJ/TMD have a bad bite. This condition puts excessive pressure on teeth, joints and surrounding tissues. Many signs and symptoms may occur from this neuromuscular malocclusion (bad bite).

Symptoms:
You may be a candidate for neuromuscular dentistry if you experience any of the following symptoms on a regular basis:

  • Headaches or Migraines
    		•
  • Worn, chipped or cracked teeth
    		•
  • Painful or clicking jaw joints
    		•
  • Back teeth in mandible lower than front teeth
    		•
  • Facial pain
    		•
  • Lower jaw gets stuck open when yawning
    		•
  • Neck, shoulder or back pain
    		•
  • Cracked or broken dental restorations
    		•
  • Numbness in fingers and arms
    		•
  • Unexplained loose teeth
    		•
  • Congested, stuffy or ringing noise in ears
    		•
  • Space between upper front teeth getting larger
    		•

    Neuromuscular Diagnosis and Treatment: TMJ/TMD can be easily and painlessly detected using the Myomonitor, which is a Transcutaneous Electronic Muscle Stimulator (TENS) device that relaxes the facial muscles to find the optimum relationship of the lower jaw to upper jaw and skull – the ideal neuromuscular occlusion (correct bite).

    During Phase One of TMJ/TMD therapy Dr. David Alpan uses the Myomonitor to either adjust the bite by removing interferences on your teeth or a splint will be made to reposition the lower jaw. This clear plastic splint or mandibular orthopedic repositioning appliance (MORA) is adjusted while the Myomonitor is relaxing and repositioning your lower jaw. When no change of your bite occurs for one month Phase One treatment is complete. Phase Two involves permanently changing the relationship of the lower to upper teeth with dental restorations or orthodontic treatment. Dr. David Alpan will discuss with you the best way to permanently correct your bite depending on your specific needs and wants. If restorations are best, he will refer you back to your general dentist. Otherwise he will do the orthodontic treatment you need.

    Results

    Following treatment to correct TMJ/TMD, most patients experience lessening to complete cessation of symptoms. Imagine living pain free after enduring pain for years! Many patients also report positive aesthetic results – some are even asked if they’ve had a facelift.