TMJ/Orthodontic Care
- Live Pain-Free
- Feel Confident
- Look Beautiful
Appropriate TMJ Treatments
If you have or think you may have TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder, our talented dentist is highly skilled at assessing your jaw and providing you with the proper treatment. No one should have to suffer through the pain and discomfort of TMJ disorder.
The temporomandibular joint connects the lower jaw to the rest of the head. The term “TMJ” is often used to refer to TMJ disorder, also called TMD, which occurs when the jaw joint becomes stressed, injured or misaligned.
TMJ disorder may result due to several different factors such as stress, bruxism (teeth grinding and clenching), arthritis in the TMJ, or trauma and injury to the head, neck or jaw.
You may suffer from TMD if you experience frequent jaw pain or facial pain. TMJ disorders may also cause:
- Grinding, clicking or popping sounds in the jaw when you open and close your mouth
- Inability to open your mouth wide to speak, yawn or chew
- A locked or stuck jaw
- Pain when chewing and biting
- Pain in the neck, shoulders or ears
- Frequent headaches
Our dentist can help you determine the cause of your TMJ disorder and recommend the appropriate treatment.
Effective Dental Solutions
Contact us to set up an appointment.
(775) 392-3209
Started the process of my dental implant that I’ve been waiting on for a few years. Couldn’t be happier with the process, the reassurance I got from Dr Torres and the excellent care and smooth process that it all has been. Highly recommend Carson Valley Dental Arts to any who have had a bad experience before. You will change your mind about dentistry!
- Alexandra
Correct Your Teeth With SureSmile Aligners
To straighten your teeth without unsightly metal, we offer you convenient SureSmile aligners to correct misaligned teeth, bite problems or gaps in your smile.
SureSmile aligners are a modern orthodontic treatment solution that uses clear aligners to correct the alignment of your teeth. SureSmile aligners are custom-created using advanced computer technology. Each set of aligners is specifically designed to make precise, calibrated changes to the alignment of your teeth.
The aligners are easily removable, so you can remove them to eat, floss and brush your teeth. This makes it simple to maintain good oral hygiene while straightening your teeth.
Corrective Treatments for Grinding Teeth
Bruxism is a condition where a patient grinds, gnashes and/or clenches their teeth. It is typically an unconscious behavior, and can occur both while awake and sleeping.
Common symptoms of bruxism include worn tooth structure and flattening of the teeth, increased tooth sensitivity, jaw soreness, tenderness of the facial muscles and dull headaches. The grinding may be loud enough that it can be heard by others, especially if it occurs when you are asleep. Bruxism is commonly associated with airway disturbances, like sleep apnea and gastric reflux.
The constant force of opposing teeth rubbing and grinding against each other causes the hard enamel outer layer of the teeth to wear away, exposing the softer inner dentin layer, making the teeth weaker, more sensitive and could even become prone to decay. In addition, once the softer dentin is exposed, the pace of the wear will accelerate dramatically. Bruxism can also potentially lead to cracks or fractures in your teeth.
Excessive tooth wear causes many oral health complications, including unattractive and irregular tooth levels, uncoordinated chewing movements, jagged and sharp tooth edges, tooth pain and eventual loss of the teeth altogether.
There are preventative and corrective treatment options for patients showing signs of bruxism. Treatment will vary based on the underlying cause, the severity of behavior and the extent of tooth damage, making it critical to work closely with your doctor to proactively treat the issue before more damage occurs.
Comfortable and Fast Orthodontic Treatments
Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry focused on correcting irregularities of the teeth and jaw, especially in how they align and fit together. Our orthodontic services help straighten and align your teeth.
Treatment usually involves braces or clear aligners, and our caring dentist will work closely with you to help you determine which option is best for you. There are several orthodontic treatment options available, and our team will make certain that you receive the one that is right for your personal needs.
Through orthodontics, we can correct teeth that are:
- Misaligned
- Crowded
- Gapped and spaced
We can also correct problems with the alignment of the bite, including overbite, underbite, open bite and crossbite. Orthodontic treatment is now faster, more comfortable and more effective than in years past, making now a great time to straighten your smile.