Have you ever heard someone say “I have TMJ” and not quite understood what they meant? The acronym simply stands for “temporomandibular joint,” which are the joints that connect your lower jaw to the rest of your skull. When someone says they have TMJ, what they might actually mean is that they have TMD, temporomandibular joint disorder. What exactly is this disorder, and what are some signs that you might be suffering from it?

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If you have missing teeth, you might be considering getting a bridge or even dentures. But have you given some serious thought to dental implants? This restorative dentistry procedure has the potential to save your smile, and it can last much longer than dentures or a bridge. Let’s talk more about how this remarkable treatment may be able to help you.

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A smile is the universal gesture. It can put others at ease and let them know that you’re a friendly, warm person. It can boost your mood and even make you look younger. But what if your smile has some little (or big) flaws that are holding it back from reaching its true potential? There are several treatments available from your cosmetic dentist that can transform your pearly whites and give you a set of teeth that turns heads wherever you go. One of those treatments is porcelain veneers.

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What do you hope to accomplish in the New Year? If you are interested in making a change in your appearance, we’ve got a wonderful suggestion — professional teeth whitening. Only when you partner with your dentist will you benefit from the safest, most dazzling results under close supervision by a professional who knows what’s best for your teeth. What’s more, the results are revealed in a single visit! Keep reading to learn about in-office teeth whitening and how it can transform your smile.

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In 2018, there’s no reason to live with a smile that you don’t absolutely love. If you are dealing with serious dental damage, a visit to your cosmetic dentist can help you understand your options and how you can enjoy a happy, healthy, confident smile once again. A full mouth restoration or smile makeover may be just the ticket for your teeth — and the one that is right for you will depend on a few factors. Keep reading to learn more about these popular aesthetic treatments!

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Gum Disease is an aggressive disease affecting tens of millions of adult Americans.  A chronic type which affects the jaw bones around the teeth, is known as Adult Periodontitis.  This disease not only results in vast tooth loss, it may be quite disfiguring of the jaws as well. (B.T.W., there is Juvenile Periodontitis, affecting children entering puberty).

Oral bacteria communities known as Biofilm build up beneath the gum line.  Manual and rotary toothbrushes, floss and mouthwash , occasionally only make a dent in the problem.  The Biofilm is difficult to see, hard to reach, and typically requires a Dentist or a Dental Hygienist to determine its presence and remove it.  Most people are totally unaware of any problem, because for the most part, no pain is involved.

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It is estimated by the American Dental Association, that approximately 200,000 injuries each year in high school and collegiate football are prevented by wearing mouthguards.  Since dental injuries are the most common injury in sports, Dr. Raymond Flander did a study in 1995, reporting the high incidence of injuries in sports other then football.  The study notes that in football where mouthguards are mandatory, .07% of injuries were orofacial.  Contrast this to basketball where mouthguards are elective, 34% injuries are orofacial.  It seems obvious that custom fit mouthguards should be a routine piece of equipment in the prevention of dental and orofacial injuries.

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Snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) are common problems that can affect your sleep, and have a significant impact upon your health and quality of your life. Everyone knows what snoring is, but did you know that more then 50% of snorers have OSA.

You may say “So what!?” “What’s the big deal? It’s only snoring…” Well, it is a BIG DEAL. The fact that you may snore means that changes have already occurred in your upper airway to make you snore. Your airway is narrowing, limiting air flow as you breathe. In fact, it may completely collapse, causing you to stop breathing.

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I wonder how many people know that certain headaches, thought to be Migraines, may actually come from muscle tension underlying the Temple area of your head. These muscles known as the Temporalis muscles, acts as reigns to the lower jaw, keeping your jaw in proper position as you chew, speak and swallow. A missing tooth, chipped tooth, or high filling can cause a change of position to your lower jaw. This may result in added tension on your Temporalis muscle in order to keep your jaw in its proper position. This tension may subsequently result in inflammation of your muscle and tendons connecting to the bone.

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