The temporomandibular joint is the “hinge” that attaches your jawbone to your skull. You have two temporomandibular joints, one located on either side of your face. They allow you to open and close your mouth for speaking, chewing, yawning, and more. When something goes wrong with your TMJ, this is called TMJ disorder, or TMD. This is often a painful or uncomfortable condition that requires treatment from your orthodontist in Solon, OH.

About Temporomandibular Joint Disorder

You probably know someone who has experienced TMD because it’s fairly common and may have many causes, including:

• Trauma to the face or jaw
• Chronic conditions such as arthritis
• Long-term teeth grinding or clenching
• Disc erosion
• Connective-tissue diseases

TMD may be very painful with symptoms such as jaw tenderness, ear ache, or an inability to open and close your jaw. Pain may radiate throughout your face, making it difficult to pin down the exact source. Fortunately, your orthodontist can easily diagnose and treat TMD.

How to Manage TMD

If you’ve been diagnosed with mild TMD, your orthodontist may have specific instructions to help you manage it, including:

• Applying hot or cold compresses to painful areas
• Performing simple jaw exercises
• Ceasing bad habits, such as nail-biting or resting your jaw in your hand
• Avoiding wide-mouth movements, such as yawning or singing
• Practicing relaxation techniques, such as meditation or yoga

More serious instances of TMD may require treatment with medications such as pain relievers or muscle relaxers. Wearing an occlusal appliance, such as a mouth guard, may be helpful as well. In some instances, physical therapy or surgery may be required to improve the symptoms of TMD.

Help for Temporomandibular Joint Pain in Solon, OH

For help with TMJ disorder in Solon, OH, call McGuire Orthodontics and Facial Orthopedics to schedule a consultation today.

Airway Orthodontics is a branch of orthodontia that focuses on improving the way we breathe. It can be especially beneficial for adults who suffer with obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA. It’s also helpful for children who are at risk of developing sleep apnea. OSA has been linked to conditions such as learning disability, heart disease, and chronic ear infections. Learning to manage it through simple procedures that enlarge the airway, known as airway orthodontics or airway-focused orthodontics, is an ideal solution. Your orthodontist in Shaker Heights, OH, can tell you more about the many benefits of this noninvasive treatment.

Examples of Airway Orthodontics

Airway orthodontics target the way you take in and release air. In order to get more air in, your orthodontist may recommend braces that expand the arches in pediatric patients or they may suggest myofunctional exercises for adults. These are exercises that strengthen and train the muscles that support the face, tongue, and jaw. Your orthodontist may also recommend appliances or procedures that realign your jaw, correct problems with tongue position, or improve the way you breathe when sleeping. CPAP machines are good examples.

Uses for Airway Orthodontics

There are many applications for airway orthodontics. In fact, they can be used to improve the quality of life for many patients, especially for those who struggle with common disorders such as:

• Snoring
• Sleep apnea
• Restless sleep
• Daytime drowsiness
• Chronic allergies

Sometimes, patients who have suffered all their lives with common maladies find sudden relief through the science of airway orthodontics.

Airway Orthodontics in Shaker Heights, OH

If you’re interested in learning more about airway-focused orthodontics in Shaker Heights, OH, call McGuire Orthodontics and Facial Orthopedics to schedule a consultation. One of our friendly and experienced clinicians is always ready to help.

Permanent and Removable Retainers

A retainer is a crucial component of orthodontic treatment. Because teeth aren’t fixed into place, they can shift over time. A retainer is designed to keep teeth in place after braces are removed. Learning about the differences between the two primary types of retainers — permanent and removable — can increase your understanding of the recommendations your orthodontist makes.

Permanent Retainers

Pros: A permanent retainer is comprised of wire that is attached to the rear of your teeth. Because they are permanently bonded into place with long-lasting glue, this type of retainer is both effective and durable. Wires are attached behind the teeth to hold the permanent retainer in place. This makes it difficult for others to see the wires.

Cons: You might find it more difficult and time-consuming to floss your teeth. Depending on your orthodontist, special tools might be recommended to make caring for your permanent retainer easier and more effective. Some people might not like how the wires feel in their mouths.

Removable Retainers

Pros: Made of clear plastic, one type of removable retainer is designed to fit over your teeth like a mouth guard. A different type uses wires to secure the dental device to your mouth. This design makes it less noticeable compared to a permanent retainer. Another key advantage of choosing this type of retainer is that it can be removed. In fact, you’ll need to take it out in order to eat, brush your teeth or play sports.

Cons: Because they are made of plastic and removed quite often, this type of retainer can be less durable. This can also make it more likely that the retainer will get lost or broken. You might need to replace it more frequently if you lose it or it gets broken.

McGuire Orthodontics is focused on one thing: to provide their patients with beautiful and healthy smiles.