TMJ Braces are not the same as regular orthodontics. Ortho- means straigtht and -dontics means teeth. Orthodontics means straight teeth, however, a patient can have straight teeth with one or both jaw joints in bad positions. This results in headaches, neck aches and lots of other nasty symptoms. It is true, that most temporomandibular joint dysfunction patients have deep bites.
The deep bite forces the jaw joints backward into the ears whenever the patient swallows or eats.
Many cases improve when this deep bite is corrected.

          TMJ Braces usually involves wearing a plastic positioning appliance to hold the jaw joints in place while segments of the teeth are moved into their final positions. Much of the treatment of severe dysfunction patients is aimed at finding a bite that is harmonious with both jaw joints. Plastic appliances are used to create different bites until the best position is found. This good bite is different from the natural bad bite. The teeth in the bad bite with the bad jaw joint positions must be gently moved into the new good bite without moving the position of the jaw joints.

          TMJ Braces are much more complicated than routine orthodontic care. In normal orthodontics, the teeth are moved until they are straight with no attention on the jaw joint positions. It takes longer than regular orthodontics and require more attention from the dentist than traditional orthodontic care.

          Dr. Padolsky and the dentists at the Atlanta Dental Group PC are dedicated to their patients' good health and well being. You are welcome to join our family of patients. Dr. P enjoys treating patients with temporomandibular joint dysfunction and does offer TMJ Braces to patient with this need. If you wish to consult with Dr. Padolsky, call 404-874-7428.