Will Dental Crowns Help with TMJ?
Posted by AllSmiles
I have TMJ and have worn down my teeth. I’ve worn a nightguard for more than 12 years. However, I think my daytime teeth clenching and grinding have ruined my teeth. My dentist wants to do crowns to relieve my jaw pain and migraine headaches. Would placing crowns on my teeth help? Thanks. Levi from MT
Levi,
Dentists often use crowns to change the way your teeth meet and relieve stress on the TMJ. This technique is widely accepted. In some cases, the most stable solution involves crowning all the teeth to rebuild the bite.
Why Look for Dentists with Advanced Training in TMJ Treatment?
Although you saw someone described as a “TMJ specialist,” there is no formal specialty. TMJ disorders require advanced education in restorative dentistry and jaw biomechanics. Treatment works best when the dentist understands how your jaw moves and how your bite affects the joint.
Dentists who pursue post-graduate training usually feel more confident diagnosing TMJ issues and recommending the least invasive option that can still restore function.
Which Institutes Offer TMJ-Relevant Training?
The following centers offer structured programs in occlusal therapy, bite reconstruction, and TMJ management. Completing the entire curriculum offers the most comprehensive preparation.
- Dawson Academy (FL headquarters, multiple training centers)
- Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies (Las Vegas, NV)
- Pankey Institute (Key Biscayne, FL)
- Piper Education and Research Center (Tampa, FL)
- Spear Education (Scottsdale, AZ)
Dentists who graduate from these programs generally receive more in-depth training than those who attend only individual courses.
Evaluating Your Dentist’s Treatment Recommendations
Your dentist’s plan sounds reasonable, particularly because your mouth guard has already relieved your symptoms. That response suggests her treatment is helping. Even so, asking a few clarifying questions can help you feel confident about your next steps.
Dr. Thaddeus Michalski, a Rocky Hill, Connecticut dentist, sponsors this post. Read about his efforts to provide some of the best dental care in Rocky Hill.