860-563-4544
Innerpage Hero image
Advanced general and cosmetic dentistry
delivered with complete comfort.
Request an Appointment

What’s the Solution for My Jaw Stiffness and Weird Smile?

Woman holding the side of her face portraying jaw stiffness and TMJ problemsWhat’s the solution for my jaw stiffness and weird smile? My upper teeth don’t show when I smile unless I force my lips up. I am very self-conscious about it. I don’t know if my jaw, teeth, or lips are unbalanced because I have jaw pain even throughout the day. I wear a nightguard, which makes my mouth and lips feel better, but I can’t wear it all day. P and T words are particularly difficult to pronounce during cold weather because my jaw seems tight, and I can open it enough to enunciate. Is this something dental veneers would, correct? Are they my only option? – Thank you. Iris from Long Island

Iris,

Please find another dentist if your current one recommends porcelain veneers to resolve your concerns. Although porcelain veneers might improve your smile, they could worsen your jaw pain and pronunciation problems.

It sounds like your teeth are worn, resulting in an overclosed bite. This could cause jaw pain, tightness, and other symptoms related to TMJ disorder. Feeling better when you wear a nightguard further indicates that you might have an overclosed bite. However, a dentist trained in TMJ diagnosis and training can confirm it.

What’s the Treatment for an Overclosed Bite?

Instead of porcelain veneers to correct an overclosed bite, a dentist with advanced TMJ training will probably recommend full-mouth reconstruction. A skilled dentist may recommend combining treatments, such as dental crowns or implants.

Schedule Consultations

Finding a dentist with adequate training and experience can be tricky, so look for dentists with advanced training from one of these institutes:

  • The Pankey Institute in Florida
  • The Dawson Academy, also in Florida
  • The Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies

If you find more than one dentist with the desired training, you can schedule consultations with at least two dentists to compare your options.

Rocky Hill, CT, dentist Dr. Thaddeus Michalski sponsors this post.

Non Invasive TMJ Disorder Treatment for Rocky Hill, CT

Untreated TMJ disorder can significantly diminish your quality of life. The constant pain, soreness, and discomfort can keep you from having the foods you love or participating in the activities you enjoy the most. But there is hope. Dr. Michalski can help you get immediate TMJ disorder pain relief with customized stabilization splints. These biteplates or nightguards can block pain and discomfort, and prevent further joint damage. You can make an immediate appointment with Dr. Michalski for the non invasive TMJ disorder treatment you want. Dr. Michalski is an experienced family and general dentist. Dr. Michalski proudly restores smiles daily throughout Ricky Hill, CT, Hartford, Wethersfield, Cromwell, Newington, Berlin, and nearby communities.

What is TMJ Disorder?

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders are a group of degenerative conditions that affect tens of millions of Americans every year. These disorders are characterized by pain in and around the jaw joint (Temporomandibular Joint) and the surrounding muscles. The joints are located on either side of the face just in front of the ears. TMJ disorder can affect your ability to speak, eat, chew, swallow, make facial expressions, or even breathe.

Do You Have TMJ Disorder?

TMJ disorder can vary in severity, but there are common symptoms that affect everyone with the disorder at some point. These may include: headaches, radiating pain in the face, jaw, or neck, jaw muscle stiffness, limited jaw movement, locked jaw, painful clicking noises, popping or clicking of the jaw joint when opening or closing your mouth, or a change in the way the upper and lower teeth fit together.

TMJ Disorder Appointments in Rocky Hill, CT

Don’t put up with the pain and inconvenience of TMJ disorder a second longer. Make an appointment with Dr. Michalski today. Dr. Michalski has helped scores of Rocky Hill patients find relief from TMJ pain and he can help you too. Dr. Michalski is available for immediate consultations and proudly serves patients throughout Ricky Hill, CT, Hartford, Wethersfield, Cromwell, Newington, Berlin, and the surrounding areas.