Galleria Dental Aesthetics | Dental Blog
Northern Virginia, including Arlington and Alexandria
Archive for July, 2011
What Dental Appliances are worn for TMJ Disorder?
Wednesday, July 27th, 2011
If you have been diagnosed with TMJ disorder, known as TMJ or TMD, your dentist may treat the condition with a dental appliance known as a dental orthotic device or with a nighttime mouth guard. These appliances are worn over the teeth to correct bite problems and relieve TMJ symptoms.
A nighttime mouth guard fits over either the lower or upper front teeth. A mouth guard is a good treatment for a TMJ patient who experiences jaw discomfort and tooth wear from nighttime jaw clenching and tooth grinding. The mouth guard protects the teeth from grinding together and also allows the jaw muscles to relax by preventing clenching.
Another kind of dental appliance, the dental orthotic device, is used to treat TMJ and has to be worn 24 hours a day. The purpose of an orthotic device is to act like a splint and move the jaw into the correct position. The orthotic device is custom made to fit to your teeth. Most often these dental appliances are worn on the lower jaw, covering your lower back teeth and passing around the front teeth.
If you experience TMJ symptoms and live in McLean, Virginia, please contact the experienced dentists at Galleria Dental Aesthetics to schedule a consultation.
Posted in TMJ | No Comments »
What is the Lifespan of a Dental Bridge?
Tuesday, July 19th, 2011
Generally dental bridges last between 7 and 15 years. At that point that bridge will probably need to be replaced. In some cases, dental bridges have lasted 30 or more years, although this is not usually the case. The longevity of your dental bridge depends in large part on your oral hygiene habits.
In extending the life of your dental bridge, it is important to remember that the bridge and supporting teeth require good oral hygiene, just like your natural teeth. The teeth surrounding the bridge, known as the “abutment” teeth, support and sustain the bridge, so it is very important that these teeth are kept healthy and disease free. Be sure to practice good oral hygiene habits and visit your dentist regularly. A dentist can spot any infection or problems early on, helping to extend the longevity of your bridge.
You may also want to consider a dental implant as a long-term tooth replacement. Dental implants act like a real tooth, utilizing an artificial root, which is bonded to the jaw bone, and a dental crown to replace the part of the tooth above the gumline.
If you have lost a tooth and you are interested in a dental bridge, please contact the experienced McLean dentists at Galleria Dental Aesthetics to schedule a consultation.
Posted in dental bridges | No Comments »
What Dental Appliances are worn for TMJ Disorder?
Thursday, July 14th, 2011
If you have been diagnosed with TMJ disorder, known as TMJ or TMD, your dentist may treat the condition with a dental appliance known as a dental orthotic device or with a nighttime mouth guard. These appliances are worn over the teeth to correct bite problems and relieve TMJ symptoms.
A nighttime mouth guard fits over either the lower or upper front teeth. A mouth guard is a good treatment for a TMJ patient who experiences jaw discomfort and tooth wear from nighttime jaw clenching and tooth grinding. The mouth guard protects the teeth from grinding together and also allows the jaw muscles to relax by preventing clenching.
Another kind of dental appliance, the dental orthotic device, is used to treat TMJ and has to be worn 24 hours a day. The purpose of an orthotic device is to act like a splint and move the jaw into the correct position. The orthotic device is custom made to fit to your teeth. Most often these dental appliances are worn on the lower jaw, covering your lower back teeth and passing around the front teeth.
If you experience TMJ symptoms and live in McLean, Virginia, please contact the experienced dentists at Galleria Dental Aesthetics to schedule a consultation.
Posted in TMJ | No Comments »
