Three common concerns Huntington Beach, CA cosmetic dentist Katherine Ahn Wallace, DDS pinpoints as having an uptick since the pandemic started are: TMJ-related symptoms, breathing and sleep issues, and—not surprisingly—stress and anxiety, which she says can have some lesser-known, yet serious, smile-related consequences.

Yes, definitely. But first, let’s clarify what TMD is. Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are disorders of the jaw muscles, temporomandibular joints (TMJ), and the nerves associated with facial pain. Factors that prevent the complex system of muscles, bones and joints from working together harmoniously contribute to inflammation and TMD.

Some of the common TMD symptoms include:

Some common known factors that contribute to TMD symptoms include:

The following structural and functional imbalances can predispose us to clenching, grinding and developing inflammation and TMD symptoms:

In my cosmetic dental practice, Impression Dental Care, I review the patient’s aesthetic goals as well as perform a thorough health-history review and airway health screening to identify any potential foundational problems that can affect the smile. If the patient does not display any signs or symptoms that could compromise the long-term health of the restorations, we proceed with the cosmetic work. However, if the patient has foundational issues that should be corrected prior to a cosmetic procedure, we schedule the patient for a thorough airway health (sleep, TMJ and orthodontic wellness) evaluation at one of our Aviara Whole Body Wellness speciality centers.

At Aviara, the exceptionally trained interdisciplinary team of medical & dental professionals performs a comprehensive evaluation of the patient’s structural and functional findings to find the best possible solutions to retrain the muscles and develop the jaw structures to improve sleep and breathing and restore TMJ health. Advanced diagnostic tools such as a CBCT (cone beam CT), HST (home-sleep study) and JVA (Joint Vibration Analysis) are available to assist in identifying the severity of the patient’s airway and overall health. Based on the comprehensive review, evaluation and diagnostic findings, the team at Aviara recommends or provides one or more of the following treatment options to address each patient’s specific needs:

Yes. It is helpful to first understand that aging and modern diseases stem mostly from inflammation triggered by airway compromise and lifestyle choices. With this said, it is also important to note that sleep, TMD and occlusal issues associated with inflammation can affect our aesthetics as well.

Like many other ailments of our body, temporomandibular disorders are progressive. It is estimated that about one-third of the population suffers from a symptom related to TMD. But, many who are afflicted with the earlier stages of TMD likely do not seek treatment because it may not be significantly affecting their quality of life yet. However, it is essential to address the symptoms in the earliest stages and find the appropriate treatments to minimize further damage to the critically necessary structures that affect our most important functions and behaviors.

Many people who have noticeable TMD symptoms first assume that the problem is ear-related or neurological and will seek an ENT or neurologist for a solution. The specialists will usually refer them back to their general dentist for a night guard. Sadly, most dentists do not have sufficient training in TMD and will do nothing, prescribe medications or make a traditional night guard which may not address the underlying issues and many times can trigger further aggravation.

Mouth breathing, a soft refined diet and restricted frenulum are three of the root causes of underdeveloped jaw and facial structures, crooked teeth and constricted airway. And these issues frequently lead to TMD and many other health problems. Unfortunately, 80 percent of the people with underlying airway issues are undiagnosed and unaware of the risk this poses to their overall health. The ADA (American Dental Association) recently made a recommendation that all dentists screen their patients for airway compromise for three main reasons: Most of the signs of airway compromise are present in or around our mouth, many corrective solutions for airway compromise are available through a dental professional trained in sleep, TMD and orthodontics and most people see their dentists more regularly than they see their primary care physicians. The recognition of airway compromise is especially important in growing children. At Aviara, we provide advanced integrated diagnosis and treatment options to guide our patients (birth to 100-plus) in making the best possible decisions for their overall wellness. A smile supported by a well developed jaw and airway will be more brilliant, youthful and long lasting than the one that is built on a collapsed foundation. ‘Ahncore Smile’ is a smile design concept we use for the smiles we create which addresses the foundational structural, functional and aesthetic components of a smile. Our ultimate goal for our cosmetic dental practice as well as our specialty sleep, TMD and orthodontic practice is to help our patients breathe, live and smile!

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