TMJ – Aesthetic Orthodontics, Las Vegas

PR Log (Press Release) – Apr 18, 2009 – Patients suffering from TMJ (also called TMD), a condition affecting the function of the jaw, often experience painful neuromuscular symptoms, such as chronic headaches, migraines, neck and back pain, and muscle spasms. Dr. David Alpan and his team at Aesthetic Orthodontics in Las Vegas, Nevada may be able to help. With over ten years of experience treating TMJ patients, Dr. Alpan offers a wide range of treatment options to help relieve TMJ/TMD pain and restore proper jaw function.

For the jaw to function correctly, the joint and the muscles supporting it need to be structured properly and working together. Temporomandibular disorders (TMJ/TMD) involve a structural imbalance between the jaw and the skull, which results in craniomandibular (head and jaw) dysfunction. Patients with this type of dysfunction may experience pain and diminished ability to move their jaws, resulting in issues such a difficulty speaking, problems chewing and swallowing, limited facial expressions, and even breathing problems.

Most widely seen in women of childbearing age, TMJ/TMD is extremely common, affecting millions of patients, both men and women, at any given time. This condition can sometimes be caused by an injury to the head or face. Other known or suspected causes of TMJ disorder include grinding and gritting the teeth, dental procedures (where the jaw is stretched or held open), and surgeries. Auto-immune conditions and low-level infections may also contribute to the development of TMJ-related problems.

Patients with TMJ usually first realize there is a problem when they begin feeling a throbbing jaw pain or craniofacial discomfort (head and face pain). They may also notice that their teeth are particularly sensitive or that their jaws make clicking or popping noises when they move. Ear pain or other ear problems can also be tell-tale signs of TMJ—a patient may experience vertigo (dizziness), a ringing in the ears, or a feeling of “stuffy,” clogged ears. Aches and pains in the eyes, throat, neck and shoulders may also be signs of TMJ.

TMJ can have a very serious impact on the quality of life of those who suffer. While not every TMJ patient is afflicted by every TMJ-related symptom, many sufferers experience a number of these symptoms at once. In fact, patients are often misdiagnosed due to the wide range of problems they report to their doctors. Some of the more debilitating conditions that are associated with TMJ/TMD include migraine headaches and sleep apnea. But TMJ, fortunately, is a very treatable condition. With the right therapies, patients with TMJ can get back to a more normal life, without pain, and with restored jaw function.

Dr. David Alpan is a top Las Vegas TMJ specialist. The founder of Aesthetic Orthodontics, Dr. Alpan also has offices in Los Angeles and Beverly Hills. A 1996 graduate of the University of the Pacific School of Dentistry, Dr. Alpan received his Masters degree after an extensive research study on the treatment of TMJ. Dr. Alpan has been treating patients with TMJ at his Los Angeles office since 1998, and in Las Vegas since 1999.

The professional, highly educated staff at Aesthetics Orthodontic is committed to treating TMJ/TMD patients with the utmost respect and caring. The environment at Aesthetic Orthodontics is relaxed and friendly, and the patient’s comfort is the team’s first priority. In addition to offering relief for patients suffering from TMJ and Muscular Skeletal Disorders (MSD), Aesthetic Orthodontics also provides a wide range of options for correcting misaligned teeth, including the popular Invisalign system.
http://www.vegastmjdentist.com