Invisalign is a popular orthodontic treatment option for teens and adults who want to straighten their teeth without the hassles of traditional metal braces. The system uses clear, comfortable aligners that can be taken out when needed, which means there are no food restrictions and keeping up with good oral hygiene is easy. Best of all, no one will even know you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment because your aligners are practically invisible! Wondering how much Invisalign costs? Below, we answer this question and some others related to paying for Invisalign.
What does Invisalign cost in Aliso Viejo?
In Aliso Viejo, Invisalign costs between $1500 and $6000. There is a range of prices because what you pay depends on how many aligners you’ll need and how long your treatment will last. We’ll tell you exactly how much you can anticipate paying during your consultation. If your teeth and bite need significant correction, the cost is usually higher than if you only need minor changes.
Is Invisalign cheaper than braces?
Ceramic braces (also known as clear braces) and lingual braces, which are bonded to the backs of the teeth, are more expensive than Invisalign aligners. Metal braces are usually comparable in price to Invisalign, although this, too, is dependent on your orthodontic needs. Sometimes, Invisalign might be slightly more, while for others, the cost can be slightly less. Because the price difference is negligible, most patients simply choose the option that is the best fit for their needs and preferences.
How much does Invisalign cost with insurance?
Invisalign is typically covered up to the cost of traditional metal braces if you have orthodontic coverage via your dental insurance plan. During your consultation, if you have any questions about your benefits we can explain what is covered and what you will have to pay out-of-pocket.
Is Invisalign worth getting?
Yes, it most certainly is! Our patients love how their smiles look after they’ve had Invisalign, and they also have better oral health as a result of their treatment. However, outcomes aren’t everything; you should choose a treatment method that fits your lifestyle, as you’ll be wearing aligners or braces for a long time. Because of its ease and simplicity, Invisalign is popular among patients who appreciate having a discreet option so no one can see that they’re getting orthodontic treatment.
Is there a cheaper alternative to Invisalign?
While there are less expensive competitors, Invisalign and its in-person orthodontic visits is the best option for your oral health. To ensure that your teeth move as planned, your dentist will develop a custom treatment plan and closely supervise your aligner therapy. If you use an online aligner system and don’t have regular in-person consultations with a dentist, you might not achieve the results you want or, worse still, you might cause damage to your teeth and gums.
How can I pay for Invisalign?
You can pay for your Invisalign treatment in monthly installments through CareCredit if you can’t afford to pay for it all at once, and you can also use funds from a flexible spending account (FSA) or a health savings account (HSA). Many insurance policies cover a significant amount of treatment costs.
Learn More About the Cost of Invisalign
The best way to find out the cost of Invisalign for your unique orthodontic case is to schedule a consultation. Contact us today at 949-916-7800 to make an appointment to learn more about Invisalign.
Almost everyone has heard about Invisalign these days, either through friends or family members who have had it, from their dentist, or in commercials. While you may have a general idea of how Invisalign works, what you might not know is how long it takes Invisalign to straighten your teeth and give you the beautiful smile you’ve always wanted. Wondering how long you’ll have to wear Invisalign to get results? Read on to learn more.
Average Invisalign Treatment Time
The average Invisalign treatment time is 12 to 18 months for most patients, according to the Invisalign website. Of course, because this is an average, there will naturally be some outliers—some patients need to wear aligners for less than a year, while others may need more than 18 months. Despite these exceptions, the vast majority of Invisalign patients complete their treatment in the 12 to 18 month timeframe.
When compared to traditional orthodontic braces, Invisalign’s predictability is a significant benefit. Because we plan the precise movements of each tooth, we know exactly how many sets of aligners you’ll need during your treatment. Each set of aligners is worn for about two weeks, so we can come up with an approximate treatment time by multiplying the number of aligners you need by two.
Understanding Your Orthodontic Needs
The number of aligners you require for your treatment is determined by the severity of your orthodontic issues. Invisalign therapy, like traditional metal braces, will take longer if you have a more complicated orthodontic case.
You’ll probably only need a year of treatment if you’re an adult who wants to use Invisalign to correct minor orthodontic relapse caused by not using a retainer after getting your braces off. If you’ve never had orthodontic treatment and need to repair major bite problems or teeth misalignments, you may need to wear aligners for up to 18 months, or perhaps even longer.
Compliance With Invisalign Treatment
Invisalign is predictable when compared to other orthodontic treatments, but one thing we can’t foresee is your compliance with the system. Because braces are bonded directly to your teeth, they work all of the time, whereas Invisalign aligners only work while you are wearing them. Wearing your aligners for 20 to 22 hours per day is recommended by Invisalign, but we encourage you to only take them out to eat, drink anything other than water, brush, and floss. Every two weeks, or as directed, you’ll switch to a new pair of aligners; each set brings you a little bit closer to your final results.
You’ll increase the length of your Invisalign treatment if you take your aligners out regularly and keep them out for hours or even days at a time. Even if you still switch to a new set of aligners every two weeks, it won’t help keep your treatment on track if you’re not actually wearing your aligners as directed—instead, this can cause complications and impact your long-term dental health.
Luckily, most patients have no problem complying with their Invisalign treatment instructions because aligners are clear, comfortable, and much more convenient than metal braces!
Learn More About Invisalign
Are you wondering how long you’ll need to wear Invisalign? Contact us today at 949-916-7800 to schedule an appointment for a consultation.
Teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry procedures. Wondering why that is? It’s simple: most people have stained teeth at some point in their lives, whether as a result of coffee, smoking, aging, or certain medications. Before deciding to get teeth whitening, many patients want to know how long they can expect their results to last. To answer this question, there are a few things to consider.
Types of Professional Teeth Whitening Treatments
When it comes to teeth whitening treatments, there are a variety of solutions available over-the-counter these days, but professional teeth whitening is still your best bet. Because these treatments are either overseen or administered by your dentist, they are more effective and less likely to cause painful sensitivity, enamel wear, or soft tissue irritation.
To whiten your teeth in our office, we offer Zoom! whitening, which uses a professional-grade bleaching gel to whiten your teeth in just under an hour. A specialized light activates this gel, amplifying its effects for even more whitening power. With our in-office bleaching treatment, you can leave our office with teeth up to 8 shades whiter than when you walked in!
If you prefer to whiten your teeth at home on your own time, or if you only have minor discoloration or stains, take-home teeth whitening may be the best option for you. Our teeth whitening kits include custom-fitted whitening trays and professional-strength whitening gel. We will instruct you on how long to wear the whitening trays and how to fill them with the whitening agent.
How Long Teeth Whitening Lasts
The most accurate response to “How long does teeth whitening last?” is: until your teeth become stained again! In other words, if your teeth were stained by smoking or coffee and you don’t give up or cut back on these habits, your stains will likely return after a few months have passed.
Your teeth whitening results can last up to 3 years if you brush and floss for two minutes twice a day, get your teeth cleaned every six months, and stop (or cut back on) any bad habits that caused your stains in the first place.
How to Make Teeth Whitening Last Longer
Following your teeth whitening treatment, we’ll provide you with detailed aftercare instructions to help you maintain your results. These include:
- Coffee, tea, red wine, and other staining foods and drinks should be avoided or limited.
- When you consume a food or beverage that has the potential to stain, brush your teeth afterwards. If you’re not at home and don’t have access to a toothbrush and toothpaste, rinse your mouth with water.
- Every few months, or whenever you notice new stains forming, use an at-home touch-up kit to whiten your teeth.
- Every six months, visit your dentist for a comprehensive oral evaluation and dental cleaning to remove surface stains from the teeth.
- Stop smoking.
Learn More About Teeth Whitening
Are you considering teeth whitening treatments? Contact us today at 949-916-7800 to schedule an appointment for a consultation at Aliso Smiles.
Are you in need of tooth replacement? Whether you need to replace just one tooth, a few teeth, or an entire arch, dental implants are one possible solution. A dental implant can replace a single tooth or serve as an anchor for a bridge or dentures.
If you’re looking for a practice who can provide you with dental implant placement, you need to find a dentist that has ample experience with this procedure. Here’s how to find a qualified dental implant dentist in your area.
Ask For Recommendations
Do you know someone who has a dental implant? Talk to your friends, family members, coworkers, neighbors, and anyone else you know and ask if they have a dental implant dentist they would recommend. If they had a good experience with a certain dentist, ask them to be specific about what they liked and didn’t like about them. If the same dentist’s name comes up more than once, they are certainly worth checking out.
Get a List of In-Network Dentists From Your Insurance Provider
Another place to start is to request a list of dentists from your dental insurance provider who are in-network, meaning the cost of dental services are pre-negotiated. An in-network dentist will cost you less out of pocket for dental implant placement than a dentist who merely accepts your insurance plan. Compare the list to the list of recommendations you’ve accumulated from people you know.
Verify Their Credentials
Once you have a list of a few top choices, it’s time to do some research. Start by verifying the dentist’s credentials, such as where they went to dental school and whether or not they are licensed to practice dentistry in the state where they are located. You can find most of this information on the dentist’s website or contact the office to ask.
Look For Professional Affiliations
A quality dentist will most likely be a member of a variety of professional dental organizations, such as the American Dental Association and the Academy of General Dentistry. Affiliation with professional organizations shows a dedication to the profession and the field of dentistry they specialize in, if they have a specialty. It indicates a willingness to stay up to date with current best practices and new information.
Ask About Their Dental Implant Success Rate
The typical rate of success of dental implants is 90-95%. Ask any dentist you are considering what their personal rate of success is with previous patients who have received dental implants. Do most of those dental implants last? What went wrong with the implants that failed? These are perfectly acceptable questions to ask a dentist you are considering for dental implant placement.
Find Out What Technology They Use
A qualified dental implant dentist will use current, up to date technology for their procedures. Guided placement is a computer-based system that helps dentists to place dental implants at the correct angle and depth for an increased chance of success. Other technologies should be used to make your procedure less invasive for a more comfortable experience and a faster recovery rate.
Plenty of Experience
Find out how many years of experience the dentist has with placing dental implants. Did they practice anywhere before opening their current practice? How long have they been providing dental implant services? These are questions that can help you get an accurate idea of the level of experience the dentist has. The more experience a dentist has, the greater the chances of a successful dental implant placement.
Dr. Sajit Patel at Aliso Smiles is a Highly Qualified Dental Implant Dentist
If you’re looking for a dental implant dentist in Aliso Viejo, California, Dr. Sajit Patel D.M.D. at Aliso Smiles is highly qualified. His credentials speak for themselves (Tufts University and the Southern California School of Dentistry), as well as his memberships with the American Dental Association and the California Dental Association, and others. Dr. Patel participates in continuing education opportunities that allow him to hone his skills and learn new techniques.
Whether you need a single dental implant, a bridge, or dentures, you can trust that your procedure will be carried out with the utmost skill and expertise.
Call 949-916-7800 today to schedule a consultation or request an appointment. We look forward to providing you with quality dental care.
Dental veneers are a fantastic solution for a variety of cosmetic issues. Patients with chipped, stained, or malformed teeth often consider veneers to enhance the appearance of their smiles, but they want to know how long veneers last and how to care for them before moving forward with the procedure. Here’s what you should know.
About Dental Veneers
Dental veneers are thin shells that are placed directly on your teeth to hide cosmetic flaws and give you a more attractive smile. Some patients only need one or two veneers, while others want to have a full set of veneers placed on all of the teeth that show when they smile. Even if you only need a veneer for one tooth, it can make a significant difference in your facial appearance.
Porcelain veneers, composite veneers, and instant veneers are the most popular types of veneers. Porcelain veneers are the gold standard because they are the most durable and natural looking. These types of veneers are constructed with thin layers of porcelain to give them a realistic look, similar to how real teeth are made with layers of enamel. Composite veneers are made of resin and are less costly than porcelain veneers. However, they do not last as long and do not look as natural. Instant veneers, unlike porcelain and composite veneers, are not customized for each patient, which makes the process faster, but the results are not as realistic as those of porcelain and even resin.
How Long Different Types of Veneers Last
There’s no way to predict exactly how long your dental veneers will last, because there are a number of different factors at play, which means results can vary. These are typical lifespans for each type of veneer:
Porcelain veneers – Porcelain veneers will last about 10 years on average, but with proper care and maintenance, they can last up to 20 years or even longer.
Composite veneers – Composite veneers usually have a three-year lifespan. They don’t last as long as porcelain veneers because they stain more easily and the material they’re made of isn’t as durable, requiring more maintenance.
Instant veneers – Instant veneers are made by a number of different manufacturers, and some claim to last as long as porcelain veneers, with an average lifespan of 10 years and up to 20 years with good care and maintenance.
Making Your Veneers Last Longer
What are the best ways to maximize the lifespan of your veneers? Beginning with healthy teeth is a good start, and being diligent with your oral hygiene habits will help too. Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time, and floss at least once a day. Schedule professional dental cleanings every six months to keep your teeth healthy and ensure that your veneers are in good shape.
Wear a mouthguard to protect your veneers if you participate in sports. Similarly, if you grind your teeth or clench your jaw when you sleep, you’ll need a night guard to keep your veneers from breaking. Don’t bite or chew on hard foods like ice or nuts, and don’t bite your nails or open packets with your teeth.
One of the most frequently requested cosmetic dental procedures is teeth whitening. Why is it so popular? It’s simple: most people deal with discolored teeth at some point in their lives. Drinking coffee and tea, smoking, certain medications, and even aging can all cause your teeth to become stained or yellowed. Luckily, professional teeth whitening treatments are fast, non-invasive, and effective. If you’re wondering how much teeth whitening costs, we answer that question, along with some others you might have, in the blog post below.
What does teeth whitening cost in Aliso Viejo?
With so many in-office and at-home teeth whitening solutions available these days, prices can vary a great deal. We use Venus White Max whitening treatments because we feel Venus White Max provides the best results with the fewest side effects. In-office whitening costs $350, while at-home teeth whitening costs $400
What is the best whitener for your teeth?
There’s no one-size-fits-all whitening treatment that is the best. Patients have different needs and what is best for one person might not be the best for you. We will recommend a whitening solution to you based on the amount of discoloration you have, your desired outcomes, and your lifestyle. For patients who want dramatic results in the shortest amount of time, we recommend Venus White Max in-office teeth whitening because you’ll be able to achieve a brighter smile in under an hour. If you prefer to whiten your teeth at home or you have only mild stains, at-home whitening is an excellent solution.
Is professional teeth whitening worth the cost?
Yes, professional teeth whitening is worth the cost. Store-bought whitening kits are best for very mild surface stains; if you use these products improperly, you can cause irritation to your gums and enamel erosion. Professional teeth whitening treatments yield the best results, work faster, and are safer because they are overseen by your dentist.
Is teeth whitening covered by dental insurance?
Teeth whitening is considered a cosmetic procedure, and as such, it is not covered by dental insurance.
What is the safest form of teeth whitening?
Professional teeth whitening performed by a skilled cosmetic dentist is the safest form of teeth whitening. While it’s true that over-the-counter whitening products that carry the American Dental Association (ADA) seal are tested for safety, many people use them more frequently or for longer periods of time than recommended, which can lead to painful tooth sensitivity, irritation to the gums and other soft tissues, and damage to the enamel.
How long does teeth whitening last?
Teeth whitening will last for as long as you maintain your results. Follow the aftercare instructions we provide to you, break any habits that cause stains and discoloration, practice good oral hygiene habits, and get dental cleanings every six months. When needed, you can touch-up your smile with your at-home whitening trays and gel.
Learn More About Teeth Whitening
Do you want a brighter smile? Contact us today at 949-916-7800 to schedule a consultation at Aliso Smiles.
If you’ve never had a root canal before, you likely have no idea what to expect—or, even worse, you’re expecting something completely different from what the actual experience is like. Contrary to popular belief, root canals relieve pain rather than causing it! Below, we’ll answer how long a root canal procedure takes and what you can expect from the process.
What Happens During a Root Canal Procedure
When the pulp tissue inside a tooth is inflamed or infected, a root canal treatment is needed. This treatment gives us the chance to save your tooth from having to be extracted, which is the best option for your dental health. The modern endodontic techniques we use, along with local anesthetic, mean that root canals aren’t any more painful than having a cavity filled.
The first step in getting a root canal is numbing the affected tooth and the soft tissue surrounding it to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure. Next, a small opening is made in your tooth, which allows us to view and access the pulp chamber and roots. Any inflamed or infected tissue is removed, then the canals are cleaned, reshaped, and disinfected. To replace the pulp that was removed, a material called gutta percha is used. Your tooth is restored with either a dental filling or with a crown, depending on the size of the opening that was needed.
How Long It Takes to Get a Root Canal
Many dental procedures are fairly predictable, but there is more variation involved when it comes to root canals, which means there is no one-size-fits-all answer to how long it will take. If a tooth has severe infection, it may need to be medicated during your first appointment, with the rest of the root canal procedure completed in a second appointment. A tooth that needs to have a crown placed after root canal treatment may also require additional appointments.
Another factor is the anatomy of your tooth, as this can make your root canal treatment more complicated. While root canals typically take between 60 and 90 minutes, a complex case could require two 90 minute appointments, plus an additional appointment for a crown.
Recovery from a Root Canal Procedure
Now that you know how long a root canal takes, maybe you’re wondering how much time you’ll need to take off of work. Many of our patients choose to return to work or school immediately after their root canal procedure. Your mouth will be numb for a few hours after your treatment, so if your job requires speaking or interacting with the public, you may want to take the rest of the day off instead.
You’ll experience some tenderness and sensitivity on and around the treated tooth for a few days after your root canal procedure, but there’s no need for rest or downtime. Follow the aftercare instructions we give you and you’ll feel back to normal again in a few days!
Learn More About Root Canal Procedures
Do you have questions about getting a root canal? Contact us today at 949-916-7800 to schedule an appointment for a consultation.
Many of our patients are interested in getting dental implants to replace their missing teeth, but they worry about the costs involved. While dental implants are the best solution available for missing teeth, they are also the most expensive—but that doesn’t mean they’re not worth it. Below, we address some of the most common questions we hear about the cost of dental implants.
What do dental implants cost in Aliso Viejo, CA?
Answering this question can be complicated and confusing because there are a number of different factors involved. An implant-based restoration usually has three parts: the dental implant itself, a restoration (crown, bridge, or denture) that replaces the visible portion of your missing tooth, and an abutment piece that connects the two.
The cost of a single dental implant in Aliso Viejo ranges from $3500 to $6000, but that’s only the cost of the implant post. You’ll need to consider the number of teeth being replaced, the type of restoration you’re getting, and the material used to fabricate it. A single dental crown attached to a single dental implant will be considerably less than an implant-supported denture.
You’ll also need to factor in any supplemental procedures that are needed to prepare you for dental implant surgery. These may include tooth extractions, sinus lifts, or bone grafts to reconstruct the jaw, allowing a stable base of support for your dental implants.
All of this is to say that the best way to find out the cost of dental implants for you is to visit our office for a consultation.
Why are dental implants so expensive?
When you compare the cost of dental implants with the cost of a traditional bridge or dentures, it’s understandable that you might experience some sticker shock. Why do dental implants cost so much more? The answer is simple—a bridge or denture only replaces a tooth above the gumline, while an implant-based restoration replaces the root as well. This means there are more costs involved.
Not only do you need to pay for the implants in addition to the restorations, you’ll also need to pay for the surgery to place them—dentures and bridges do not require surgical placement. Then there are the additional appointments, imaging, and time spent planning your surgery.
Still, dental implants are a better option because they prevent bone loss in the jaw and they’re made to be a permanent, life-long replacement for the roots of missing teeth.
Does insurance pay for dental implants?
Dental insurance plans vary from one provider to the next, so we recommend contacting your insurance company directly to find out what they cover. It’s becoming more common for dental insurance providers to offer at least some coverage for dental implants, but often there are restrictions and requirements involved—for example, your restorations may be covered, but not the implants they attach to. In some circumstances, your medical insurance may also provide coverage for dental implants. We’re happy to help you understand your benefits and out-of-pocket costs.
Are dental implants worth it?
Dental implants are absolutely worth it! You’ll be overjoyed by your results—a complete restoration that looks, feels, and functions more like your natural teeth than any other option available. Dental implants prevent bone loss, which means a stronger bite, better overall oral health, and even a more youthful appearance.
Learn More About Dental Implants
If you have questions about dental implants or you’d like to schedule a consultation at Aliso Smiles, call 949-916-7800 to make an appointment.
Sleep apnea can have a dramatic impact on your overall quality of life, but you may suffer with it for years before you’re ever diagnosed. When you have obstructive sleep apnea, your breathing becomes shallow or pauses altogether while you sleep. This jolts your body out of deep sleep, but most people have no recollection of this occurring—even if it happens dozens of times throughout the night. Treating sleep apnea is important, but in order to treat it, you must first know the signs to look for.
Signs of Sleep Apnea
The most obvious sign of sleep apnea is snoring and pauses in breathing during sleep, but unless someone else observes these symptoms while you’re asleep, you’re unlikely to notice them yourself. You may, however, notice that you wake up gasping for air or feeling like you’re choking. This occurs because when you sleep, the soft tissues in your airway become relaxed and block the flow of oxygen.
Here are some other signs of sleep apnea that you should be aware of:
- A sore throat when you wake up
- Morning headaches
- A persistent feeling of exhaustion and sleepiness, even with eight or more hours of sleep
- Trouble focusing
- Mood disorders, including depression and anxiety
- Difficulties with school or work
If you’re experiencing any combination of these symptoms, you may need a sleep study to determine if you have obstructive sleep apnea.
Consequences of Untreated Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea makes it difficult for patients to live their lives to the fullest. Getting eight hours of restorative sleep each night is important for our overall well-being. Without it, you feel lethargic and irritable; you may struggle to concentrate at work and find your performance slipping. The sleep deprivation caused by obstructive sleep apnea even puts you at a higher risk of a car accident.
There are long-term health consequences of sleep apnea as well. Increased risk of heart attacks, type 2 diabetes, and strokes are all associated with sleep apnea. It’s also believed that sleep apnea increases blood pressure and the level of stress hormones in the body. It’s no wonder why patients with sleep apnea feel so lousy all the time!
Best Sleep Apnea Treatment
The good news is that there are effective treatments available for sleep apnea. Although you’ve likely heard of CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machines, dentists have another sleep apnea treatment available that many patients find more comfortable and less cumbersome to wear every night—oral appliance therapy.
Oral appliance therapy is similar to a mouthguard or night guard, but its purpose is to engage the muscles in your airway to keep the soft tissues from relaxing and blocking your breathing. These oral appliances are easy to wear and keep clean, and they’re also much easier to bring with you when you travel than a CPAP machine. If you have only mild to moderate sleep apnea, we recommend oral appliance therapy before CPAP therapy.
Learn More About Sleep Apnea
Do you think you might have sleep apnea? Have you been diagnosed already, but you find sleeping with a CPAP machine uncomfortable? Contact us today at 949-916-7800 to schedule an appointment for a consultation.
The temporomandibular joints, or TMJ, perform the important function of connecting each side of your jaw to your skull. You might not think about these joints very often, if at all, but you use them frequently—when you eat, yawn, talk, or simply shift the position of your jaw a bit, your TMJ act as sliding hinges to allow these movements. Given how often you use them, it’s easy to see how dysfunction in these joints can cause a great deal of discomfort.
Defining TMJ
First, it’s important to clarify that TMJ is shorthand for the temporomandibular joints. Everyone has TMJ, but not everyone has TMJ disorder—this is the term used to describe dysfunction in these joints. To make things even more confusing, TMJ disorder is often referred to as TMD.
TMJ disorder can be placed into one of three categories. These include:
- Myofascial pain – This is pain that originates in the muscles surrounding the TMJ, rather than the joints themselves. Teeth grinding and jaw clenching are common causes.
- Internal derangement of the joint – Derangement can be caused by an injury to the condyle, a dislocated jaw, or a displaced disc.
- Arthritis – We’re all familiar with how arthritis attacks joints in the knees and wrists, but it can also affect the temporomandibular joints.
Symptoms of TMJ Disorder
TMJ disorder can be difficult to diagnose because it shares symptoms with a number of other conditions. A patient may suffer from chronic headaches for years before realizing that these headaches originate in the TMJ. Some signs that you might have TMD include:
- Headaches and migraines
- Facial tenderness, especially around the jaw and cheeks
- Earaches or feelings of fullness in the ears
- Tightness in the jaw
- Popping and clicking when eating or opening your mouth
- Locking of the jaw
- Pain when eating
Causes of TMJ Disorder
Treatment for TMJ disorder begins by determining the underlying cause. If, for example, your TMD is caused by arthritis, we will work in collaboration with your rheumatologist to help alleviate your symptoms and treat the root cause of your pain.
TMJ disorders caused by injury often require a different approach than TMD that involves myofascial pain, which is the most common type of TMD. When TMJ pain comes from the muscles surrounding the joints, it’s often because of a teeth grinding or jaw clenching habit, also known as bruxism. Bruxism usually occurs during sleep, so many patients don’t even realize they’re grinding their teeth or clenching their jaws, but Dr. Patel can look at your teeth and identify signs of these habits.
Bruxism and the TMJ pain associated with it can be treated with a custom nightguard, which has the dual purpose of relieving pressure on the temporomandibular joints and physically preventing you from grinding your teeth.
Learn More About TMJ Disorder Treatment
If you suspect you have temporomandibular joint disorder and would like to meet with Dr. Patel for a consultation, contact us today at 949-916-7800 to schedule an appointment at Aliso Smiles.