Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ)

The chewing system is made up of four distinct parts: the TMJs (the jaw joint), muscles that move the lower jaw, back teeth, and front teeth. All parts must work in harmony to avoid any break down of the chewing system. A healthy chewing system is free of signs and symptoms of breakdown in the TMJs, teeth, and their supporting structure: the gum and bone, with peaceful musculature.

Signs and symptoms of breakdown include:

  • Pain and tenderness of the TMJs
  • Clicking or popping of the TMJs
  • Tender or sore muscles
  • Headaches
  • Worn teeth
  • Loose teeth
  • Fractured teeth
  • Aggravation of periodontal disease
Fix Your Bite - For Good!
Just about anyone who has had dental care of one sort or another.... is familiar with the "average" way doctors assess bite characteristics. Basically the patient bites down on carbon paper (other types include waxes, pressure indicator paste, etc.) and carbon (or some other coloring agent) is deposited on the "high spots."

Dr. Wilkin uses a revolutionary new diagnostic device called T-Scan, which is a computerized bite plate that registers how your bite comes together. It virtually eliminates the guess work and trial and error method of carbon paper to measure bite characteristics. The digital data provides a permanent record.

The T-Scan II helps reduce the risk of:
  • Implant failure
  • Traumatized teeth
  • Porcelain fractures
  • Unstable dentures
  • Ineffective splints
If you're prone to nightly clenching and grinding, we also offer Customized Night Guards to keep your muscles relaxed and help them recover.

Or for clenching and grinding pain during the day, we provide Splint Therapy, to allow your jaw muscles to remain relaxed and your bite to be stable during the day. A splint can also prevent damage to teeth that are under large amounts of stress from the grinding. Day splints are worn only until symptoms subside, usually fewer than 8 weeks. Longer use may be warranted depending on the severity of symptoms.

We also have ways to adjust, reshape and even up your bite so your teeth, jaw joints and muscles can feel relaxed and not stressed.

Ask us about equilibration today.