TMJ Specialist in Gilbert, AZ

Bruxism, or teeth-grinding, occurs when the jaws are clenched, and the teeth grind against one another. Stress and anxiety are often factors, but sleep disorders, an abnormal bite, and missing or crooked teeth may also instigate this subconscious behavior. If left untreated, bruxism can lead to headaches, a sore jaw, or painful, loose or fractured teeth.

It isn’t enough to diagnose TMD using a standard clinical exam. However, this is only the beginning. In addition to visual observation of teeth, our diagnostic process also involves cone-beam CT scan imaging, specialized x-ray imaging called cephalometrics, and innovative A Biopak technology.

Biopak is three diagnostic tools in one. Using an electrosonograph, we are able to hear the sounds made by the jaw joints. Using a three-dimensional tracking device, we can observe the path that the jaw follows when the mouth opens and closes. This enables us to see if irregular movement is occurring to compensate for an imbalanced bite. Finally, the use of electromyography shows us the true measure of how hard muscles are working to operate the jaw.

There are several ways in which to relieve the symptoms of TMD. Dr. Garza can also perform treatments that alleviate stress on the temporomandibular joints, thereby decreasing the physical manifestation of symptoms. Conventional approaches to treating TMJ include:

• Arthrocentesis
• Stress-reduction exercises
• Muscle relaxants
• Low-level-laser therapy
• Mouth protectors to prevent teeth grinding
• Consumption of softer foods to allow the jaw to rest
• Heat/ice packs
• Avoidance of extreme jaw movements
• Ozone injections
• Trigger point injections
• TP Laser application
• Cervical Realignment

Dr. Garza conducts his TMD treatment with the objective of stabilizing the physiological bite that we determine using advanced diagnostics. Orthotic devices represent an integral aspect of bite stability because these fixtures actually align the vertebrae in the neck to be in-line with the dental arches so the temporomandibular joints do not have to work so hard to align teeth when you chew. Once the appropriate orthotic device retrains the muscles, controlled arch orthodontics makes these changes permanent by restructuring the jaw and the upper and lower arches of teeth.

Neuromuscular dentistry is capable of correcting many cases of TMD. Dr. Garza believes in non-surgical physiologic rehabilitation of the stomatognathic system (TMJ, cervical spine, posture, airway, and occlusion) to eliminate pain and restore patients to a normal life. Neuromuscular/Physiologic dentistry is advanced care requiring special attention of the properly trained doctor. Dr. Garza brings all of his current skills and training into every case because it is life changing for many patients. We give pain patients their life back!

In phase I, Dr. Garza will find your Neuromuscular harmony and the physiologic rest position. This corrects TMJ dysfunction while idealizing the bite position to support the proper posture of the neck and spine. In phase I, all symptoms and function are addressed. This is done reversibly with temporary acrylic orthotics. Patients do not go to Phase 2 (restorative/permanent) unless Dr. Garza has adequately resolved your pain and dysfunction.

Phase 2 can be CA Orthodontics, Full Mouth Reconstruction (Porcelain crowns) or Coronoplasty (equilibration). The patients seen in these videos are actual patients that have been treated with phase 1 and then phase 2 (all three methods). They are living better lives and you can too!