TMJ Dysfunction and Tooth Wear
TMJ dysfunction and tooth wear are diagnosed and treated as part of a comprehensive bite plan. Dr. Luciano Retana brings prosthodontic-level training to bite analysis, occlusal therapy, and the restoration of worn teeth.
TMJ dysfunction involves the jaw joint and the muscles that control it. Tooth wear involves the gradual loss of tooth structure from grinding, clenching, acid, or a bite that does not function properly.
Diagnosis includes a clinical exam, photographs, and bite analysis at the Boulder office. Treatment may include an occlusal guard, physical therapy referrals, restorative work to rebuild worn teeth, or coordinated care with other specialists.
Identifying and treating the underlying bite issue protects your teeth from continued damage and addresses pain and dysfunction at the source rather than the symptom.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about tmj dysfunction and tooth wear.
People with jaw pain, clicking or popping, frequent headaches, or teeth that are visibly worn or flattening. These often trace back to how the bite comes together or to clenching and grinding.
It starts with a careful bite analysis. Depending on what's found, care might involve a custom nightguard, adjusting how the teeth meet, or rebuilding worn teeth to restore proper function.
A nightguard can be ready in a couple of visits. Rebuilding worn teeth is a longer, staged process planned around your specific bite.
Bite problems tend to develop slowly, so catching wear early makes treatment simpler. Dr. Luciano Retana's prosthodontic training is geared toward exactly this kind of bite and restoration work.
A nightguard takes a little getting used to but requires no recovery. If teeth are restored, any sensitivity settles quickly and the bite feels more comfortable as everything aligns.
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