Something is going on with your bite, and it’s not quite right. Maybe it’s been a week or a month since you’ve noticed a change in your pain and discomfort. Have you secretly been wondering or worrying about what could be wrong? Issues with the TMJ (temporomandibular joint) are something more and more patients are experiencing at our dental office in Carlsbad.
The good news is: There’s a way to end all of this, and it starts by learning more in our blog. (Get ready, read on, and realize better days are ahead.)
Let’s Talk About Your TMJ
You’re probably familiar with your TMJ or temporomandibular joint. When it’s out of alignment and causing you considerable pain, TMD or temporomandibular order could be to blame. What does this mean in everyday terms? Your jaw is not aligned correctly, and everything is off because of it. Your Carlsbad dentist, Dr. Drew Addy, can help by working on realignment and bringing your bite back to a more optimal position. This is where the Freedom Appliance or KOIS Deprogrammer can work its magic. While the changes might be slight, the improvement you’ll feel in your bite after this treatment is complete can be dramatically life-changing.
What is a Freedom Appliance?
When you meet with Dr. Addy for a consultation and TMJ evaluation, we’ll use our state-of-the-art technology to determine if the Freedom Appliance will be a good fit for you. The KOIS Deprogrammer is a carefully crafted plastic appliance that looks and feels like an orthodontic retainer. We work to customize your appliance for a comfortable fit for your natural oral anatomy. This allows for gradual, pain-free repositioning over time. The Freedom Appliance is an innovative dental tool that analyzes your present bite for possible improvement. It’s important to note that it’s solely used for diagnostic purposes.
How Does it Work?
If you’ve ever completed orthodontic treatment, you remember how important it was to wear your retainer. The Freedom Appliance is no different. It’s generally worn for about two to three weeks, nearly 24 hours daily. You can remove it for oral hygiene cleanings (brushing, flossing) and at meal times. The appliance prevents your teeth from touching and grinding against each other, allowing your jaw muscles to relax. Over time, your jaw will settle into a more optimal position. The muscle memory of clenched pain will fade away.
Are you interested in speaking with Dr. Addy about the Freedom Appliance and what it can do for you? It’s time you scheduled a consultation to talk with him, share your story, and work towards an achievable goal that gives you back the gift of a pain-free life. Reach out to us today at (760) 790-4531. to find an appointment time that works for you!
