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TMJ/TMD Treatment

What Is TMD?

Temporomandibular Disorders, or TMD, is a group of medical conditions that affect the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), the muscles that move the jaw, and the structures around it. The TMJ connects the lower jaw (mandible) to the skull’s temporal bone. This allows the jaw to move when chewing, swallowing, or speaking. When this intricate system doesn’t work properly or has problems, it can cause TMD, which causes pain, limited jaw movement, and other symptoms.

TMD can be caused by a number of things, such as a genetic predisposition, trauma or injury to the jaw, misalignment of the teeth or jaw, arthritis, and constant teeth grinding (teeth grinding). Stress and bad posture can also worsen the symptoms. But the exact cause of TMD in each person is different; in many cases, the cause is unknown.

The Trudenta System

The Trudenta System is a new way for our orthodontists to diagnose and treat problems with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). This advanced method comes from sports medicine and focuses on getting to the root cause of pain and dysfunction rather than just treating the symptoms. The system combines different diagnostic tools and treatments to give patients with TMJ disorders, headaches, and dental imbalances a complete and effective solution.

At the heart of the Trudenta System is a state-of-the-art process for diagnosing a patient’s dental health and bite force balance. Modern technologies like digital imaging, muscle tracking, and 3D modeling software are used. These tools allow us to get a full picture of your dental health and give important information about any problems or imbalances that may be causing them pain or discomfort.

Patients who undergo this all-encompassing TMJ/TMD treatment in Bartlesville and Tulsa, OK, typically see improvements in their general oral health and improved mobility, comfort, and function of their jaw and surrounding muscles.

Symptoms of TMD

TMD can appear in many ways, with symptoms ranging from mild to severe. Symptoms of TMD include:

  • Pain or tenderness in the jaw, face, or surrounding areas, which may be worsened when the jaw moves
  • Limited movement of the jaw or trouble opening and closing the mouth
  • Clicking, popping, or grating sounds when moving the jaw, which may or may not be painful
  • The feeling that the jaw is stuck or “catching” when opening or closing the mouth
  • Headaches, earaches, or feeling pressure in the ears
  • Dizziness, tinnitus, and hearing problems
  • Inflammation of the jaw muscles or nearby structures

A thorough physical exam at our orthodontic office in Bartlesville and Tulsa, OK, is usually needed to diagnose TMD. We will look at how your jaw moves, listen for unusual sounds, and feel the muscles and structures around the TMJ to find possible sources of pain and discomfort.

Young patient undergoing treatment

Zoom Whitening

Professional Teeth Whitening With Zoom

Everyone wants white, gleaming teeth, but with time, stains build up and dull their natural brilliance. This is where state-of-the-art dental technology like Zoom comes in, which has taken the orthodontic industry by storm and is used in professional teeth whitening treatments in Bartlesville and Tulsa, OK. Braces by Dr. C is proud to offer Zoom – a safe and effective way to get the dazzling smile you’ve always wanted, thanks to its cutting-edge features and impressive results.

The Zoom teeth whitening system is a highly advanced in-office treatment that uses an innovative LED light-activated method to remove stains and discolorations from your teeth’s enamel and dentin layers. This process removes tough, deep stains and makes your teeth several shades whiter, sometimes up to eight shades whiter, in just one visit.

The Whitening Process

During the procedure, our team will carefully apply the Zoom whitening gel, which contains the active ingredient hydrogen peroxide, to your teeth. The Zoom WhiteSpeed LED Accelerator light is then put over the teeth to get the whitening gel to work. The strong blue light breaks up the hydrogen peroxide in the gel, making it easier to get into the enamel and dentin of the teeth. This makes the whitening process go faster and work better.

The full treatment usually takes between 45 minutes and an hour. The LED light-activated gel process is done three times, with 15 minutes between each time. We might also offer you customizable intensity settings to make you feel more comfortable. This lets you choose the exact intensity and brightness levels that are best for your teeth and their sensitivity.

Long-Lasting Results

The Zoom system is designed to render long-lasting effects. You can keep the benefits of teeth whitening for years if you maintain good oral hygiene habits, including frequent brushing, flossing, and routine dental examinations. To help you maintain the new degree of brightness on your teeth, we will also provide you with a take-home touch-up package that includes whitening trays and a personalized low-concentration maintenance gel.

A bright, white smile can do a lot for your self-esteem and personality, and Zoom teeth whitening is the best way to get one quickly. With its advanced LED light-activation technology, personalized approach, and focus on safety and comfort, it’s no wonder that Zoom has become the most popular way for both professionals and their patients to improve the look of their teeth. Talk to our team at Braces by Dr. C to find out if Zoom teeth whitening in Bartlesville and Tulsa, OK is the best choice for your journey to a better smile!