Is a night guard an alternative to getting crowns on all my teeth? After wearing a night guard for a month to calm my TMJ symptoms, my jaw clicking and migraines have decreased. My dentist recommends crowns on all my lower molar teeth. Is this over-treatment? Should wearing the night guard be enough? – Thanks. Jozef – NY
Jozef,
Using crowns to rebuild your bite and improve tooth alignment is an accepted method for treating TMJ disorder. A full-mouth reconstruction with crowns for all teeth may be recommended in certain situations.
You’ve mentioned consulting a “TMJ specialist.” While that term isn’t a formally recognized dental specialty, effective TMJ treatment requires specialized post-graduate training. Standard dental school education often doesn’t cover the complexities of jaw mechanics and TMJ disorders.
Consult a skilled cosmetic dentist for natural-looking crowns
Research to find a dentist with advanced training from well-regarded post-graduate institutes for optimal care. These programs provide in-depth education on complex restorative dentistry and TMJ treatment.
Some institutions known for their comprehensive training include the following:
- The Pankey Institute (Key Biscayne, Florida)
- The Dawson Academy (Florida headquarters with locations in four other states)
- Spear Education (Scottsdale, Arizona)
- The Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies (Las Vegas, Nevada)
- Piper Education and Research Center (Tampa, Florida)
Look for dentists who have completed the entire curriculum at these institutes, as this indicates a higher level of expertise.
It is a positive sign when a mouth guard alleviates symptoms. Although your dentist may provide adequate care, ask questions to ensure you’re comfortable with the treatment plan.
David Finley, DDS, a Monroe, Louisiana, accredited cosmetic dentist and Academy of General Dentistry Fellow, sponsors this post. Read about what Dr. Finley and his team do to provide some of the best dental care in Monroe.
