Deborah - TMJ & Cosmetic Dentistry

TMJ Pain and Dentistry

Deborah had recent dental work completed with several dentists. Her current restorations fell short of achieving her cosmetic expectations and on top of that, they caused her severe pain and discomfort. She was experiencing constant neck pain and headaches and also difficulty chewing; none of which she felt before.

After seeing three different dentists to no avail, she wondered if anyone could help her. Deborah did some research online and was very impressed when she came across Dr. Muslin’s site. Not only does Dr. Muslin have dozens of remarkable "before and after" images of his actual patients, but he also presents thorough knowledge of TMJ function and bite alignment.

Looking for the Best Dentist

After her first visit with the doctor, she was convinced that Dr. Muslin was the best dentist to help her. He explained to Deborah that her bite was unaligned and how a bite reconstruction could benefit her. The prospect of straight, white teeth that could also help her jaw feel better sounded too good to be true to Deborah, but this was exactly what she was looking for. During this visit, the doctor slightly adjusted her teeth and already felt some relief.

TMJ Treatment & Neuromuscular Dentistry

The next step was to "test" her bite by adding height to her back teeth. This was done quickly and painlessly with temporary filling material. The next day the patient reported that her "teeth feel normal again. I can eat and chew normally and the pain is virtually gone!"

Replace Bad Porcelain Crowns

The rest of her care was broken up in several appointments to better manage her bite problems. The goal of her treatment was to save as much tooth structure as possible and get her bite as comfortable as possible so a combination of porcelain crowns and noninvasive veneers were placed on her upper teeth. The veneers were done without any shots or grinding to her natural teeth. These veneers, or "Instant Braces", are a great way to instantly whiten and straighten your teeth without damaging the natural tooth structure.

Invisalign vs Non-Invasive Porcelain Veneers

Deborah had started Invisalign ® treatment, but suspended the procedure just before she presented in our office. "Instant Braces" proved a better choice for her because they straightened her teeth in a matter of weeks instead of months or years. Veneers are also a good alternative to braces because they keep the teeth in place so the patient avoids the need to wear a retainer for the rest of her life. Dr. Muslin attempts to achieve a cosmetic balance with his restorations that goes far beyond what traditional braces or invisible orthodontics can accomplish. With the veneers, Dr. Muslin was able to change both the shape and shade of the teeth. Deborah’s teeth were angled in, which made her upper arch appear small for her mouth. The veneers made Deborah’s smile appear wider and filled in the dark spaces in the corners of her mouth.