Many people suffer from a poor or inadequate dental bite (malocclusion), which can either be associated with or separate to poor function of the temporomandibular joints that connect the jaw to the skull – a condition known as Temporomandibular Dysfunction (TMD), or simply Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ). Each of these conditions can cause significant pain or discomfort to a patient, which is why many dentists choose to focus on treating one or all of these areas.
As these conditions affect a high proportion of the population, there are many dental organizations that focus on the treatment of poor dental bite and dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint. Dentists that are members of one of these organizations will typically possess a deeper knowledge of the subject than non-members, and will typically provide more specialized and effective forms of therapy.
The types of dentists that typically provide treatment for poor dental bite or temporomandibular joint disorders are:
– Oral Surgeons
– Prosthodontists
– Some Orthodontists
– Some Periodontists
Your General Dentists will also likely have some, or in some cases, extensive knowledge of these conditions. When seeking treatment for poor bite or temporomandibular joint pain, it is always advisable to obtain a second opinion whenever possible, as professional opinions on these subjects can be widely varied.