Dr. West's Boulder Dental Blog

Malocclusions (bite problems) include overbites, underbites and crossbites. Jaw alignment disorders like TMD (Temporomandibular Joint Disorder) restrict proper chewing, talking, and swallowing. They can also cause teeth to shift around in the mouth. Lafayette dentistry patients with bite problems are at a greater risk for tooth decay and periodontal disease because bite misalignment often makes it difficult to maintain proper oral hygiene.

When the lower jaw is smaller than the upper jaw, it is called an overbite. When the situation is reversed, it is called an underbite. Crossbite occurs when lower teeth are in the wrong position.

Bite problems can cause headaches and TMJ pain. Some Louisville, Lafayette, and Boulder, CO dental patients with severe bite problems develop a distorted facial shape and damaged teeth.

If you suspect your toddler or older child has a bite problem, it is important to see your Boulder dentist as soon as possible for bite correction or TMJ treatment. Bite issues and their various related problems get worse over time.

At Gordon West DDS, Cosmetic & General Dentistry, we diagnose and successfully treat bite problems in addition to providing general and cosmetic dentistry. We can be reached at 720-862-3630. Our office is located at 1140 West S. Boulder Rd, Suite 201 in Lafayette. You can find out more about us at http://www.BoulderCountySmiles.com.

Most of our patients live in Lafayette or nearby in Longmont or Louisville. If you have recently moved into the Boulder area and need a skilled family and cosmetic dentist, come visit our state-of-the-art dental care in a comfortable environment team. We pamper every patient and make dental visits as comfortable as possible.

Are you one of the many Lafayette TMJ sufferers? If you are affected by Temporomandibular joint or TMJ disorder, you know how the pain and discomfort can impact your life. Gordon West DDS, Cosmetic & General Dentistry TMJ treatment in the Boulder area has helped countless grateful Lafayette TMJ patients manage their TMJ disorder.

The Temporomandibular or jaw joint connects the lower jaw bone to the skull. Symptoms of TMJ disorder include jaw and facial pain, headaches, earaches, neck pain and chewing difficulty. TMJ disease is often associated with jaw clicking, locking or clenching, and can cause tooth damage and bone loss.

Many Longmont, Louisville and Broomfield TMJ patients first sought a possible TMJ diagnosis after trying unsuccessfully to relieve their frequent headaches. Since opening Gordon West DDS, Cosmetic & General Dentistry in 1998, we have discovered that many people do not realize they have TMJ disorder because it can be difficult to pinpoint exactly what is causing the pain. A Colorado TMJ specialist can properly diagnose your specific TMJ issues and recommend an effective course of action.

Because a comprehensive treatment plan is most successful, we work hand-in-hand with a network of Boulder TMJ specialists including ENT doctors, neurologists and physical therapists. There are many facets to this often misunderstood disorder. If you are suffering from jaw pain, we recommend a consultation with Dr. Gordon West at Gordon West DDS, Cosmetic & General Dentistry in Lafayette.

Gordon West DDS, Cosmetic & General Dentistry

1140 West S. Boulder Rd, Suite 201

Lafayette, Colorado 80026

720-862-3630

At Gordon West DDS, Cosmetic & General Dentistry, we take jaw pain seriously.