Services

Braces: Comprehensive Orthodontic Therapy

 

In more than 30 years of practice as a Memphis orthodontist, Dr. Piper has treated every type of malocclusion.

 

Depending upon the severity of the bite relationship, comprehensive orthodontic therapy (braces) may take 12, 18 or 24 months of treatment.

 

Our Frequently Asked Questions page has additional information about braces care and treatment.

 

Our Braces page will help educate you about the types of braces, when treatment should start, and what types of treatment is available. It also contains a list of terms to help you understand the orthodontic process.

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ)

 

Dr. Piper is a Memphis specialist in the treatment of TMJ.  TMJ interferes with the basic opening and closing movements of the jaw. Unfortunately, these joints are a common area for recurring pain.

 

Although many believe that a “popping” sound in the jaw indicates a TMJ dysfunction, this is not always true. Many times, your jaw is functioning properly even if a “popping” sound is present when chewing or talking.

 

Possible problems include swelling, deterioration of the joint tissue or damaged joint tissue (which cushions the jaw bones during the opening and closing movement of the mouth). Dr. Piper specializes in the relief of TMJ symptoms.

 

ALTERNATIVE TREATMENTS:  for more serious cases of TMJ, we will recommend alternate treatments. Often, we will suggest using a splint, made in our own lab, to relieve teeth grinding. In some cases, we will instruct you to use orthodontic appliances or retainers to alleviate discomfort. For the most severe cases of TMJ, we may recommend a combination of interventions.

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