Understanding TMJ and TMD
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your jaw to your skull and allows you to speak, chew, and move your mouth comfortably. When this joint or the surrounding muscles become strained or misaligned, it can lead to temporomandibular disorders (TMD).
TMJ disorders can cause pain, tension, or clicking in the jaw and may also lead to headaches, neck pain, or difficulty opening and closing your mouth. These issues are often the result of stress, teeth grinding, misaligned bites, or jaw injuries.
Common Signs of TMJ Disorders
- Jaw pain or tenderness when chewing or speaking.
- Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds when opening or closing your mouth.
- Difficulty moving your jaw or feeling like it locks in place.
- Frequent headaches or earaches without another clear cause.
- Tension or soreness in the neck, shoulders, or facial muscles.
If you experience any of these symptoms, we can help determine whether TMJ dysfunction is the cause and recommend the right TMJ therapy to relieve pain and improve movement.
How We Diagnose and Treat TMJ Disorder
Diagnosis
TMJ treatment begins with a detailed examination of your face, jaw, bite, and teeth. During your visit, we’ll check for pain, tightness, or tenderness and listen for any clicking or popping when you open or close your mouth. If we confirm TMJ dysfunction, we’ll usually recommend a custom-made bite splint or night guard as the first step in treatment.
Treatment and Relief
Bite splints are clear, custom-made mouthpieces designed to fit comfortably over your upper or lower teeth. They help reduce teeth grinding and clenching, which often worsen TMJ pain. The splint also helps realign your jaw, easing tension in the surrounding muscles and joints so you can find lasting relief.
Alternative Treatment Options
If your TMJ discomfort is caused by a misaligned bite or missing teeth, we may recommend orthodontic treatment or restorative dental procedures. In some cases, reshaping specific teeth can help balance your bite and reduce pressure on the jaw joint. Our goal is to find a personalized approach that brings comfort and restores proper jaw function.
Contact Us Today
Schedule your initial consultation and exam with our team.
During your visit, we’ll examine your teeth, gums, and bite to understand how your mouth looks and functions as a whole. This helps us create a personalized treatment plan that supports both your oral health and your smile goals. Most importantly, we’ll take the time to listen to what you want to achieve so we can help you get there with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
TMJ disorders can result from teeth grinding, jaw injuries, stress, arthritis, or an uneven bite. Over time, these issues strain the jaw joint and surrounding muscles, leading to pain and tension.
People with TMJ disorders often experience jaw pain, headaches, earaches, stiffness when opening or closing their mouth, and clicking or popping sounds in the jaw.
We begin with a full examination of your jaw, bite, and facial muscles to assess movement and identify tenderness or misalignment. In some cases, imaging may be used for a more detailed look.
Yes, most cases are managed non-surgically using custom bite splints or night guards, along with gentle jaw exercises, stress management, and in some cases, orthodontic treatment to correct bite issues.
Yes, a custom-fitted night guard helps relax the jaw and prevent grinding and clenching during sleep. It’s one of the most effective ways to reduce pain and protect your teeth from damage.
Absolutely. TMJ dysfunction often leads to referred pain that feels like tension headaches or earaches. Treating the jaw joint can relieve these related symptoms.
Maintain good posture, avoid excessive chewing or gum use, and wear your night guard as prescribed. Regular teeth cleanings and exams also help ensure that small issues with your bite or jaw alignment are addressed early.
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