Do you experience jaw pain, headaches, or difficulty chewing? You may be suffering from Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ/TMD). At Creative Smiles Family Dentistry, we provide personalized and effective TMJ therapy to relieve your discomfort and restore your jaw function.
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your jawbone to your skull, allowing you to move your jaw when talking, chewing, and yawning. This joint is one of the most frequently used joints in the body, and when it becomes inflamed, misaligned, or stressed, it can cause pain and dysfunction, leading to TMJ Disorder (TMD).
If left untreated, TMJ Disorder can significantly impact your daily life, making simple activities like eating and speaking difficult.
TMJ Disorder can result from various factors, including:
When the upper and lower teeth do not fit together correctly, it can place undue stress on the TMJ, leading to discomfort and dysfunction.
Many people grind or clench their teeth, often during sleep, which puts excessive pressure on the TMJ and can cause chronic pain.
Emotional stress can cause jaw clenching and muscle tightness, contributing to TMJ pain.
Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis can lead to TMJ inflammation and reduced joint mobility.
A direct injury to the jaw, face, or neck can damage the TMJ and lead to long-term issues.
Slouching, especially when working at a desk or using a phone, can strain the neck and jaw muscles, contributing to TMJ pain.
At our dental office we take a comprehensive and conservative approach to treating TMJ Disorder. Our goal is to alleviate pain, restore jaw function, and prevent long-term complications.
We begin with a thorough evaluation to determine the underlying cause of your TMJ disorder. This includes:
Based on our assessment, we design a customized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
We offer several non-surgical and minimally invasive treatments to relieve TMJ pain and restore normal function.
A custom-fitted oral appliance, such as a splint or nightguard, helps realign the jaw, prevent teeth grinding, and reduce pressure on the TMJ. This is one of the most effective and non-invasive treatments for TMJ disorder.
If uneven bite alignment contributes to TMJ disorder, we may recommend bite adjustments to reduce stress on the jaw joint and improve comfort.
Since stress and tension play a role in TMJ pain, we provide stress-reduction techniques, including:
We guide patients through gentle jaw exercises to strengthen jaw muscles and improve flexibility. Physical therapy techniques can also help relieve TMJ pain and enhance jaw function.
If necessary, anti-inflammatory medications, muscle relaxants, or pain relievers may be prescribed to alleviate discomfort and inflammation.
In some cases, Botox injections can be used to relax overactive jaw muscles, reducing pain and preventing teeth grinding.
Choosing TMJ therapy at Creative Smiles Family Dentistry means you receive expert care in a comfortable setting. Our treatment provides:
Pain Relief – Reduce chronic jaw, face, and headache pain
Better Jaw Function – Restore the ability to chew, speak, and yawn without discomfort
Improved Sleep – Address teeth grinding and sleep disturbances caused by TMJ issues
Customized Care – Tailored treatment plans to meet your specific needs
Non-Surgical Approach – Effective, conservative treatments to avoid surgery whenever possible
If you experience persistent jaw pain, clicking, headaches, or difficulty chewing, you may have TMJ disorder. A dental evaluation can confirm the diagnosis.
Our TMJ treatments are designed to relieve pain, not cause it. Oral appliances, jaw exercises, and relaxation techniques provide gradual relief with minimal discomfort.
Mild cases may improve over time, but chronic TMJ disorder often requires professional treatment to prevent worsening symptoms and long-term damage.
Most patients do not need surgery. Our non-invasive therapies effectively relieve TMJ symptoms without surgical intervention.
Yes, stress-induced teeth clenching and jaw tension can contribute to TMJ pain. Stress management techniques can be part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
