TMJ · TMD · jaw pain
Relief from jaw pain, headaches, and clicking
Conservative TMJ treatment starting with a custom night guard and a careful bite analysis — most patients feel meaningfully better within weeks.
Common signs of TMJ disorder
- Jaw pain or stiffness, especially in the morning or after long days.
- Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds when you open and close your mouth.
- Frequent tension headaches centered at the temples or behind the eyes.
- Ear pain or ringing with no infection or hearing cause.
- Worn, flattened, or cracked teeth from night-time grinding.
- Difficulty opening wide for a yawn, a sandwich, or a dental visit.
Our approach
- Listen first. Walk us through where it hurts, when it started, and what triggers it. Stress, recent dental work, and life events all matter.
- Examine the joint. We palpate the muscles, check your range of motion, listen for clicks, and look at your bite and tooth wear.
- Custom night guard. For most patients, this is the first step. It protects your teeth and gives the jaw muscles a chance to relax overnight.
- Bite analysis. If specific teeth are taking too much force, small adjustments to the bite can dramatically reduce strain on the joint.
- Coordinated care. Physical therapy, massage, stress management, or a sleep specialist when other factors are at play.
Common questions
Frequently asked
- What is TMJ disorder?
- TMJ stands for the temporomandibular joint — the hinge that connects your lower jaw to your skull. TMD (temporomandibular disorder) is the family of conditions that affect that joint: pain, clicking, locking, headaches, ringing in the ears, and difficulty opening your mouth wide. Stress, bite misalignment, and night-time grinding are all common contributors.
- How do I know if I have it?
- Common signs: jaw pain or soreness (especially in the morning), clicking or popping when you open and close your mouth, frequent headaches at the temples, ear pain that doesn’t come from an infection, tooth wear from grinding, and difficulty chewing certain foods. We check for these at every cleaning visit.
- What treatments do you offer?
- We start conservatively. A custom-fit night guard is the most common first step — it protects your teeth from grinding and lets the jaw rest in a neutral position. We also offer bite analysis, occlusal adjustment, jaw stretching exercises, and referrals to physical therapy or a sleep specialist when needed.
- Will surgery be needed?
- Almost never. The vast majority of TMJ cases improve dramatically with conservative care — a well-fitted night guard, stress management, soft-food periods during flare-ups, and lifestyle adjustments. Surgery is rare and only considered for severe structural issues that don’t respond to anything else.
- How long until I feel better?
- Most patients notice meaningful relief within 2–4 weeks of starting a night guard, especially if grinding was the main driver. Chronic, long-standing TMJ may take longer to settle and benefit from coordinated care with PT or massage therapy.
- Is it covered by insurance?
- Many dental plans cover a portion of custom night guards. Some treatments may also be billable to medical insurance. We help verify coverage and explain your out-of-pocket cost before starting.
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