Jaw pain, headaches, facial tension, and difficulty chewing can all be signs of a temporomandibular disorder (TMD). At Westminster Dental Care, we take a comprehensive approach to evaluating and managing TMJ-related concerns. Depending on your symptoms, bite, oral health, and individual needs, treatment may include a custom mouthguard or oral appliance, restorative dentistry, orthodontic treatment, or neuromodulator injections such as Botox®.
Our goal is to understand what’s contributing to your symptoms and develop an approach that helps you feel more comfortable and function more normally.
What Are TMJ Disorders?
- Jaw pain or tenderness
- Clicking or popping when opening or closing your mouth
- Difficulty or discomfort when chewing
- Jaw stiffness
- Limited ability to open your mouth
- Facial pain or muscle tension
- Headaches
- Ear-area discomfort
- Teeth grinding or clenching
- Worn or damaged teeth
If you’re experiencing persistent jaw discomfort or other symptoms, an evaluation can help determine whether your TMJ or surrounding muscles may be contributing to the problem.
TMJ Mouthguards & Oral Appliances
Clenching and grinding can place significant stress on the teeth and jaw muscles. For some patients, a custom mouthguard or oral appliance may help protect the teeth and reduce the effects of nighttime grinding or clenching.
Unlike a generic store-bought mouthguard, a custom dental appliance is designed specifically for your mouth and bite. We’ll evaluate your individual needs and determine whether an appliance is an appropriate part of your treatment plan.
Neuromodulators for TMJ & TMD
Neuromodulators, including top facial injections, can be used as part of treatment for certain patients experiencing TMJ-related muscle tension, clenching, or discomfort. When injected into specific muscles involved in jaw movement, neuromodulators can temporarily reduce muscle activity. For appropriate patients, this may help decrease excessive muscle tension and associated discomfort.
Neuromodulator treatment does not permanently correct the underlying cause of TMD, and it isn’t appropriate for every patient. We will evaluate your symptoms and discuss whether this approach may be a reasonable option for you.
A Customized Approach to TMJ Care
There isn’t one treatment that works for every patient with TMD. That’s why we consider your symptoms and overall oral health when developing a treatment plan. Depending on your needs, your TMJ treatment plan may involve:
Custom Mouthguards
A custom TMJ appliance can help protect teeth from the effects of grinding (bruxism) and clenching while providing a more precise fit than an over-the-counter guard.
Restorative Dentistry
In some cases, damaged or worn teeth, missing teeth, or other changes to the bite can contribute to functional concerns. Crown and bridge treatment may be incorporated into a larger restorative plan when appropriate.
Orthodontics
For certain patients, orthodontic treatment may be considered when tooth position or bite alignment is part of the overall concern. Westminster Dental Care offers clear orthodontic options, including ClearCorrect®.
Neuromodulators
For appropriate patients, Botox® and other neuromodulator treatments may be used to help manage excessive jaw muscle activity associated with clenching, grinding, or TMD symptoms. Our approach is to look at the whole picture rather than automatically recommending the same treatment for everyone.
What to Expect at Your TMJ Evaluation
Some patients may benefit from a conservative approach, while others may require a combination of treatments. Our full-service practice allows us to consider TMJ concerns alongside your overall dental health and, when appropriate, incorporate restorative or orthodontic care into your treatment plan.
Discover Lasting Relief from Jaw Pain
Living with jaw pain, headaches, or constant muscle tension can affect more than your mouth. It can make eating, sleeping, working, and simply getting through the day more difficult. At Westminster Dental Care, we want to understand how your symptoms are affecting your life and help you find an approach that works for you.
Whether that means a custom mouthguard, restorative or orthodontic treatment, neuromodulator therapy, or a combination of approaches, we’ll help you understand your options. If jaw pain, clenching, grinding, or TMJ symptoms are affecting your everyday life, it’s time to find the relief you need. Contact us to schedule an evaluation with Westminster Dental Care today!
