Our Services / TMJ Treatment

What is TMJ?

TMJ, short for temporomandibular joint, is a joint that connects your lower jawbone to your skull and acts like a sliding hinge. TMJ disorder is a dysfunction of that joint and associated muscles and nerves, which leads to pain and discomfort.

TMJ disorder is caused by:

• Injury to the teeth or jaw
• Misaligned teeth or jaw
• Teeth grinding or clenching
• Stress
• Arthritis
• Poor posture
• Stress

Excessive gum chewing may also contribute to or cause TMJ disorders.

What symptoms require TMJ treatment?

Mild TMJ symptoms may go away on their own and can be treated with over-the-counter pain medication if needed. Signs and symptoms of TMJ disorders that may require treatment include:

• Difficulty chewing
• Pain while chewing
• Locking joint causing limited mobility to open or close mouth
• Pain of the jaw
• Aching facial pain
• Headache
• Aching pain in and around ears

You may hear a clicking sound or a grating sensation when you open your mouth, but if there’s no limitation of movement of your jaw you probably don’t need treatment for a TMJ disorder. If it becomes difficult to chew or you experience pain, call A Smiling Heart Dentistry or use the online booking tool to schedule an appointment and learn about the available treatment options.

What are the available TMJ treatment options?

TMJ disorders are commonly treated with medication, bite guards, or physical therapy. At A Smiling Heart Dentistry, the team uses the DNA appliance to widen the upper arch and guide the growth of the jaw into a more desirable position, widen nasal passages, and help the lower arch move into an improved position to relieve the symptoms of TMJ disorder.

What are the benefits of the DNA appliance TMJ treatment?

The DNA appliance alleviates TMJ symptoms without the need for drugs, surgery, or uncomfortable headgear. It’s a discrete appliance similar to a removable retainer that you wear at night until you achieve the desired results.

In addition to providing relief from the pain and discomfort associated with TMJ disorder, the DNA appliance has orthodontic benefits that result in improved teeth alignment. It also improves sleep apnea and snoring.

To find out if the DNA appliance can alleviate your TMJ symptoms, call A Smiling Heart Dentistry or use the convenient online booking tool to schedule an appointment today.