TMJ disorder treatment

TMJ orthodontics

Taking care of your oral health involves more than just brushing and flossing your teeth. If you frequently clench your teeth or experience a jaw injury, you may be at a greater risk of developing a jaw joint disorder. At Owens Orthodontics, our team can help you find relief to restore your health and quality of life.

What is a TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder?

The TMJ is a joint on either side of your jaw that links your jawbone and skull together. The TMJ allows you to move your jaw up and down and side to side to talk, chew and yawn. If you are experiencing a TMJ disorder, it may become painful to move your jaw.

While orthodontic TMJ specialists do not know the exact cause of TMJ disorder, it can result from muscular issues in your jaw or in the parts of the joint itself. An injury to your jaw, joint or head and neck muscles, such as whiplash, can also result in a TMJ disorder.

Other factors that can cause TMJ disorder:

  • Grinding your teeth

  • Stress

  • Arthritis

Symptoms of TMJ

The severity of TMJ disorder symptoms can vary between patients. TMJ disorder can be temporary, long-lasting and affect one or both sides of your face. Some of the most common symptoms you may experience include:

  • Pain in your face, jaw, shoulder, neck or around the ear when speaking, chewing or opening your mouth
  • Issues opening your mouth wide
  • Jaws that lock in an open or closed position
  • Clicking or popping sounds when opening or closing your mouth
  • The upper and lower teeth feel as though they do not fit together for an uncomfortable bite
  • Side facial swelling
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Customized treatment plans for TMJ

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  • Invisalign®

    A misaligned bite may contribute to TMJ disorder. Invisalign for TMJ can correct many common bite issues and gradually move your teeth into the correct position to reduce pressure.

  • Bite guard

    Grinding or clenching your teeth can cause joint pain. Wearing a bite guard for TMJ at night or during the day will keep your jaw in the correct position and help your jaw and facial muscles relax.

  • Physical therapy

    Poor posture or arthritis can cause TMJ disorder. Physical therapy can help you decrease inflammation, improve posture and regain function.

  • Braces

    Misaligned teeth can place uneven pressure on your jaw. Like Invisalign, braces can realign your jaw and bite to reduce pressure and alleviate symptoms.

  • Corrective jaw surgery

    You may qualify for corrective jaw surgery if you have tried braces and other orthodontic devices without success. Corrective jaw surgery will permanently align your jaw and teeth for a long-lasting solution.

Contact us for a complimentary consultation

Start living your life pain-free again with TMJ relief from Owens Orthodontics. Our kind and compassionate staff will take the time to understand your needs and treatment goals to develop a personalized orthodontic solution.

Learn more about our TMJ orthodontics services by scheduling your first free initial consultation!

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