TMJ Treatment

Bite disorders can have a wide-ranging impact on both your oral health and your quality of life. They can be the underlying cause of dental problems, headaches, neck pain, and jaw pain. Over time, a bite problem can damage teeth and gums, make it difficult to chew comfortably, and cause chronic discomfort in the head and neck area.

The dental team at Great Smile Dental in Port St. Lucie offers comprehensive diagnosis and dental care for bite problems and TMJ-related disorders. We work with patients on an individual basis to evaluate their needs, restore dental health, and provide lasting relief from discomfort.

Discover more about TMJ pain and treatment options below. You can also call or message our office at any time to schedule a consultation.

Woman with jaw pain

COMMON SYMPTOMS OF TMJ

  • Worn teeth
  • Cracked teeth, uncomfortable chewing
  • Frequent headaches
  • Neck and shoulder pain, muscle tension
  • Jaw pain

WHAT CAUSES TMJ PAIN? 

When the teeth cannot make proper contact muscle tension can build in the TMJ as a result of the imbalance. Bite problems are typically related to dysfunction in the temporomandibular joint or TMJ. This can be caused by a wide range of factors from genetics and malocclusion to trauma. Patients with a bite problem are also prone to teeth grinding and jaw clenching, which also increases muscle tension and leads to radiating symptoms.

The key to a lasting result and a comfortable smile is a comprehensive approach that takes into account all aspects of your oral health, going beyond just treating the symptoms.

We use advanced technology to evaluate the structure and function of your smile and offer a team approach to your care.

WILL TMJ SYMPTOMS GO AWAY ON THEIR OWN?

Jaw pain caused by something specific such as chewing on something too hard will probably go away on its own. Although, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. If you notice symptoms, a dentist can help identify the cause. 

Woman with dark hair

WHAT TO EXPECT

The first step towards a healthier, more comfortable bite is a consultation and comprehensive dental exam. We will thoroughly evaluate your dental health before recommending the most suitable treatment options to address existing damage, straighten the teeth, or reduce teeth grinding.

Treatment for a TMJ disorder is unique to the needs of each patient and can include several procedures for the best result.

The most conservative and often first line of treatment is the use of a custom-made mouthguard. Worn at night, this oral appliance is designed to reposition the bite to minimize teeth grinding and allow the jaw joints to rest in a natural position.

To repair worn or cracked teeth, we may need to place crowns or use tooth bonding.

Sometimes, medications can relieve symptoms, especially temporarily. However, they don’t always address the cause of TMJ disorders.

If malocclusion is the cause of the imbalance in your bite, we may recommend orthodontics to straighten and realign the teeth and jaw.

In complex cases where there are structural issues related to the jaw, surgery may be necessary to restore a healthy bite and address discomfort.

Some patients may only require one treatment, while others may need multiple procedures to find relief. This is a collaborative process that involves your feedback, as we want you to feel as comfortable as possible.

Relief from TMJ Symptoms

TMJ disorders can decrease your quality of life because of consistent, painful symptoms. You deserve to live without this pain every day. At Great Smile Dental, we work with each individual patient to find a TMD solution that works.

We will develop a unique treatment plan just for you, which may include a mix of treatments such as oral appliances and restorative dentistry. We will adjust this plan along the way to ensure the best results for you and your life.

Call Great Smile Dental today to get started with a consultation!