TMJ Treatment Phoenix
Moving Past Chronic Jaw Pain
Does your jaw click? Are headaches disrupting your life? You may have temporomandibular joint (TMD) disorder. Without treatment, this condition may worsen over time and continually cause symptoms. What can you do to find relief? Our Phoenix team is eager to assist you. At Smile Fitness Dental Center, we provide customized, nonsurgical treatment to reduce TMJ symptoms. Continue reading below to learn more, or contact us directly to request a consultation.
Why Choose Smile Fitness Dental Center for TMJ Treatment?
- Conservative & Effective Treatment Options
- Highly Skilled & Caring Dental Team
- Experience Long-Term Symptom Relief
What Is TMJ Disorder?
Your jaw's smooth motion is controlled by two small joints in front of your ears, known as the temporomandibular joints. Pain and pressure occur when these joints are irritated or damaged by a misaligned bite, stress, bruxism (teeth grinding) or a variety of other factors. Anyone can develop TMJ disorder, but it tends to be more common among women, older people, those with a history of physical trauma to their jaw, and individuals with a variety of other risk factors.
Symptoms of TMJ Disorder
TMJ disorder (TMD) can cause dozens of different symptoms. Here are some of the most common:
- Pain and tenderness in the jaw and face. Your facial muscles may be sore, you might find it difficult to chew, and you could have limited range of motion in your jaw. You might even experience popping and clicking sensations when you open and close your mouth.
- Headaches and migraines. TMD may cause muscle tension that leads to headaches or triggers migraine attacks.
- Auditory symptoms. Some patients experience tinnitus (ringing in their ears).
- Musculoskeletal aches and pains. You might notice pain in your neck, shoulders, and back.
Types of TMJ Treatment
Your Smile Fitness dentists will perform a comprehensive examination to determine the cause of your discomfort. This may involve a visual exam, as well as imaging scans with an X-ray machine or another type of advanced equipment. Once we gather adequate information, we will be able to recommend a therapy that is based on your unique needs. Our team offers two treatment possibilities for TMJ disorder:
Occlusal Splint
An occlusal splint is a custom orthotic device that can prevent teeth grinding (a major cause of TMD) and help your facial muscles to relax. With consistent use, it can provide significant symptom relief and help to prevent damage to both your teeth and temporomandibular joints.
Equilibration/Occlusal Adjustment
In some cases, the cause of TMD is small flaws in how your upper and lower teeth fit together. To correct these imperfections, we may slightly modify the chewing surfaces of some of your teeth and/or restorations. By helping all your teeth to work in harmony, this may greatly reduce stress on your jaw joints.
TMJ Treatment FAQs
Can TMJ Be Treated Without Surgery?
Yes! Many TMJ disorders can be effectively managed without surgery. Our team finds that when it comes to treating the symptoms of TMJ, “less is more.” At Smile Fitness Dental Center, we focus on non-invasive treatments like lifestyle changes, stress relief, occlusal splints, and equilibration.
These conservative methods can significantly ease discomfort, restore function, and prevent further damage without any surgical instruments involved at all. Most patients experience noticeable improvement without ever needing more invasive methods.
Surgery is often the last resort when it comes to TMJ treatment, so don’t shy away from getting the care you need if you’re nervous about it.
Can TMJ Be Cured Permanently?
TMJ symptoms often stem from bite misalignment, muscle tension, or clenching habits. While mild symptoms can sometimes fade with changes to your diet or routine, it takes specialized care to achieve permanent results.
At our Phoenix practice, we address the root causes of your discomfort with specialized treatments to reduce strain and correct imbalances.
With regular monitoring and ongoing care, symptoms can be managed effectively and prevented from returning. While your symptoms may not disappear forever, they can be kept under control, so you feel better and live comfortably.
How Long Does Occlusal Equilibration Take for TMJ?
The equilibration process is highly individualized, but most patients can complete treatment within one or two visits. At Smile Fitness Dental Center, we begin by using bite analysis tools to identify imbalances in your occlusion (the way your teeth fit together).
Then, using precise adjustments, we gently reshape targeted areas of your tooth surfaces to create a more balanced, stable bite. The procedure itself is typically quick and painless, often completed in less than an hour. Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to monitor progress and fine-tune your results.
Once the procedure is complete, most patients find relief soon afterward, usually within a few days or weeks as their bite stabilizes and discomfort fades.
How Long Does It Take for a TMJ Splint to Work?
Many patients begin to feel relief from TMJ symptoms within a few days to a few weeks of wearing their occlusal splint. These custom-made appliances help reduce pressure on your jaw joints and minimize grinding or clenching during sleep.
After your consultation, we’ll ensure your splint fits perfectly for maximum comfort and effectiveness. Long-term success depends on consistent wear and regular check-ins to check your progress. In some cases, additional adjustments may be needed to improve results and support long-term comfort.