OCCLUSION & TMD

Did you know that the way your teeth come together, also known as your occlusion, can affect more than just your smile? Poor occlusion can lead to issues like TMD, or temporomandibular disorder, which can cause jaw pain, headaches, and even difficulty chewing. But don't worry, our team of experts is here to help you achieve optimal occlusion and alleviate any discomfort or pain you may be experiencing. With our state-of-the-art treatments and personalized care, we'll have you feeling and looking your best in no time!

What is Occlusion & TMD?

Occlusion describes the alignment of your bite. Malocclusion is a condition where the jaw or teeth don’t align correctly. This can lead to aesthetic problems, but also have a major impact on oral health. TMD is among the most common results. TMD is short for temporomandibular joint disorder, also known as TMJ. The temporomandibular joint is a sliding hinge that connects the upper and lower jaw. A healthy joint allows us to speak, eat, and smile comfortably. When a person experiences TMD, it can progress into severe jaw pain that may spread to the ear, neck, and shoulders. Beyond daily aches and pains, malocclusion may wear down or damage teeth over time. 

Causes and Symptoms of TMD & Jaw Pain

TMD can be caused by a variety of factors, including teeth grinding, jaw clenching, injury to the jaw joint, or even stress. But don't worry, our team of experts can help identify the root cause of your TMD and provide effective treatments to relieve your pain and get you back to enjoying life with a smile!

Jaw pain is the most noticeable sign of TMD, but other issues may become apparent that aren’t as obvious. Here are several other symptoms of TMD and malocclusion to keep an eye out for:

• Headaches, especially in the mornings from nighttime teeth grinding
• A clicking of popping jaw
• Less jaw mobility or jaw locking
• Earaches without an infection
• Increased tooth sensitivity
• Increased pain or discomfort when chewing

Compassionate Jaw Pain Relief

No matter the cause of your jaw pain, our team will provide a comprehensive examination to understand and treat your problem at the source. We’ll begin with an occlusal screening to understand your alignment. We can also learn more from targeted questions about your lifestyle and when you’re experiencing pain.

Bruxism, nighttime teeth grinding or clenching, is a frequent culprit of TMD. We provide custom-fitted mouthguards that form a protective barrier between teeth for a comfortable night’s sleep. Dental night guards are designed for an optimal fit for better breathing and comfort while you protect your jaw and teeth. For other causes of TMD, we can recommend jaw therapy exercises to train and support the muscles surrounding the jaw and mouth. To offer immediate relief from jaw pain, we offer Botox® injections that help jaw muscles relax and relieve stress on the joint. We aim to offer non-surgical solutions for improved jaw health in our studio. If a surgical approach is recommended, we’ll refer you to a trained specialist to receive the care you need for better jaw health.