Treatment

The temporomandibular joints are the two joints on either side of your jaw that connect your lower jaw (mandible) to your skull. They are involved in every bite, chew, yawn, and word you speak — making them some of the most active joints in your body.

TMD (temporomandibular dysfunction) refers to a group of conditions affecting the TMJ, the muscles controlling jaw movement, and the disc that cushions the joint. The causes are often multifactorial, including bite problems, teeth grinding (bruxism), jaw clenching, stress, arthritis, or direct trauma.

• Involves the jaw joints, chewing muscles, and associated structures
• Common causes: bruxism, clenching, bite misalignment, stress, and trauma
• Can affect one or both sides of the jaw
• Symptoms range from mild discomfort to severely debilitating pain

TMD symptoms are often dismissed or attributed to other causes — headaches are blamed on stress, ear pain on infection, and jaw soreness on sleeping position. Recognizing the pattern of symptoms is the first step toward effective treatment.

• Jaw pain or soreness — especially in the morning or after eating
• Clicking, popping, or grating sounds when opening or closing the mouth
• Difficulty or pain when opening the mouth wide, chewing, or yawning
• Headaches — particularly at the temples or base of the skull
• Earache or a sensation of fullness in the ears
• Neck and shoulder tension associated with jaw clenching
• Teeth that feel sore, sensitive, or worn down

Our approach begins with a thorough assessment of your jaw joints, bite, muscles, and teeth. We examine the range and quality of jaw movement, listen for joint sounds, palpate the muscles for tenderness, and assess your bite for imbalances that may be contributing to the problem.

Most TMD cases respond well to conservative, reversible treatments. We always begin with the least invasive options before considering more complex interventions.

• Comprehensive jaw and bite assessment
• Review of symptoms, habits, and stress-related factors
• Custom occlusal splint (night guard) to reduce joint loading and protect teeth
• Bite adjustment where indicated to improve jaw alignment
• Guidance on habits and lifestyle modifications — posture, jaw rest, diet
• Referral for physiotherapy or specialist care when advanced treatment is needed

For the majority of TMD patients, a custom-fitted occlusal splint is the cornerstone of treatment. Worn during sleep (and sometimes during the day in more severe cases), the splint creates a stable, balanced bite surface that reduces the forces on the TMJ and surrounding muscles.

Splints also protect teeth from the grinding and clenching forces that accelerate enamel wear and can cause significant dental damage over time.

• Custom-fabricated from precise impressions of your teeth
• Reduces joint loading and muscle tension during sleep
• Protects teeth from grinding wear
• Often provides significant relief within weeks of consistent use
• Non-invasive and reversible — no permanent changes to your teeth