Orthodontics & TMJ
TMJ Treatment in Fullerton, CA
Relief for jaw pain, clicking and tension headaches, starting conservatively.
That clicking sound when you chew, the tension headaches, the jaw that locks up after a big meal: these are classic signs of TMJ disorder, and they are more common than most people realize.
What Is TMJ Disorder?
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your lower jaw to your skull on either side, and it handles the complex movement that lets you speak, chew and swallow smoothly. TMJ disorders develop when the joint’s structures are under excessive strain. Common causes include stress-related tooth grinding (bruxism), bite misalignment, joint arthritis or a jaw injury. We evaluate how your jaw moves, examine your bite, check for muscle tenderness and use digital imaging to review the joint. Care begins conservatively, with options such as a custom night guard, jaw exercises and bite adjustments.
Symptoms That Point to TMJ Disorder
If you notice any of these, an evaluation can help find the cause.
- Joint Sounds Clicking, popping or grating sounds when you open your mouth.
- Pain and Headaches Facial, neck or shoulder pain, or frequent morning headaches and earaches.
- Chewing and Locking Difficulty or pain while chewing, or a jaw that locks open or shut.
How We Diagnose TMJ Issues
A TMJ evaluation looks at the whole picture: how your jaw moves, how your teeth meet, and where the muscles are tender. Digital imaging lets us review the joint’s structure before recommending anything.
Conservative Treatment Options
- Custom-molded night guards to cushion teeth and ease joint pressure
- Jaw exercises
- Stress reduction
- Bite adjustments
When Jaw Pain Needs Prompt Attention
If jaw pain stops you opening your mouth fully or interferes with eating, seek an evaluation right away. Grinding at night? See mouth guards, or the full list of services.
The short answer
TMJ disorder develops when the temporomandibular joint, which connects the lower jaw to the skull, is under excessive strain from causes such as tooth grinding, bite misalignment, arthritis or injury. Signs include clicking or popping, facial or neck pain, morning headaches and a jaw that locks. Care begins conservatively, with options such as a custom-molded night guard, jaw exercises, stress reduction and bite adjustments.
TMJ Treatment FAQ
- What causes TMJ disorder?
- TMJ disorders develop when the joint’s structures are under excessive strain. Common causes include stress-related tooth grinding, bite misalignment, joint arthritis or a jaw injury. An evaluation helps identify which applies to you.
- What are the signs of TMJ disorder?
- Common signs include clicking, popping or grating sounds when opening your mouth. Some people have facial, neck or shoulder pain, or frequent morning headaches and earaches. Others find chewing painful or notice the jaw locking open or shut.
- How is TMJ disorder treated?
- Care begins conservatively. A custom-molded night guard cushions the teeth to reduce joint pressure. Jaw exercises, stress reduction and bite adjustments may also help.
- When should I see someone about jaw pain?
- If jaw pain stops you opening your mouth fully or interferes with eating, seek an evaluation right away. Ongoing clicking, headaches or facial pain are also worth having checked. We will examine the joint and explain what we find.
Insurance & Financing
Benefits and participation vary by plan. Please contact our office so we can help you verify your coverage and understand your options before treatment.
CareCredit and Cherry are available. Terms and approval are set by each provider.