TMJ Treatment — Sunnyvale, TX
A Simple Solution for Chronic Jaw Pain
If you have chronic jaw pain in Sunnyvale, the issue might run deeper than you think. When the TMJ (temporomandibular joint) is misaligned or experiences excess physical stress, it can make your jaw sore, result in lockjaw, or cause other uncomfortable symptoms. Fortunately, Dr. Philip can provide relief. Keep reading to learn more or contact our office directly to have your questions answered over the phone.
Why Choose George T. Philip DMD Family and Cosmetic Dentistry for TMJ Treatment?
- We Accept CareCredit And Mastercard Financing
- TMJ Relief For All Ages
- Partnered With Trusted Specialists For Complex Cases
What is TMJ Disorder?
Your TMJ is a ball-and-socket joint located between your upper and lower mandible. Like a hinge, it enables you to open and close your mouth. Since it’s connected to your jaw, any physical stress exerted on your TMJ can be transferred along your jaw and to nearby muscle groups. Bite misalignment and habitual teeth grinding are common causes of TMJ disorders, but any abnormality with this essential joint could be considered a TMJ disorder.
Symptoms of TMJ Disorder
If your TMJ is overstressed, you might experience one or more of the following symptoms:
- Clicking or popping in your jaw when you chew or speak
- Jaw or facial pain
- Lockjaw
- Difficulty moving your jaw fully
- Discomfort while eating
- Headaches
- Neck or back tension
- Bruxism (teeth grinding or clenching)
- Obvious changes in your bite
Types of TMJ Treatment
Since many different things can cause TMJ disorders, it’s important for Dr. Philip to identify the source of your chronic jaw pain. During your consultation, our team will take X-rays to get a better understanding of the situation. The results will inform your treatment plan and enable Dr. Philip to craft a customized occlusal splint to address your unique needs.
Occlusal Splint
You can think of an occlusal splint as a mouthguard that you’ll typically wear at night. The plastic will shift your jaw slightly forward so that your TMJ can rest more comfortably and will also function as a cushion for your teeth. If you grind or clench your teeth in your sleep, the occlusal splint will reduce the pressure on your jaw.
TMJ Treatment FAQs
Can TMJ Be Cured Permanently?
It depends on the nature of your TMJ disorder and the treatment you choose. However, occlusal splints do have a good track record for providing long-term pain relief. Since an occlusal splint directly addresses the problem by realigning your jaw, it can physically treat your disorder. Many of our patients do experience permanent benefits thanks to their customized occlusal splints.
Can TMJ Be Fixed with Clear Aligners?
Potentially. While TMJ strain is usually associated with jaw misalignment, it can also be caused by crooked teeth. Misaligned pearly whites can create an uneven bite surface, which interferes with how pressure is distributed across your mouth. This can create “pressure points” that could very well strain your TMJ.
In cases like this, an Invisalign treatment would indeed address the root problem. Once your teeth are straightened out, you should feel relief soon after your jaw has time to relax and ease its tension.
Is TMJ Treatment Safe?
When overseen by a qualified professional, TMJ treatments are considered to be quite safe. The solutions that Dr. Philip offers don’t even require surgery; whether you’ll be receiving Invisalign or an occlusal splint, your treatment will be minimally invasive (and effective). Occlusal splints in particular have plenty of research documenting them as safe and reliable.
If you’re concerned about your TMJ treatment, please let our team know. We want you to feel confident in your plan, and will help make sure you’re well-informed about your options.
How Long Does It Take for an Occlusal Splint to Work?
Everyone recovers a bit differently, but it will likely take some time to experience full TMJ relief with an occlusal splint. Since occlusal splints work by realigning your jaw, the treatment process can’t exactly be completed in 24 hours. If you continue to wear your splint every night, though, you should start to see gradual results. As your jaw shifts to release more and more tension from your TMJ, it will start to hurt less and less.
Is Surgery Ever Recommended for Treating TMJ?
Yes, though experts generally agree that it’s best to avoid TMJ surgery if at all possible. Minimally invasive options like Invisalign and occlusal splints are effective for most patients, and don’t involve the somewhat risky process of permanently altering your jawbone or facial structure. It’s best to see how your condition will respond to less drastic measures before considering surgery.