TMJ Symptoms
TMJ disorders can produce a variety of symptoms including:
- Jaw pain
- Headaches and neck pain
- Lockjaw
- Pain around the jaw joint
- Tinnitus (ringing ears)
- Popping or clicking noises
- Facial pain and swelling
- Facial muscle spasms
- Limited jaw mobility
Causes of TMJ
Temporomandibular joint disorders can be caused by a number of factors, including stress, arthritis, joint issues, and genetic predisposition. TMJ is about 4 times more likely to occur in women than in men.
It’s important to discuss your condition with your dentist to determine what’s causing your TMJ. Narrowing down the cause can help you determine the most appropriate course of treatment while avoiding TMJ flare-ups.
Our TMJ Treatment in Chicago
Art of Modern Dentistry offers a wide variety of TMJ treatment options.
Stress Management
Stress can greatly affect your TMJ symptoms. Although we may also pursue additional treatment options, our doctors can help you create a stress management plan to reduce your symptoms.
Night Guards
For patients experiencing chronic TMJ symptoms, we often recommend wearing a custom nightguard to prevent jaw clenching and teeth grinding. Our dentists can fit you with a special TMJ nightguard that’s designed to be worn over your teeth while you sleep.
Surgery
For severe bite issues or jaw problems, we may recommend orthognathic surgery to treat your TMJ.
Botox
Although once considered a cosmetic treatment, Botox injections can be very effective at treating TMJ pain. Botox has been proven to relax the facial muscles and reduce nighttime jaw clenching.
Bite Treatment
In some cases, TMJ can be caused by bite alignment issues. For these patients, orthodontic treatment like braces, Invisalign, or dental implants can be used to resolve bite issues and reduce symptoms.