Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, or TMD, is a problem with the hinges that connect your jaw to the rest of your head. It can cause clicking or popping when the jaw is moved, or make moving your jaw while eating or even talking painful. Sometimes people with TMD say their jaw has gotten “stuck” while opening or closing their mouth. This condition can cause constant headaches and even earaches. If any of this sounds familiar to you, you may need to be evaluated for TMD. At Muse Dental Studio, we can determine if your issues are caused by TMD or something else, and we can help correct the problem, leaving you free of pain, by using any of a variety of noninvasive therapies.
TMJ / TMD TREATMENT – HOUSTON, TX
Proven solutions for jaw pain & headaches
Choose Muse Dental Studio for TMD Treatment
Team led by 2 dentists with over 20 years of experience
Able to stop chronic headaches & unconscious teeth grinding (bruxism)
Therapeutic mouthguards specially designed for each patient
Diagnosis & Treatment
Your Temporomandibular joint is made up of an intricate network of bones, muscles, ligaments, and nerves. These elements work together to control the movement of your jaw. Things like injury, arthritis, and even a misaligned bite can cause pain or poor functionality in this area. We examine for TMD during every checkup. If a patient reports or exhibits any signs of TMD, we can perform a number of tests and scans, also taking X-rays of the joint so we can determine the underlying cause and decide an appropriate treatment.
BioPak System
At Muse Dental Studio, we use a special computerized examination system called The BioPak. This system records movement and various biologic parameters of the muscles that control the jaw to electronically map the range and type of motion. The data from this examination can help detect the causes of TMD and other types of craniofacial pain. It can give us the exact location of an irregularity that could be causing your issues. BioPak information also allows us to determine precisely what treatment offers the best way to reduce pain and other symptoms.
Equilibration / Occlusal Adjustments
The way a patient’s bite comes together can cause TMD. A bite that is not properly aligned can place pressure on nerves and muscles where no pressure would normally be found. We may be able to resolve this problem by simply reshaping a tooth or two or by placing an appliance for restoration that rebalances the forces used in jaw movement. Adjustments normally result in instant pain relief.
Occlusal Splints
An occlusal splint is similar to a mouthguard, but it’s an appliance that fits inside the mouth to resolve pain associated with TMD. Each one is custom made to fit the shape of the patient’s mouth and is worn overnight. While you sleep, the splint helps gently relax the jaw into a more natural position. This in turn helps the muscles relax and heal. Over time, the splint “teaches” your jaw to stay in the new position for long-lasting pain relief.
