TMJ treatment and night guards

You don't need all of these. Two or three together is worth a conversation:

• Soreness in your jaw or face, especially in the morning
• Clicking, popping or grating when you open or chew
• Headaches around the temples
• Teeth that look flat, chipped or worn
• A partner who hears you grind at night

The dentist looks at your bite, the wear on your teeth, how your jaw opens and closes, and the muscles around it. Imaging helps us see the joint and rule out other causes. Many TMJ problems are tied to clenching or grinding, often during sleep, and that's something an appliance can help with directly.

An occlusal splint or night guard is a custom-fit appliance you wear, usually at night. It keeps your teeth from grinding against each other and lets the jaw muscles relax. Because it's made to your bite, it's more comfortable and more protective than a store-bought guard. We'll check the fit and adjust it as needed.

We'll also talk through everyday habits that make jaw pain worse. If what we find points to something outside what we treat, we'll tell you plainly and point you to the right kind of specialist.