TMJ Treatment

Because A Great Smile Feels As Good As It Looks

Some people experience pain or discomfort associated with their TMJ, or their temporomandibular joint. This pain can interfere with daily life, from headaches to difficulty eating and sleeping. If you struggle with TMJ pain, you may suffer from a TMJ disorder and can benefit from TMJ treatment. Dr. Glass and the team at Glass Orthodontics provide personalized, conservative solutions for TMJ disorders designed to restore comfort, balance and confidence to your reflection in Chesapeake, VA, Elizabeth City, NC or Moyock, NC.

Adult patient after tmj treatment in chesapeake va orthodontic office serving elizabeth city nc and moyock nc for jaw pain relief

TMJ Treatment

Because A Great Smile Feels As Good As It Looks

Some people experience pain or discomfort associated with their TMJ, or their temporomandibular joint. This pain can interfere with daily life, from headaches to difficulty eating and sleeping. If you struggle with TMJ pain, you may suffer from a TMJ disorder and can benefit from TMJ treatment. Dr. Glass and the team at Glass Orthodontics provide personalized, conservative solutions for TMJ disorders designed to restore comfort, balance and confidence to your reflection in Chesapeake, VA, Elizabeth City, NC or Moyock, NC.

Adult patient after tmj treatment in chesapeake va orthodontic office serving elizabeth city nc and moyock nc for jaw pain relief

What Is The Temporomandibular Joint?

The temporomandibular joint is the hinge connecting the jaw to the skull, located on either side of the face just in front of the ears. It functions as a sliding hinge, allowing smooth, coordinated movement. It is one of the most complex and frequently used joints in the body, enabling essential activities such as talking, chewing, yawning and expressing emotion through smiling and laughing. Proper harmony and alignment between the teeth, muscles and joints are essential for optimal function and comfort throughout day to day life in Chesapeake, VA, Elizabeth City, NC, Moyock, NC and surrounding areas.

What Are TMJ Disorders?

TMJ disorder, often called TMD, refers to dysfunction affecting the temporomandibular joint and surrounding muscles. It occurs when the joint becomes irritated, inflamed, strained or misaligned. TMJ disorders can be caused by bite imbalances, injury, chronic clenching or grinding, stress or structural irregularities. Symptoms may be temporary or chronic and can vary in severity from person to person. If you suspect you have a TMJ disorder, early evaluation and treatment can prevent discomfort from worsening over time.

Symptoms Of TMJ/TMD Disorders

TMJ disorders can present in many ways, affecting not only your jaw, but also your overall comfort and quality of life. Common symptoms include:

  • Jaw pain or tenderness

  • Difficulty chewing or discomfort while eating

  • Experiencing a limited range of motion or locking the jaw

  • Frequent headaches or migraines
  • Earaches or a full feeling in one or both ears

  • Experiencing clicking, popping or grinding noises while you open and/or close your mouth

  • Ringing the ears (tinnitus)
  • Facial pain or muscle soreness
  • Neck and shoulder tension
  • Uneven, shifting or uncomfortable bite
  • Pain when yawning or speaking 

  • Increased sensitivity due to clenching or grinding

Patients smiling after tmj therapy in chesapeake va orthodontic office near elizabeth city nc and moyock nc for jaw pain and bite alignment treatment

What Causes TMJ/TMD Disorders?

TMJ disorders can develop from a variety of structural and lifestyle factors that affect the jaw joint and surrounding muscles. Some examples of causes include:

  • Bite misalignment or malocclusion

  • Teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism)

  • Jaw injury or trauma

  • Arthritis affecting the joint

  • Stress-related muscle tension

  • Disc displacement within the temporomandibular joint

  • Poor posture throughout your neck and shoulders
  • Genetics or developmental irregularities 

How Glass Orthodontics Can Help

Dr. Glass takes a personalized, patient-first approach to care. He focuses on diagnosing the root cause, rather than simply treating symptoms. Using advanced technology and precise diagnostics, he develops custom TMJ treatment plans to your individual needs. Glass Orthodontics is committed to conservative, noninvasive solutions whenever possible. TMJ treatment focuses on restoring the harmony between the teeth, jaw and facial structures to enhance comfort, improve oral health and renew confidence.

How Are TMJ/TMD Disorders Diagnosed?

A comprehensive evaluation allows Dr. Glass to accurately diagnose TMJ disorders and create a customized treatment plan tailored to your needs. During your comprehensive evaluation at our Chesapeake, VA, Elizabeth City, NC or Moyock, NC office, Dr. Glass will:

  • Examine your TMJ and muscles for any tenderness, clicking, popping, difficulty moving or other TMD symptoms

  • Review your complete medical and dental history

  • Take X-rays and digital scans of your mouth and jaw

  • Measure various aspects of your teeth and jaw

  • Determine your jaws proper resting position

  • Make a model of your teeth to evaluate how your bite fits together

  • Create a map of the movement of the jaw when you speak and eat

  • Evaluate signs of teeth grinding or clenching

Types Of TMJ/TMD Treatment

Dr. Glass prioritizes conservative, noninvasive treatments designed to relieve discomfort, restore balance and improve long-term function. To treat TMJ disorders, he may utilize: 

Night Guards

Night guards are oral appliances custom made to protect your smile while you sleep. They protect teeth from the stresses of grinding and clenching, reducing pressure on the jaw joints and surrounding muscles. This helps to alleviate headaches, jaw soreness and enamel wear, promoting more restful, comfortable sleep.

Custom Splints

Custom splints are specialized appliances designed to stabilize and reposition the jaw. They encourage proper alignment by reducing strain on the TMJ and supporting muscle relaxation and joint healing. They are tailored to each patient’s unique bite and needs and are often used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

Bite Correction

Bite correction typically includes the use of braces or clear aligners to treat TMJ disorders. By improving your alignment, function and overall oral health, Dr. Glass will address any underlying orthodontic issues contributing to TMJ discomfort. By helping to distribute biting forces evenly, joint stress is reduced, providing long-term relief and lasting smile improvements.

FAQs About TMJ Disorders

Do you have any questions or concerns about TMJ disorders? Below, our team has answered some common concerns we hear at our offices.

TMJ refers to the temporomandibular joint itself, while TMD can be used when describing disorders affecting the joint and surrounding muscles. 

Absolutely. Correcting bite misalignment with braces or clear aligners can reduce strain on the jaw and improve function. 

Persistent jaw pain, headaches, clicking sounds or difficulty chewing can indicate TMJ disorders and should be evaluated by Dr. Glass.  

If symptoms persist, worsen or interfere with daily activities, Dr. Glass recommends scheduling a complimentary consultation at one of our offices to see if you could benefit from treatment for TMJ Disorders. 

Dr. Glass checking a patient’s teeth during orthodontic treatment near chesapeake va
Dr. Glass checking a patient’s teeth during orthodontic treatment near chesapeake va

BECAUSE A GOOD SMILE FEELS

AS GOOD AS IT LOOKS

Ready to take the first step toward a confident, healthy smile? Request your complimentary orthodontic consultation with Glass Orthodontics today. Our team proudly welcomes patients from Chesapeake, VA, Elizabeth City, NC, and Moyock, NC, and will guide you through personalized treatment options in a comfortable, patient-focused environment. Get started today and discover how easy it can be to achieve the smile you’ve always wanted.