Jaw pain? Headaches? Annoying clicking when you eat?
If you’re dealing with these symptoms, you’re not alone. Many people struggle with TMJ disorder problems for months or even years, often trying countless remedies without success. TMJ pain can significantly impact daily life, from disrupting sleep to making meals difficult. Thankfully, there are effective approaches to provide the relief you need.
What Is Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction?
Your jaw hinges on the temporomandibular joint that connects to your skull. When this joint isn’t working correctly, the resulting condition is called TMJ disorder.
It’s like having a door with damaged hinges; it might still open and close, but not without problems. Some days, the pain might be barely noticeable. Other days, it can make talking, eating, or even smiling painful.
Common TMJ Dysfunction Symptoms
Most people don’t connect their symptoms to jaw problems at first. Some might even go years treating individual symptoms before realising the correlation with TMJ.
Look out for:
- Ongoing jaw discomfort
- Jaw pain or stiffness, especially in the morning
- Clicking or popping sounds when you open your mouth
- Headaches (particularly temple or forehead pain)
- Pain when chewing tough foods
- Face or ear pain that comes and goes
- Ear pressure or fullness
What Causes TMJ Pain and Other Issues?
TMJ problems rarely have just one cause. Typically, it’s a combination of a few of the following:
- Nighttime teeth grinding or clenching
- Stress (due to the tension held in their jaw)
- Bite problems from missing teeth or alignment issues
- Joint inflammation similar to arthritis
- Old injuries that changed how the jaw moves
Finding your specific triggers helps in establishing treatment that doesn’t merely mask symptoms.
Effective TMJ Treatment Options on the Northern Beaches
At Mona Vale Dental, we’ve refined our approach to TMJ treatment after helping many local patients. Instead of quick fixes, we focus on you as a whole, addressing the root causes of your pain. Some of our core TMJ treatment options include:
Custom Nightguards and Splints
Many of our patients find relief with a properly fitted nightguard, and it’s often our first approach to TMJ treatment. Unlike bulky store-bought options, our custom guards are:
- Made specifically for your teeth
- Thin enough to be comfortable and non-invasive
- Positioned to reduce joint strain
Muscle Relaxant Injections for TMJ
For stubborn muscle tension and overactive jaw muscles, targeted injections can be very effective. This treatment:
- Takes about 15-20 minutes in our office
- Starts working within a few days
- Reduces clenching, tension, and associated pain
- Relaxes the jaw muscles without affecting normal function
- Prevents further damage from grinding
- Lasts several months before needing renewal
Specialised Orthodontics
Sometimes, fixing bite alignment solves TMJ problems permanently. Our targeted orthodontic approaches correct the underlying issues creating jaw stress. Unlike cosmetic orthodontics, TMJ-focused treatment specifically targets the mechanics of your bite to reduce joint pressure.
TMJ Exercises and Stress Management
Simple jaw exercises and stress reduction techniques give you tools to manage symptoms at home. We recommend gentle movements that:
- Release tight muscles
- Improve jaw mobility
- Strengthen supporting muscles
- Prevent tension buildup
“TMJ symptoms can have a huge impact on your daily life—from jaw pain to constant headaches. Our goal is to not only relieve those symptoms but to understand what’s causing them so we can deliver the right care, tailored to each patient.”
– Dr Alistair Graham
Why Early TMJ Treatments Matter
The longer a TMJ disorder goes untreated, the more problems it creates. This can include:
- Teeth wearing down from grinding
- Headaches becoming more frequent
- Facial muscles developing chronic tension
- Eating that’s increasingly uncomfortable
- Pain levels typically worsening
How to Fix TMJ Permanently: Try Our Quality Solutions
At Mona Vale Dental, we’ve helped people from across Sydney’s Northern Beaches break free from TMJ pain. Our approach is straightforward and efficient: find what’s causing your specific TMJ issues, then target treatment accordingly.
If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, we encourage you to reach out. We’ll take the time to understand your concerns and create a plan that works for you. Ready to regain daily comfort? Call us at (02) 9997 1100 or visit www.monavaledental.com.au to book your consultation.
Let’s help ease your jaw pain and help you feel more comfortable.
